December 24, 2018

Noche Buena, Spanish-speaking countries

Christmas Eve is called Noche Buena in Spanish (Good Night) and it is the most important family gathering of the year. In many Latin American countries, a huge feast takes place. Depending on where you are, the type of food eaten will differ. In some Caribbean countries, the night’s feast revolves around lechón asado, or roast pork. This is often cooked in a Caja China box, with the entire pig roasting under hot coals. The food is served with rice and beans, vegetables, salad, and other delicious side dishes. In Mexico, tamales, atole, or bacalao is typically eaten with buñuelos, or small donuts, for dessert. In Spain, you may find people feasting on seafood and soup, with turrón for dessert—a type of cake made of honey, sugar, egg whites, and roasted almonds or nuts.

Dessert is a Christmas sweet called turrón, which is a nougat made of toasted sweet almonds. Another typical festive sweet is called Polvorones which is made from almonds, flour, and sugar.

After dinner on Nochebuena, people will go to a Misa de Gallo, or midnight mass, at their church. It’s called Misa de Gallo because some believed that a rooster, or gallo, crowed the night that Jesus was born. There at the church, and in homes, people may see poinsettias, the beautiful red flower that has come to symbolize the winter holiday.

Poinsettias, the flower of Noche Buena.

December 21, 2018

Happy Holidays

From all of us here at Cultured Kids Club, we want to wish you a safe, fun, and festive holiday season!


December 6, 2018

Happy Saint Nicholas Day in France

On the night of December 5 (the eve of Saint Nicholas) children place their shoes in front of the fireplace and they sing traditional songs to the saint before going to bed. They believe that he will arrive on his donkey carrying treats and gifts for children. On the morning of December 6, children awaken to find their shoes filled with treats. Naughty children receive a little bundle of twigs tied together with a ribbon. Most children will receive some twigs in addition to their presents to represent any times they have been naughty.

Saint Nicholas originates primarily in Alsace, Nord-Pas-de-Calais (French Flanders), and in Lorraine, where he is the patron. A little donkey carries baskets filled with children's gifts, biscuits, and sweets. The whole family gets ready for the saint's arrival, with grandparents telling stories of the saint. The most popular one is of three children who wandered away and got lost. Through St. Nicolas' help, the boys were revived and returned to their families, earning him a reputation as protector of children.

Bakeries and home kitchens are hives of activity as spiced gingerbread biscuits and mannala (a brioche shaped like the saint) are baked. In schools, children learn songs and poems and create arts and crafts about St. Nicolas, while in nursery schools, a man portraying St. Nicolas gives away chocolates and sometimes little presents.

These shoes were left out for Saint Nicholas to fill!

December 3, 2018

December 2018 News

Winter Break Information


Cultured Kids Club will be CLOSED the week of December 23 through the end of the year. Our classes will resume on January 2.

Don't forget that spring semester classes begin in January; if you haven't enrolled yet, now is the time!

Register Today!



Dōngzhì Festival in Taiwan


Taiwan celebrates the Dōngzhì Festival on December 22. Families go to ancestral tombs and have meals of tang yuan, a glutinous rice ball. They offer tang yuan to the spirits at the tombs. Another custom is offering nine-layer cakes to their ancestors. The cakes are made of rice flour and are shaped like animals such as chickens, ducks, tortoises, pigs, cows, and sheep. According to traditional Chinese medical concepts, winter is the time of year it is important to rest, relax and nourish the body with high yang fatty foods, such as lamb dumplings, another traditional food.

Try out this recipe for tang yuan!

November 28, 2018

Adults and Learning Language

Why It's Harder for Adults to Learn a Second Language


Neuroplasticity is the culprit for the difficulty or ease of learning a second language. Basically, the brain is more plastic and flexible when we are younger. The brain is better able to make neuro-connections, which makes learning easier. Very young children's brains are basically programmed to be sponges; they soak up all the information around them. Every parent with a child has experienced the mortifying moment when their toddler or preschooler repeats a naughty word in public. Children learn their language through experience; a second language is no different.

