The world is a big place. It’s an even bigger place for a child. One of the best ways to teach your child about a new country is to visit it, and although international travel is a great family experience, it can also be costly and time consuming. There are some simple and affordable ways to teach your children about the world without purchasing plane tickets. We polled our staff at Tea and gathered our top three ways to teach your kids the world without opening your front door.

1) Talk about the world.
“Growing up, we didn’t have money for international travel so we had to imagine our foreign trips using an old globe in our living room. My father would spin it and wherever our fingers would stop was where we’d take our “vacation.” We’d then imagine life in these faraway lands- what would we pack for our Middle Eastern trip? Is it cold in Beijing in the winter? What’s the food like in Morocco? To this day, I still can’t help spinning a globe whenever I walk by one to see where I should “vacation” that day.”

2) Cook globally.
“I was a very picky eater growing up. I knew that when I had kids I wanted them to open themselves up to trying new foods and experiences. So we made preparing dinners a family experience. If we have Mexican food, my kids will prepare the salsa. If I make curry, they’ll help me make pita chips. I have to admit, some nights aren’t a hit and I do have to end up preparing macaroni and cheese. But, it’s worth trying especially for the nights when dinner goes as planned—like when my four-year-old actually rolled and ate her own avocado and cream cheese sushi roll!”

3) Incorporate a new language into everyday life
“I wanted my two boys to learn French but I didn’t know where to start. So, we started with what would be easy: food. We labeled all of the food in the house with their French translation. After weeks of referring to apples as les pommes and milk as lait I was ready to give up and then my 3 year-old asked for fromage with their crackers. Small changes really do make the difference.”

Our Tea staffers prove that bringing the world home is actually pretty easy. How do you teach your kids to be globally inspired? Share your tips below in the comments section.

BABIES (0-14 MONTHS)

Why should your baby just build with blocks when she can create a Spanish city?

Your child will love these brightly colored blocks from Haba (if you don’t fancy Seville, they also have Cordoba!). With 45 pieces, this set will keep your little architect  busy for hours. Brighten up your baby’s nursery and be the only one on the block (pun intended) to have a Spanish city under construction… Buy it here

A teether giraffe with je ne sais quoi

Made in the French Alps with natural rubber and non toxic paint, Sophie has been safely cuddled and chewed by thousands of babies. She is soft light and easy to grasp and fits perfectly into little hands. She makes a happy sound when squeezed… Babies especially love her bumpy head to soothe their teething gums. But if you speak French to her, don’t expect her to talk back, she’ll just look at you in her “coquette” way. Also comes in Vanilla! Buy it here

TODDLERS (15 MO – 3 YEARS OLD)

Learn about Endangered Animals in Asia

Introduce your children to beautifully made wooden toys and to how some of our most endangered species live!  Your kids will discover an Elephant, Tiger and Panda (our favorite, of course) in the “Asia Series” from Plan Toys.  They are made of natural, chemical free recycled bamboo and can sit and stand just like real animals. They are finished with non-toxic dye and recommended for 3+, but could be played with by toddlers as well. Make sure to show your wee ones where China is on the globe! ($34) Buy it here

Make Meal Time a Learning Time!

These adorable plates teach words in French – choose from delightful farm animals or Pirates and Princess themes for your little swarthy crew and precious princess (make that “une princesse”). My son Emmett is 7 ½ and I still haven’t managed to give away his animals plate from this series (little brother Adrian is enjoying it now). Buy it here

PRESCHOOLERS

Children of the World Floor Puzzle

What better way to get familiar with kids of different countries than with this oversized floor puzzle featuring kids from around the world? At only $10.75 it’s a great gift that will keep your child busy and expose him or her to not only to kids’ native costumes as well as the flags associated with the countries where they live. Buy it here

Geo Bingo

From our friends at GeoToys, this bingo game includes 50 country cards, representing the world’s most populous nations. Each card lists that country’s capital, land area, population, and geographic location. The goal of GeoBingo™ World is to get 5 countries in a row on one of the 8 GeoBingo™ Boards. ($18.99) Buy it here

Little Pim Books

Last but not least, what gift guide would be complete without our very own trilingual books? Featuring French, Spanish and English, these board books are perfect for budding linguists and chock full of lift the flaps, pull tabs and Little Pim antics. Books are in English with Spanish and French words taught throughout and phonetics for parents who don’t speak the language. COLORS and FEELINGS, $8.95 each. Buy it here

FOR ADULTS

Growing up Global

This excellent book by Homa Sabet Tavangar has practical suggestions for raising children with a global perspective. I got several ideas from this book of fun things to do with my kids, I am sure you’ll find new cool new activities too! Makes a great gift for parents who are travelers and want to share their love of other cultures and countries with their little ones. Buy it here

7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child

This is one of the most practical, well-written books I have found about raising a bilingual child. Dr. Naomi Steiner is a developmental-behavoir pediatrician at Tufts Medical Center in Botson and an expert in the methods used to teach children more than one language. 7 Easy Steps... includes worksheets that help you map out your family’s bilingual action plan, ways to involve parents who don’t speak the language being taught, and tips for keeping your child motivated and excited about language learning. A terrific resource and road map! Buy it here

Cities with large Mexican populations like Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston host annual Cinco de Mayo festivities that draw hundreds of thousands of people every year. Whether or not you live in an area with a large Mexican community, there are many things you can do to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this May 5th:

1) Even the youngest Spanish students can say “Cinco De Mayo”, already a big confidence boost for young language learners! You can lead your kids in a fun chant: ”¡Viva México! Viva el 5 de mayo!”, and even if your kids are not studying Spanish, it’s the second most widely spoken language in the US. Many of those Spanish-speakers are from Mexico, and while Cinco de Mayo does not hold as much significance in Mexico as it does in the abroad, it’s observed in the US as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride.

