Tag Archives: language

General, Public, Resources

Library Outreach Example: Itty Bitty Art

This program was just too cute not to share with CMLE members! As you know, I am a huge fan of library outreach work; and that includes reaching into all areas of the communities we serve.  Partnerships make that outreach even stronger. And this program is not only adorable, but a great example of partnerships outside the library!

Dr. James Thomas was invited by the Amon Cartner Museum (Ft. Worth, Texas) to do his program on language play for infants in their gallery. It was such a hit last year, they scheduled four events this year!

“Infancy is the time to begin with an awareness of language and books. During this program you will learn songs, how to share books, sign language, and ways to exercise with your little one to encourage language development. Each caregiver will receive a free CD of all songs and activities shared.” (more information on the program is after the break)

Do you have an idea for reaching out to a segment of your population? Would making some connections, and building up partnerships, help your library provide better service – or something really fun? Great!!

Let’s discuss your plans, and see what we can do to help out! CMLE Headquarters is here to support you and the work you do for your patrons; so let’s do some great things! Continue reading Library Outreach Example: Itty Bitty Art →

Communication, General, Resources, School Media Specialist

Language immersion at schools in the CMLE system!

At CMLE, we are always excited when schools in our area get some well-deserved attention!

Check out this article about the language immersion programs taking place at several school locations within the St. Cloud School District!

This spring marks the 10th anniversary of the St. Cloud School District’s Chinese and Spanish immersion programs. The article details a typical day in an immersion classroom, and includes interviews with past students who have grown up to appreciate the advantage that the immersion program has given them. In fact, third – eighth graders that were in the immersion programs performed higher than average in the math and reading MN Comprehensive Assessments.

There are great benefits to participating in language immersion programs. Check out this article from NPR about the potential brain benefits from immersion education. This article from the Atlantic gives a teacher’s perspective – and she is an immersion teacher in Minneapolis!

For more information on the St. Cloud School District’s program, visit their page here, and watch their video:

 

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Free Language Materials

photo
Photo by Deb Craft

Deb Craft the Media Specialist for St. Michael-Albertville High School has free teaching materials titled, “El Chino De Hoy,” or “Chinese Today,” a bilingual edition Chinese with Spanish.  These brand new materials include workbooks, CDs (Levels I, II, and III) plus teacher manuals.  If you would be interested in any of these items please contact Deb directly by email at debracr@stma.k12.mn.us.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Recommended App: Word Lens

Word Lens lets you see the world in your language! Instantly translate printed words from one language to another with your built-in video camera, in real time! No network is required to operate the app; results appear immediately on your screen when you need it. It is best used on clearly printed large texts like signs or menus. Translated languages include: English, Spanish, Italian, and French. This app is available for most iOS devices 4.3 and later, and is optimized for iPhone 5. Additionally, the app is available for Android 2.3.3 (and up). It usually costs around $4.99. Want to learn more? Check out http://questvisual.com/us/ or watch this YouTube video.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Language Learning Courses for 60 Languages Now Available at GRRL Libraries

Pronunciator, the world’s largest language learning service, is now available free of charge at Great River Regional Library (GRRL). Through the library’s subscription, cardholders have access to Pronunciator at all 32 library locations and also from home.

Learners can choose from 60 languages in the Pronunciator database, including European languages, Arabic, Chinese, Croatian and Hebrew. Language learning through Pronunciator is self-guided and interactive with options for both written and spoken language. Users simply enter their native language, choose a language they want to learn, then select a unit and lesson. Three thousand courses are available with three million online lessons and a range of learning levels. The service also has 45,000 hours of MP3 files that users can download for learning on the go.

•             Pronunciator’s first level provides important vocabulary

•             the second provides important verbs in conjugation

•             the third combines them into simple sentences

•             the fourth includes phrases for tourists and travelers

•             the fifth is a virtual conversation mode.

A library card is required in order to establish an online account with Pronunciator. Computers are available at all GRRL locations. Please contact your local library to obtain a library card and determine local procedures for reserving computer time.

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) provides library services at 32 public libraries in Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd and Wright Counties. It provides Central Minnesota residents with nearly 1 million books, CDs and DVDs, 250 public computers, programming and information services.

Contact: Karen Pundsack

Patron Services Coordinator

320-650-2516