But the brain begins to lose its neuroplasticity as we age. We certainly can learn new things, but perhaps not at the speed or with as much ease as we used to. Because adults have a larger vocabulary than a child, learning new words can easily be mapped over your pre-existing knowledge. An adult can learn to associate chair with la chaise, or library with la bibliothèque. However, learning the grammar rules or even the pronunciation is much harder, since the sounds of a language are naturally picked up by children.

You Can Still Learn Another Language

Don't be overwhelmed by the fact that children seem to have a better grasp on bilingualism than you. Little Billy might have all the pronunciation of a native Argentinian, but most children speak in simple sentences with basic vocabulary- just like they do in their native language! Age is only one factor in fluency; motivation, personality, and the learning environment are also huge factors in learning a new language.

And some adults do in fact achieve near-native fluency. If your goal is to become bilingual, don't let yourself be dissuaded. You can learn that second language!

What You Can Do

If you already know some of a foreign language but want to get better, you can join any number of communication groups through Meetup. Immersing yourself in another language is the best way to pick it up. You could get an app, like Duolingo or Mindsnacks to practice with. If you have children of your own, you could enroll them in classes, and have them help you with your grammar and pronunciation. Cultured Kids Club does offer Adult Spanish through local schools, as well as Parent and Tot classes in French, Spanish, and Chinese, which would allow you and your toddler to learn together. Whatever you decide to do, as long as you commit to it, you will be successful.



November 11, 2018

National Armistice Day, France

Armistice day is a public holiday in France that marks the signing of the Armistice during World War One for the stopping of hostilities on the western front. To honor those killed in World War One, special church services are held on Armistice Day. A military parade processes to the tomb of the unknown soldier, which is underneath the Arc de Triomphe. France’s president lays wreaths at the tombs. This day is a day of sadness and reflection; commemorated by many citizens who wear black on this day. Many stores banks and businesses are closed as well as some public transport services.

The Arc de Triomphe, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is.

November 5, 2018

November 2018 News

Winter Registration is OPEN


Did you know that you can now register for winter classes? We maintain the same days and times for our classes year-round for the convenience of parents, so that you don't have to change your schedule from season to season. We've been busy prepping our immersive programs to make them better than ever. Just click on the link below to find a class and register.


La Toussaint


La Toussaint is what they call All Saints Day in France, it is celebrated on November 1. All Saints day is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the dead, and all the saints in heaven. The French celebrate by visiting cemeteries to see the graves of their deceased loved ones.

One tradition they have is placing chrysanthemum flowers on the graves every La Toussaint. This day is a day for prayer and silent remembering.


November 1, 2018

Día de Muertos

Día de Muertos—the Day of the Dead—is a holiday celebrated on November 1. The Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated particularly in the Central and South regions of Mexico. This multi-day holiday focuses on the gathering of friends and family to remember those who have died. Día de Muertos honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations, a typically Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec ritual with Catholicism, brought to the region by Spanish conquistadores.

In addition to celebrations, the dead are honored on Día de Muertos with ofrendas—small, personal altars honoring one person. Ofrendas often have marigold flowers, candles, food, drinks, photos, and personal mementos of the person being remembered. Generally, the celebrations vary from town to town.

Día de Muertos is also observed outside of Mexico, throughout the Americas, and even in the Phillipines!


October 24, 2018

Foreign Language Success

Ways You Can Help Your Child Succeed


A parent’s attitude toward language learning is crucial to a child’s success. In an ever-changing world with shrinking borders and the ease of the internet, learning another language is definitely valuable. It's likely to help your child become a better thinker, to help him or her focus better, and can give a boost in salary as an adult.

Here are some ways you can aid your child on their language learning journey.

Have your child teach you a new word daily! Here at Cultured Kids Club, we provide a weekly vocabulary list for all of our themes. Ask your child to help you say it right; don't be offended if they laugh at your pronunciation. Having your child teach you is a great way to keep them learning.

Find videos, music, or books to help. This doesn't mean you have to go out and buy them. If your child has a favorite Netflix show, see if you can change the language to their target language, especially if it is something they have watched regularly in English. There are a plethora of videos and songs on YouTube. You can even ask your librarian if they have books in that foreign language!

Find cultural events connected to the language. Here in Columbus, we have a ton of ethnic festivals; some every weekend in the summer! Sometimes a quick Google search or even a Facebook events search can yield interesting and unique results.

