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April 2011
Looking for recommendations for high-quality afterschool programs in
Spanish that provide a variety of enrichment activities and outdoor fun
in the general Berkeley/Oakland area for grades K-5 kids. Most
interested in programs that go from end of school day until about 5:30
or 6pm. Homework support in Spanish a plus.
working parent
Escuela Bilingue Internacional on Alcatraz below College in Oakland has
after school programs in their Spanish immersion school that goes from
preschool to 8th grade. I'm not sure if their school year program is open
to students outside their school, but they definitely have * summer school
* in Spanish open to preschool and elementary school kids. Two week
sessions are morning, afternoon, or both.
- happy parent
Editor Note: responses were also received from these businesses: Lango Kids and
Viva el Espanol.
April 2010
I am looking for a spanish class for a 5 year old. Not a
summer camp where he would have to go every day. Just a
once a week class in Berkeley or the West Contra Costa area.
Lango has a bunch of Spanish classes for elementary aged
kids. You can check out the current schedule at
www.langokids.com and see if there are any that match your
schedule. If not, you can always ask about adding other
days/times. Cheryl
Feb 2010
hello. i am looking for a place and/or person to work with
my son in learning spanish on-going & long-term. any
recommendations for an after school class, personal teacher
or leaning group? gracias! leslie
Hola,
You should really check out 'Viva El Espanol' learning
Center.They have a variety of locations in the Bay Area, but
their main campus is in Lafayette. The teachers are
wonderful and the classes are really fun and innovative. My
children have been attending sessions for the past 3 yrs
(they are 5 and 6yrs old) and are Bilingual.They're website
is www.vivaelespanol.org , their phone number is
(925)962-9177. Hope this helps! Denise
Lango offers Spanish classes (also French and Mandarin)
all over the Bay Area - various times and locations.
www.langokids.com
Cheryl
May 2007
Hi. Does anyone have any recent recommendations for Spanish classes for
pre-school/kindergarten age (other then programs offered at EBI). Looking
for something in East Bay....I heard of new group that started locally but
can't find any info. on them!?
Monique
Lango has spanish classes for kids in Oakland and Berkeley. My 2 and 4 year old have been
going for a month, but they also offer classes for older kids, up to 8 or 9 years.. The
website is langokids.com Justin
Try Centro Latino on San Pablo Ave at Dwight Way. The class sizes are small.
I'm looking for Spanish classes for my 5-year old . I'd like her to be in a
group with other kids.I live in San Leandro, and could travel to Oakland,
Berkeley, or Hayward. Any leads?
Joseph
Centro Latino in Berkeley (849-4504; www.cenlatino.com) has group
classes for children. I heard of them thru a friend of a friend and
don't know about the quality of the classes.
Jennifer
Dec 2008
We would like our 3-year old to learn some spanish. She's in
preschool already so we'd like a supplemental class that meets once a
week, and is in Berkeley or North Oakland (hopefully in the south
berkeley/elmwood/rockridge area). We are looking for a class we can
drop her off at (doesn't require parent participation). The archives
list Habitot classes, but Habitot doesn't appear to offer spanish any
more, and the Richmond classes are too far away. Thanks!
-anon
I know of a great language program for kids that has several
locations across the Bay, including Berkeley/North Oakland. Lango
is a language immersion program that uses art, music and games to
teach kids a foreign language in a fun, enaging manner. You can
find out more about Lango at their website www.langokids.com.
Hope that helps!
Ginella
Hi there,
Viva el Espanol is a great program for infants through adults.
Their home base is in Lafayette but their teachers travel to
different locations. They come to Point Richmond's Fieldhouse on
Mondays, from 11-11:50am, for a parent and me art class. This class
is for 1 - 3 year olds with caregiver. Otherwise, they also come
for a pre/K Spanish class on Fridays, from either 3-3:50pm or
3-4:50pm (the extended version). This class is for 3 years and
older, with no parent participation. Your first class is always
free.
The Point Richmond Fieldhouse is at: 110 E Richmond Ave, Richmond,
CA 94801.
Their website is: www.vivaelespanol.org.