2) Mexican food is one of the world’s great cuisines. In fact, in 2003 UNESCO officially declared Mexican food as a piece of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity! Although Mexican food can be incredibly complex (some sauces take literally days to make) a lot of Mexican food is simple and fun. Try making guacamole and chips with your kids, or cookies with red, green and white sprinkles (à la Mexican flag). You can also follow this simple guide to create your own maracas, then play Little Pim Spanish Bop while you are cooking and have a Cinco de Mayo dance party!

3) Your kids can understand a good story about the underdog. Tell your kids a simplified version of the history behind Cinco de Mayo, which is really about how a small group of clever, determined people (the Mexicans), overcame a much more powerful, bigger army (who were French). Since kids always can relate to the little guy, they will appreciate this story (leaving out the details about all the gory battles and beheadings, of course).

Most of all, make it fun! ¡Diviértanse! (have fun). Enjoy the fiesta!

Cinco de Mayo Giveaway: Post photos of how you celebrated the holiday to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mylittlepim) for a chance to win a free digital download of any three Little Pim DVDs (worth $41.95). Alternate entry method: email info@LittlePim.com

Try this FREE online game: Spanish Heritage – Piñata Game

Today is Bastille Day, or as the French say, le 14 juillet. On July 14th, 1789 the Bastile prison was stormed and the French Revolution officially began. If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris today you’d be enjoying fireworks, parties, and an incredibly jovial environment.

Today is the perfect excuse to use the French word in your vocabulary. Eat traditional French foods like croissants, baguettes, French fromage (cheese), wines, fondue. Make reservations at a French restaurant and be sure to learn the words to La Marseillaise, the French national anthem.

My son Emmett with a pain au chocolat in Paris.

]]> http://www.littlepim.com/french/happy-bastille-day/feed/ 0 http://www.littlepim.com/from-julia/happy-mothers-day-from-little-pim/ http://www.littlepim.com/from-julia/happy-mothers-day-from-little-pim/#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 13:24:39 +0000 Julia Pimsleur Levine http://www.littlepim.com/?p=4669 Happy Mother’s Day! We hope all of you wonderful mothers take some time for relaxation and rest today with your families. Have crêpes in bed!

Below are a few ways to say Happy Mother’s Day in different languages!

Catalan: Feliç Dia de la Mare
Chinese: Mu Qin jie kuai le
Hebrew: Yom ha’em sameah
Italian: Buona festa della Mamma
Spanish: Feliz Día de las Madres

Today commemorates the unexpected 1862 victory of the Mexican army over the French army in the battle over the city of Puebla. I’ve compiled some Spanish vocabulary words that follow the theme of today’s festivities.

La batalla – battle
La revolucion – revolution
La bandera – flag
El heroe – hero
La independencia – independence
La victoria – victory

Get the kids together and practice your espanol today! If you’re heading out to a party, I’ve included a guacamole recipe below that will entice even your pickiest eaters.

Yummy Guacamole

Ingredients

2 large ripe avocados
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 mL) lime juice
1 medium tomato, seeded and finely chopped
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin
1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

Cooking Instructions

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and peel them. If they are ripe, the peel should come off easily. Dice the avocado flesh, and dump into a bowl.
Add all the remaining ingredients, and toss to combine without mashing. The ingredients should remain separate, and the salsa chunky.
Serve with tortilla chips for dipping, or as an accompaniment to tacos or burritos.

Servings: Makes about 2 cups (500 mL).

recipe from Kaboose.com
photo from score.rims.k12.ca.us

Stacey Brook, Julia Pimsleur Levine, Claire Lynch, Peggy Intrator, and Lola the Elephant

We also used the party as a chance to introduce Little Pim’s two new animated friends: Bob the Bobcat and Lola the Elephant!

Erin Essenmacher (our Post-Production Supervisor) and Bob the Bobcat.

They were represented by life-sized cut outs and a sneak preview of Little Pim DVD 4. Keep checking the blog for new developments about our soon to be released DVDs 4, 5 and 6.

Little Pim loves the holidays!

Wishing all of our Little Pim families a happy and safe holiday season – in all your favorite languages!

Happy Holidays from Little Pim

More Photos:

Now through December 20 December 31st, order a Gift Set or Deluxe Gift Set through LittlePim.com and automatically be entered into our holiday giveaway. One lucky winner will receive an iPod Touch, complete with Little Pim digital dowloads for Discs 1-3 in the language of his/her choice. Five runners up will receive Little Pim t-shirts or onesies for their little language learners. Contest winners will be chosen by December 22 and will be notified by email. Even more reason to spend the holidays with Little Pim!

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