Make time to practice. Ay, there's the rub! Lots of children have many activities every week; the best time to make sure they are practicing is immediately after homework (if they go to school), or even before dinner. You could play music while they're setting the table, or perhaps during their evening bath. Cultured Kids Club does offer registered students free worksheets to continue learning outside the classroom-- just make sure to set aside time for your child to do them!

Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your attitude is always positive! Your child will be more likely to see language classes as a priority if you do as well.


October 8, 2018

October 2018 News

After-School Enrichment

Have you signed up for our after-school language enrichment programs yet? We are learning all new vocabulary, conversation words, and everyday questions! CKC only repeats topics every three years! Come and join us after school!


Novice 1 Classes Enrolling Now

Our Novice 1 programs are great for elementary school students who are just beginning on their language journey. You can learn French, Chinese, or Spanish. This is a great class for beginners! Our programs focus on hands-on learning with native and fluent teachers. We offer programs in Hilliard, Powell, and Westerville; coming soon to Dayton and Cincinnati!



Día de la Hispanidad

Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad) also known as National Day (Fiesta Nacional de España), celebrated on October 12, marks the day Christopher Columbus landed on an island that is now part of the Bahamas in the Caribbean in 1492. The king of Spain supervises the raising of the Spanish national flag in the center of Madrid on Hispanic Day. He and the prime minister lead a military parade after that. October 12 is known as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Day of the Cultures in Costa Rica, Day of the Race in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.


October 1, 2018

Happy National Day in China


China's National Day is celebrated on Oct. 1 every year to commemorate the founding of People’s Republic of China. On that day, lots of large-scale activities are held nationwide. The 7-day holiday takes place from Oct. 1 to 7. It is called "Golden Week”, during which many Chinese people travel around their country. Every year on Oct. 1, there is a special flag raising ceremony in Tian’anmen Square. The square is decorated festively with flags and portraits. Exactly at sunrise, uniformed troops march out to start the flag raising ceremony. Other activities, such as song and dance shows, firework displays, and calligraphy exhibitions are also held to celebrate the National Day.

National Day Coloring Page



September 15, 2018

Latin American Independence Days

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

In Honduras, the people celebrate Independence Day passionately. Schools and colleges stay closed for the celebrations and children participate enthusiastically in music and dancing. Independence Day is marked by three days of celebrations

Nicaragua's Independence Day: A burning torch travels from Guatemala to Costa Rica, carried by foot and passed from hand to hand in every one of the countries. Early in the morning the flag is once more hung out to commemorate the anniversary of the independence of Central America and the battle at San Jacinto. This act is led traditionally by the President of the Republic.

The people of Costa Rica celebrate Independence Day with much fun and merriment. The national holiday is marked by nationalistic parades and musical performances by the students in the community. Celebrations start a night before Independence Day with a parade of homemade lanterns that symbolizes when the news arrived in Costa Rica at nighttime.

Parades are the most important part of the Independence Day celebrations in El Salvador, and these parades last the whole day. Then at the end of the day, fireworks light up the night skies.

Clockwise from top left, flags of Columbia, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua.

September 10, 2018

September 2018 News

After-School Enrichment


Have you signed up for our after-school language enrichment programs yet? We are learning all new vocabulary, conversation words, and everyday questions! CKC only repeats topics every three years! Come and join us after school!




Parent & Tot Classes Now Enrolling!


Our popular Spanish and French Parent & Tot classes are now open for the fall session! This is the best time for children to learn to become bilingual, because their brains are elastic enough to learn native pronunciation quickly. Our programs focus on hands-on learning with native and fluent teachers. We offer programs in Hilliard and Westerville; coming soon to Dayton and Cincinnati!




Mid-Autumn Festival


This festival takes place on September 24 this year. It is a time of family reunions and peace. Many people play with lanterns or eat reunion dinners with their families.  Popular foods include moon cakes, duck, and pumpkin. Some regions like Hong Kong will hold dragon and lion dances. The festival has history of over 3,000 years! It was derived from the custom of moon worship during the Shang Dynasty.