Hi- I can highly recommend,''Viva EL Espanol'', in Lafayette. There
are also ''Viva El Espanol''full immersion classes peppered in
various cities in the Bay Area.There are classes available for all
ages,reasonable prices, very flexible and make learning FUN!My
children,ages 4 and 5 yrs old, have been attending the Lafayette
campus for almost 3 years and are now Bilingual.And,''Viva''classes
are also incorporated in a variety Public Schools, including, my
daughter's Oakland Public School,in the Bay Area.Check them out!The
phone number is (925)962-9177, the website is
www.LamorindaSpanish.com Denise
March 2008
I am looking for a Spanish program for my 5 YO daughter during the school year, either
after-school or on Saturdays. Can anyone recommend a program (preferably in
Berkeley, Albany, or El Cerrito; possibly in Richmond or Oakland)? Also, does anyone
know of a good Spanish immersion summer camp (for next summer and beyond) that
they can recommend? Thanks!
Lori
My almost 5 year old son is finishing up his second week at Camp Lango, a
Spanish
immersion camp. I was nervous about sending my son to something new and
the
director, Michael Fee, answered all my questions and was very reassuring.
With no
previous Spanish experience, my son is learning so much and having a lot
of fun.
The counselors have been very skilled, kind and energetic. The activities
and music
program are organized and well thought out.
Here is Lango's website: http://www.langokids.com/. The contact phone
number is
888-445-2646.
Stephanie
Nov 2007
I am looking for Spanish play classes or private classes for my 3 year old
in the Piedmont area. I know that the Piedmont Recreation Center has one
during the day but we would like something after 1 pm. Any recommendations
for private tutors that can make it fun for a toddler would be great. He
understands Spanish.
Thanks
Maisy
My son just turned three and we've been taking Spanish classes for
several months at Lamorinda Spanish/Viva el Espanol at the Lafayette
campus (their main place.). The do have classes in Oakland as well,
but I'm not sure where. We live in Emeryville so its a little bit
of a trek for us but well worth it. They are wonderful! The
teachers speak to the students totally in Spanish and do lots of
''showing'' with their hands to get their point across. You can
take a free trial class to check it out. They have several Parent &
Me classes for Arte and Musica and pre-K classes as well. They also
have classes for older children & teens. He really likes it and so
do I. You can check them out online at Lamorindaspanish.com
julie
i have to also highly recommend Viva el Espanol in Lafayette! They are an
amazing group of teachers and the classes are geared for tots to 8th
graders; they are also now offering adult classes. So, you can be in your
own class while your 3 year old is in his/her own class at the same time.
The classes are in 100% Spanish. My son has done the parent/toddler music
class, the parent/toddler art class and is now doing the preschool class
on his own and loving it. So, while it's also a trek for us to go to
Lafayette, it's well worth the time. If we can't send my son to a dual
immersion school, this is the second best thing. Visit them online at:
http://www.lamorindaspanish.com
viva el espanol fan
June 2006
I'm looking for fun summer Spanish lessons in
Moraga/Lafayette/Orinda for an elementary age child who has
never studied before.
I saw some classes offered through local community centers but
they focus on preschool-K age kids.
Any ideas? I'd love to find someplace close by where we can
enroll during the school year as well.
Viva el Espanol in Lafayette is running camps this summer, as
well as daily classes during the summer and throughout the
school year. They have classes for all ages, including a
dedicated class for elementary aged kids. My two kids ages 5 &
8 are enrolled in the ''Under the Sea'' camp this week and are
loving it. They will participate in ''Bugs Life'' next week.
They have been enrolled in the dialy classes all of last year.
I'm very impressed by the teachers, and the curriculum involves
music and art so it is very fun for the kids. Their website is
www.LamorindaSpanish.com
Jan 2006
I am looking into Spanish classes for my twins. I am hoping to
find classes, locally that start teaching kids around 2 years of
age. Any recommendations??
isabella
Please check out HABITOT. Call and ask to speak to Caroline Lacey. There are two classes that meet on
Monday afternoons. The first is EXPLORANDO ESPANOL. This class meets Monday 3-
3:45. The second class that they are still trying to enroll is NINOS EN LA COCINA. It is a cooking
class for children. This one will meet 4-4:45 if they can get the enrollment up. The teacher is Liza
Sanchez, and she is wonderful. My son loves it.