September 2, 2018

Word of the week, September 2, 2018

Learn to be polite in Chinese for this week's word of the week. If you want to hear the tone of this word, you can always type it into Google Translate.


August 22, 2018

Helpful Apps We Recommend

Language is best learned through consistent practice and total immersion! While Cultured Kids Club provides worksheets for all registered families to practice their language outside of class time, we also recommend phone and tablet apps to increase your immersion time.


Spanish


Princesses Learn Spanish; available on iPhones and Android.

Duolingo Spanish; available on Android and PC.

Gus on the Go Spanish; available on iPhones and Android.

Mindsnacks Spanish; available on iPhones.

Petralingua Spanish; available on PC.

French


Princesses Learn French; available on iPhones and Android.

Duolingo French; available on Android and PC.

Gus on the Go French; available on iPhones.

Mindsnacks French; available on iPhones.

Petralingua French; available on PC.

Chinese


Princesses Learn Chinese; available on iPhones and Android.

Kids Learn Mandarin Premium, available on iPhones.

Gus on the Go Chinese; available on iPhones and Android.

Mindsnacks Chinese; available on iPhones.

Petralingua Chinese; available on PC.


With these apps, you'll be able to practice between classes for even more language learning!



August 19, 2018

August 15, 2018

Our After-School Programs

Where We Offer Programs


Currently, Cultured Kids Club offers French, Spanish, and Chinese after-school enrichment programs in various districts in the Columbus Ohio area. We are planning to expand into the Dayton Ohio for the 2018-2019 school year.

Why Choose Cultured Kids Club?


Because most children in the United States won't receive any foreign language until their middle school years, Cultured Kids Club was established to provide a program that will teach children new languages in a fun, engaging and age-appropriate way.

The best time for children to learn a second language is in their preschool and elementary years, where the window of opportunity grants a child the cognitive flexibility to retain multiple languages and reiterate with native pronunciation.

  • Here at Cultured Kids Club, we are pleased to offer families a convenient and reliable solution to receiving foreign language in your elementary school, preschool, or daycare!
  • We currently offer tomorrow's leaders Spanish, Chinese and French in the convenience of your own school.

Each week, Cultured Kids Club assists toddlers, preschoolers and elementary students in accomplishing foreign language proficiency and advancing their cognitive skills while having lots of fun at the same time! If you are a school administrator, teacher, or parent looking to have foreign language in your school, Cultured Kids Club is here to help.  Contact us anytime!

After-School with Cultured Kids Club:


  • Our curriculum aligns with the ACTFL Education Standards.
  • Dedicated, reliable, and educated teachers who are native or fluent in the language that they teach.
  • Creative, interactive, theme-based curriculum to actively engage children in learning through doing.
  • An established system to ensure on-time arrival of teachers and natural, engaging delivery of instruction.
  • Cultured Kids Club provides all materials for age-appropriate activities.
    • We include interactive games, stories, songs, worksheets, and craft projects.
  • Regular onsite check-ins with school administration to ensure program expectations are being met.
  • Convenient and user-friendly online registration and tuition payment options. (All information is confidential; we do not sell information to third parties!)


What Can You Do?


If you do not currently have our after-school programs in your school district, you can contact your school's PTO (or PTA) and let them know you want our programs! Give them the link to our website and our email address, or send us an email with their email address so that we can contact them.



August 12, 2018

Word of the Week, August 12, 2018

This week's word of the week is French!  Do you remember what an accent acute "e" sounds like?


August 8, 2018

Languages and Academic Achievement

Bilingualsim is Linked to Academic Achievement


In many ways, the real trick to speaking two languages is managing not to speak one of those languages at an inappropriate moment. This is fundamentally a feat of paying attention to the given surroundings. This requires the skills of inhibition and task switching. These are subsets of executive function. People who speak two languages generally outperform single-speakers in measures of executive function. Children who have a higher attention span typically do better on tests and at school-learning.

When it comes to reading, Jennifer Steele at American University conducted a four-year, randomized trial and found that dual-language students outperformed their peers in English-reading skills by a full school year's worth of learning by the end of middle school. This is due to the fact that multi-lingual students are very good at decoding text. They pick up on the way that language works (grammar, sentence structure, etc.,) and are able to apply that to not only the second language that they are learning but their primary language as well.

There are many studies that show the benefits of bilingualism in an academic environment.

Studies About Languages and Academic Achievement



What You Can Do


Studies show that children who learn a foreign language have higher academic achievement than those who don't. Cultured Kids Club offers after-school programs throughout the Columbus area, as well as novice programs which support beginner students. We offer Chinese, French, and Spanish classes taught in an immersive environment by native and fluent teachers. Your child can learn a second language through a fun and engaging program, and improve their academic success as well.



August 5, 2018

Word of the Week, August 5, 2018

This week's word of the week is Chinese. Tone is important in Chinese language; in English we tend to use tones per sentence and in Chinese, the tones vary by word. Tone is important!

August 1, 2018

August 2018 News

After-School Enrichment


Wondering what to do with your child after school? Try learning a second language! Registration for the 2018-2019 school year is open!

The best time for children to learn a second language is in their elementary years, where the window of opportunity grants a child the cognitive flexibility to retain multiple languages and reiterate with native pronunciation.

Our classes provide elementary school students the early advantage of learning to read, write and converse in Spanish. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve taken classes with us before, Cultured Kids Club’s mission is to get you talking! With our interactive and progressing curriculum, small class sizes and our excellent team of native and fluent teachers, your child will be on the fast track to learning Spanish naturally in a fun and engaging environment.

During the 2017-2018 school year, Cultured Kids Club will cover all new conversation topics each session. We only repeat conversation topics every three years. Right from the beginning students learn to ask and answer everyday questions! In addition to our classroom learning, all students will receive secure access to our online resources, using fun games to reinforce weekly lessons.

All classroom materials provided!



Chad Independence Day


The Independence Day is a public holiday in Chad, celebrated August 11. The day honors the historic occasion of achieving freedom from France. In Chad many festivities mark the day. Political assemblies, speeches, sports events such as football games, parades, music and dance, are held and the Chadians celebrate their independence and patriotism in style. Even though Chad is independent from France, French is still its official language.


July 25, 2018

Private Lessons

Private Lessons


Here at CKC, we know that driving your child to and from various activities can be stressful. We now offer busy families the option to have at-home immersion language lessons!

If you cannot find a program time that works for you, our private lessons are the best solution.

  • Schedule lessons according to your own preference!
  • Lesson dates and times can be changed when needed.
  • One or two students from the same family can attend.

About Private Lessons



We bring our teachers and materials to you, in the convenience of your own home, church or library. Our experienced teachers bring their talent for one-on-one learning. We find the best fit for you and your child! These are the same full-immersion language programs offered at our centers, just according to your schedule.


Requirements


A love of learning is all that we require.  Just contact us or visit our website to see our options for private lessons.


July 22, 2018

Word of the Week, July 22, 2018

The word of the week this week is French. Whenever you see an e with l’accent aigu, the acute accent, that means the "e" sound is pronounced like "ay".



July 18, 2018

Intermediate Progams

Intermediate Programs


The Intermediate Level programs are for children ages 10-14 years old.
  • For students who have successfully completed our Novice Level programs
  • Classes are designed to provide students the necessary language skills to engage in conversation with native speakers.
  • Students achieve the self-confidence to carry a conversation through peer interactions.
  • Classes are small for more one-on-one learning with our fluent teachers (8:1 ratio).

In the intermediate programs, students are required to speak only in the target language, including class outings.

With our "Student Corner" students practice at home, learning between classes.

  • Students have access to worksheets, videos, online games and modern songs all reflecting their classroom topics.

Teachers and students speak only in the target language.


About Intermediate Level One


The Intermediate Level 1 program reflects early high school language learning.  These students are 9 to 14 years old.

Students at this level have already mastered the necessary verbal foundation skills and are well on their way to reading and writing in the target language.

  • Learn a new "Activity Topic" each month, through the early intermediate level curriculum.
  • Practice advanced vocal communication, read chapter books, and write with expression.
  • Skills are taught through peer-to-peer engagement.

Requirements

You must complete Novice Two or take a comprehension test before moving on to Intermediate One.

About Intermediate Level Two


This program reflects advanced high school language learning.