As far as ages, they really want kids close to 3, but if your 2's were close to 3, I bet they would be
accepted. LR
PRAM runs Spanish classes for children aged 3 and up (they have to be able to attend independently).
Classes are ongoing throughout the year and hopefully they'll continue next year when you're children are
older. You can get more info from www.PRAM.net They're located in Pt. Richmond at 110 E. Richmond Ave.
buena suerte
we take a great class in Pt. Richmond offered by PRAM on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-4:15 at the
Fieldhouse. You can call for info (510)620-6843, but I have found them less than responsive, so I just
showed up one day & signed up.
the teacher, Rosie, is great. all the kids love the class. they learn common vocabulary words,
incorporate art projects, food, etc. she even does little parties for the holidays. it is very
affordable- $40 for 8 sessions. your kids do need to be able to attend by themselves (ie parents are not
allowed to stay-
the instructor has found the kids are better able to focus)
buena suerte,
mama of a spanish learnin' 3 year old
Orinda Community Center
has a wonderful Spanish class offered for toddlers ages 2-4 and their caregivers.
It is a class made up of singing, playing games and creating art while learning Spanish. Taught Fri. from
11:30-12:15 pm. from 1/20-3/24. Cost is $109 for non-residents of Orinda. There is also lots of free
parking and a great park to play in right outside of the class when the lesson is done. If you like it,
the class continues 4/21-6/2 for $85. There is still space, it is not too late to get in. Call
925-254-2445 to register. Address: 26 Orinda Way, Orinda CA (right off the BART line.)
Mom into Spanish
June 2003
We've been living in Ecuador for the last year with our two
daughters, ages 5 and 8, and they are now rattling away in
Spanish to each other and friends. We will be returning to
Oakland this summer and I was wondering if anyone had any
suggestions about how to keep up their Spanish when we are
back. I can't think of any obvious way to maintain their
Spanish effectivley. If we lived in Berkeley we would do
everything we could to get them in one of the immersion
programs. But Oakland, and Chabot, (their school), has no
immersion programs. I have never heard of a Spanish Bilingual
private school in the East Bay. Is there one?
Having them take an afternoon class a week doesn't seem like
much. We have friends that they can talk with but its not the
same as full day immersion in Spanish (Our Spanish is passable
but not good enough to conduct our home lives in Spanish).
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Liz
I would try to have your children make friends with Spanish
speaking children at school and invite them over for after-school
play as often as possible.
Try to encourage them to watch Spanish-language TV.
Unfortunately there aren't many good children programs on network
TV (though they do have cartoons), so you may want to check into
cable-TV offerings.
buena suerte!
anon
We have a similar circumstance as you -- we have spent a
sabbatical year living in Mexico, returning in August, and now
have a 5 year old son who speaks Spanish much better then we
do. (How do they get that subjunctive tense!??) Though we live
in Berkeley we are sad that we didn't get into the Cragmont
immersion program as it would have been a natural extension for
him (grumble grumble at the school choice lottery...)
But to assure that he continues to be truly bilingual we are
doing several things: 1) It may be impractical for you, but we
are bringing back a Mexican student to live with us, enjoy a
California adventure, and speak only Spanish with our son. At
the least you might try to find an occasional babysitter who
can speak spanish with your children. Also, lots of Cal
students speak spanish and you might ''employ'' one to come over
to talk with your kids afew times a week. 2) Before we left
Berkeley, my son took a Saturday kids class at Centro Latino.
Perhaps they will offer a more ''advanced spanish'' course for
kids like ours if we get enough interest. Also, Habitot
Children's Museum in Berkeley is starting a spanish language
class -- ditto re influencing them to hold an ''advanced class''
as their classes are always great. 3) I know of at least one
other child in Berkeley/Oakland who is spanish-english
bilinqual -- I am sure there are MANY -- perhaps we can
organize a play group when we get back?? The rule: solo
hablando en espanol! Anybody interested please feel free to
send me a personal email.
Felicidades on giving your children the gift of two languages!
Kathy
There are wonderful new spanish lessons for 1-14 year olds in
both Lafayette and Piedmont put on by 1 Worldly Wise Language &
Culture Organization. The classes are for beginners & those
with experience and kids have a lot of fun doing what they like
to do in Spanish with age-appropriate activities. Check out the
website at www.1worldlc.org
chris
June 2003
I am looking for videos that teach young children basic
spanish. I do not speak/understand spanish myself. Individual
videos or a series would be great. Please let me know where
these videos are available also. Any recommendtions would be
appreciated.