Students at this level are mastering their verbal communication, reading and writing skills in the target language.
  • Learn a new "Activity Topic" each month, through the early intermediate level curriculum.
  • Practice advanced vocal communication, read chapter books, and write with expression.
  • Skills are taught through peer-to-peer engagement.

Requirements

You must complete Intermediate One or take a comprehension test before moving on to Intermediate One.

Locations and Languages


Currently, we only offer Spanish Intermediate class our Westerville Center. We are looking to expand into the Cincinnati and Dayton areas soon!



July 14, 2018

Happy Bastille Day

Today marks the day in 1789 that French revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. Bastille Day is a national holiday in France. Many people participate in large-scale activities, just like we do on July 4 in the United States. There are usually fireworks, but also communal meals, dances, and a military parade in Paris.  In French, it is called "Fête Nationale" (National Day), or "le quatorze juillet" (14 July).  The Eiffel Tower and the tricolor (the French Flag) are important symbols of this day.


Learn more about Bastille Day here.


July 11, 2018

Chinese Classes

Why We Teach Chinese


Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world, with more than 1 billion speakers. Because of the economic and industrial growth in China, the numbers of elementary and secondary school students studying Chinese here in the United States is projected to grow (up to seven times higher)! The interconnectedness of our world and economy is strengthening ties between the East and West. Teaching your child to say "Nǐ hǎo!" will open countless doors to their future. Our Mandarin teachers come from mainland China and Taiwan.

About Our Chinese Program


With our carefully developed curriculum, unique teaching methods, small class sizes of 6-8 children and our excellent team of native and fluent Chinese teachers, your child will be on the fast track to language proficiency, learning Chinese naturally in a fun and engaging environment.

Right from the start, students learn to communicate verbal basics and set the foundation for all bilingual language skills. We teach Mandarin Chinese, the official language of China. Children learn different tones as well as how to read and write in Pinyin. Our teachers introduce them to written characters through fun art projects.

Check out our website to see the Chinese classes we currently offer. Each semester these classes are offered at the same times, making it easier for families to schedule weekly activities.

Availability


Our Chinese language programs are available to children 3 - 13 years of age. We also offer private lessons to children aged 5 and up.

Chinese Class Locations

We offer French classes at our Westerville location and through our after-school program.



July 8, 2018

Word of the Week, July 8, 2018

The word of the week this week is Spanish. Don't forget to use the correct article with each Romance language word!


July 7, 2018

Novice Language Programs

Novice Programs


Our novice programs support beginner level students.

  • Learn to ask, answer, read, and write everyday sentences through "student-to-student" activities.
  • Study the cultures of different native speaking countries.
  • Gain foundational skills to achieve bilingual proficiency. 

Classes are small for more one-on-one learning with our native-fluent teachers (8:1 ratio).

About Novice Level Programs


Our Novice Programs meet once a week and are categorized by age.

Students learn best through enjoyment!
  • We integrate play-based activities, theatrical performances, action games, creative poetry and modern native music with our curriculum.
  • We teach everyday topics of conversation using student-to-student activities.
  • We introduce students to various native-speaking countries around the world.

Novice Level One


Novice One programs are for those who are just beginning their language journey.  These are for students aged 6 to 9 years old and 10 to 14 years old.

We focus on:
  • Actively communicating with native pronunciation while learning everyday communication in reading and writing.
  • Developing, integrating and recalling vocabulary, common phrases and simple sentences.
  • Everyday language such as greetings, introductions, object description, likes & dislikes, calendar, weather, questions, responses, and commands.
  • Introduction to verbs through fun and challenging activities, games, skit and art projects.
For at-home learning, students access worksheets, videos, online games and songs through their class webpage.

Requirements


Novice One does not have any requirements; it is for students just beginning their language journey. 


Novice Level Two


Novice Two programs are more advanced, for students who are continuing their language journey.  
This program is for students 9 to 14 years old who are already familiar with conversing in their second language.

We focus on:
  • Actively communicating with native pronunciation while learning everyday communication in reading and writing.
  • Communication topics; using future and past tense verbs in simple sentences, description of self and others, asking and responding to questions or commands through fun and challenging activities, games, skits, and art projects.
  • Developing, integrating and recalling vocabulary, common phrases and simple sentences.
  • Introduction to verb conjugation through fun and challenging activities, games, skit and art projects.

Requirements


You must complete Novice One or take a comprehension test before moving on to Novice Two. 

Locations and Languages


Currently, we offer Spanish Novice 1 class at our Hilliard location, Chinese, Spanish and French Novice 1 and Novice 2 classes at our Westerville Center.  The Novice 1 program is the program we use for our After-School Enrinchment programs. We are looking to expand into the Cincinnati and Dayton areas soon!



July 1, 2018

July 2018 News

Fall Registration is Now OPEN!


Did you know that you can now register for fall classes? We maintain the same days and times for our classes year-round for the convenience of parents, so that you don't have to change your schedule from season to season. We've been busy prepping our immersive programs to make them better than ever. Just click on the link above to find a class and register.




Running of the Bulls


The fiestas of San Fermin are celebrated in Irunea/Pamplona, in the region of Navarra, every year from the 6th to the 14th of July. They have become internationally known because of the running of the bulls, where the bulls are lead through the streets of the old quarter as far as the bull ring by runners.



June 24, 2018

Word of the Week, June 24, 2018

The word of the week this week is another Romance Language. The term Romance comes from the Vulgar Latin adverb romanice, "in Roman", derived from Romanicus. French is truly, then, a language of romance.


June 23, 2018

French Classes

Why We Teach French:


French is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is spoken on every continent. It is estimated to have 110 million native speakers and 190 million more second language speakers. Estimates in 2013 suggest that French speakers will reach 1 billion by the year 2060. Our French teachers have ties to France, Canada, Algeria, and Belgium.

About Our French Program


With our carefully developed curriculum, unique teaching methods, small class sizes of 6-8 children and our excellent team of native and fluent French teachers, your child will be on the fast track to language proficiency, learning French naturally in a fun and engaging environment.

Right from the start, students learn to communicate verbal basics and set the foundation for all bilingual language skills. Children learn correct pronunciation, spelling, and accents. Our teachers introduce vocabulary using hands-on activities.

Check out our website to see the French classes that we currently offer. Each semester these classes are offered at the same times, making it easier for families to schedule weekly activities.

Depending on your needs or desire for rapid fluency, we offer a once-a-week class, as well as our accelerated class, which meets twice a week.

Availability


Our French language programs are available to children 18 months - 14 years of age.

French Class Locations:


We offer French classes at our Westerville location and through our after-school program.


June 20, 2018

Pre-K Language Programs

Preschool and Kindergarten Programs


Cultured Kids Club currently offers Chinese, French, and Spanish classes for preschoolers and kindergarteners.

Families can choose between a once-a-week program (Pre-K) or our twice-a-week program (Accelerated Pre-K).

Our curriculum helps students learn through engaging activities.

  • We focus on kindergarten readiness as well as hands-on learning!
    • During each class, students learn reading, writing, math, science, problem-solving techniques and native verbal pronunciation.

These programs focus on foreign language development and prepare students for kindergarten. Classes are small to maintain one-on-one learning (8:1 ratio).

About Pre-K Programs


Our Pre-K programs are designed for independent learners!  Students in these programs will build confidence by socializing with teachers and classmates.

  • Every week, students learn topic words and phrases through fun and engaging songs, games, activities, and craft projects.
  • Every two weeks, we feature a new descriptive theme such as colors, clothing, foods, body parts or numbers.
  • We include weekly at-home worksheets, videos, and songs through our Student Corner.

Each class, students participate in Brunch Bunch. This is a time for students to get to know each other and to watch a short cartoon in their target foreign language. Parents should pack a nut free snack for their child.

This program focuses on native verbal pronunciation while preparing students for reading and writing communication skills.

Is Accelerated Pre-K Different?


The Accelerated Pre-K program meets twice per week! This program is designed for maximum absorption. Students in these programs will learn twice as fast because they are coming twice per week.  The format of the class is the same as our Pre-K Programs.


Locations and Languages


Currently, we offer Spanish Pre-K class at our Hilliard location, Chinese, Spanish and French Pre-K and Accelerated Pre-K classes at our Westerville Center. We are looking to expand into the Cincinnati and Dayton areas soon!