Princess3kaz
OK, I am not sure how old your kid is, so I am giving some for
different ages. Your local children's librarian can give you
sepcific choices based on your kid's age. My list is not
exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination.
Bilingual Baby Spanish
So Smart! Spanish
Lyric Language Spanish
Peli the Clown
There are also some nice tape/CD kits with books that you can
use if your kid is older.
denise
April 2003
We would love to teach our children spanish. Any suggestions
for books, tapes/CDs, videos or other inexpensive methods to
teach a 2 1/2 year old? We looked into classes but can't
believe a one hour ''spanish play group'' for $16 once a week will
teach him spanish.
anon
Have you checked into the Spanish TV stations and Sesame Street
in Spanish? It's called Plaza del Sesamo and your child will
probably pick up a lot by watching. Totally free!
Elaine
January 2003
I am looking for CDs or tapes to help my 1 year olds learn
Spanish.
ginnyfine
Jose-Luis Orozco makes great spanish children's music. I
believe he has several CD's on the market.
Linnea
May 2002
I would love to introduct my children to the basics of the
Spanish language, with a fun class including music.
Does anybody know of something like this?
Thank you!
Michelle
Does anyone know of a local (East Bay) Spanish class for children
younger than 3? The archives contain a brief recommendation for
Centro Latino in Berkeley, but their youngest students are 3,
and my daughter's just turning 2. I'd like to find out whether
there's anything local that's the sort of mommy-and-me type of
play-based language course that a friend is doing with her
delighted 2-year-old in Portland. Thanks.
Darcy
Try
tuning to the Spanish TV station when Plaza del Sesame (Sesame
Street) is on. My husband is from Mexico City and we wanted my
son to learn Spanish. The program is identical to the English
version of Sesame Street, only conducted totally in Spanish, of
course! My son is 7 now and can translate conversational
Spanish for me, so it has helped a great deal. EB
well, my almost 3 y.o. daughter is English-Spanish bilingual
(Enlish dominant)... here are my recs: although i think muzzy
has a horribly sexist, classist story line (not to mention the
fat/thin thing goign on with the female characters), i have to
say that my kid loves it, particularly the audio tape (just the
audio from the videos) that we play at least twice a week in the
car. the videos look like they were made in 1985 or so, but
again, she loves 'em. they've been well worth the rather high
price.
we also have 3 or 4 disney 'canta con nosotrsos'' videos, and she
likes one for a month or two and then changes her mind... they
occasionally have some scary song/scenes (well, scary for my
kid), but the rhythms are great--they're disney songs!
the only other i can speak to is the ''family circus learns
spanish'' (or something similar). inadvisably bought at barnes &
noble on a whim--cheesy, hard to follow songs (hard to follow in
English AND in spanish), kids doing cheesy things...
one more thing: if you don't have them, jose luis orozco's De
Colores, an audio tape and a book (sold separately) are great,
and everyone--my mother, my aunts, my kid--loves the songs.
jessica
I have tried a few Spanish videos with my daughter (20 months)
and her favorite is So Smart! Baby Language School -
www.sosmart.com. It is all music set to simple animations - no
plain speech. She is mesmerized by the cartoons and loves the
songs. She has even picked up a few words. The Bilingual Baby
videos are also good - http://www.small-
fry.com/bilingualbaby.html. This is all speech with classical
background music and live children acting out the words and
phrases. The video teaches one words at a time, then puts them
together to make a sentence. Plaza Sesamo videos are great if
your child likes Sesame Street. A lot of the same characters are
in both, and some of the same songs are just dubbed. Other
songs and characters are unique to Plaza Sesamo. The videos are
hard to find, but 30 min episodes are on KTEH at 7am on Sundays.
You can always get copies of favorite Disney movies dubbed in
Spanish, but I have found those to be less interesting for
toddlers. We do have a Spanish-dubbed copy of Blue's Clues that
my daughter enjoys, but Steve's mismatched lips and voice drive
me crazy!
Jaime
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