Requirements


Children do not have to already know or understand the language in order to join.  However, this program does require children to be fully potty-trained before they are allowed to join.



June 17, 2018

Happy Father's Day

From all of us here at Cultured Kids Club, Happy Father's Day!

Coloring Page Spanish

Coloring Page French

Coloring Page Chinese



Word of the Week, June 17, 2018

The word of the week this week comes from China.  Mandarin, also known as Standard Chinese, is the sole official language of China and Taiwan, and one of four official languages in Singapore. Chinese is written in characters; however, it can also be written in Pinyin.


June 16, 2018

Chinese Camp

Chinese Camp is designed to teach children not only the Chinese language but also the cultures of five different Chinese speaking countries!

During each day of Chinese camp, students learn about native foods, animals, songs, games, idioms, capitals, cities, leaders, artists, geography and landmarks all reflecting the country of the day! Have you ever danced the tea-picking dance or tried Taiwanese bōbà nǎi chá? Have you ever played jiàn zi, or worn a traditional táng zhuāng or a kebaya? Here at Chinese Camp, kids will learn about these cultural items and many many more!

All week, students learn and respond in Chinese through fun indoor and outdoor engaging activities. For example, when making snow cones, we discuss flavors, opposites, colors, like,  and dislikes. Through our art projects, students learn family members, animals, nature, emotions, and actions. With our native Chinese games, students learn numbers, greetings, how to ask questions and imagination.

Cultured Kids Club provides children the early opportunity to learn a foreign language through fun and spontaneous interactions, building their foreign language vocabulary just like a native speaker.


July 16 - 19, 1 - 3 p.m.
@ the CKC Westerville Center
Pricing: $120 per student

Register for camp today!

June 13, 2018

Bilingual Brains

Cognitive Benefits


The more scientists study brains, the more they come to the conclusion that speaking more than one language has many benefits that stretch from youth to old age.

If you speak a second (or even third) language from before the age of five, your brain develops a greater gray-matter density in the inferior parietal cortex, which is the language part of the brain, which means you have some distinct benefits over those who speak only one language (monolingual). This finding suggests that being bilingual from an early age significantly alters the brain’s structure.

New research has found that early childhood proficiency in two languages enhances a person’s ability to concentrate. It might also protect against the onset of dementia or other age-related cognitive issues. Although scientists don’t know why bilingualism creates this “cognitive reserve,” some theorize that speaking two languages may increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain and keep nerve connections healthy—factors thought to help ward off dementia.

Bilingualism Increases Concentration


Some parents and educators might fear that exposing children to a second language at too early an age might delay their language skills and harm their intellectual growth.  This is not the case. Bilingual children reach language milestones at the same age as monolingual children, and do not show any evidence of being "language confused". Young infants are able to use rhythmic clues to keep two languages distinct.  In fact, babies are able to do this from the first days of life.

Being bilingual may give children an advantage at school. The multilingual experience improves the brain’s command system that directs the attention processes. We use these processes for planning, solving problems and performing various other mentally demanding tasks. This includes ignoring distractions to stay focused and switching attention willfully from one thing to another. Bilingual preschoolers have been found to be better able to focus on a task while tuning out distractions than their single-language peers.

A similar enhanced ability to concentrate has been found in bilingual adults, particularly those who became fluent in two languages at an early age. It may be that managing two languages helps the brain sharpen its ability to focus while ignoring irrelevant information.

What Can You Do?


Even if your family is monolingual, you can take steps to give your child these advantages! You could switch their favorite television program into Spanish or French (some Netflix shows have been dubbed into many different languages) while they watch. You could start taking an adult language class, or learn from an app like Duolingo or Mindsnacks, and start teaching it to your child. If you have a toddler, you could come to our Parent and Tot classes, or send your preschooler or elementary child to one of our other programs. Your child's brain will thank you!



June 10, 2018

Word of the Week, June 10, 2018

The word of the week this week is from a romance language. These languages are all descended from Latin, and share certain commonalities.  The most widely spoken romance languages are Spanish, Portugese, French, Italian, and Romanian.