Episode 80
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(November 16, 2010) IDRA has developed a unique bilingual (Spanish/English) set of early childhood materials that is based on the art of storytelling. Semillitas de aprendizaje focuses on literacy development and has culturally-relevant materials for 3- and 4-year-old children. Juanita García, Ph.D., an IDRA education associate, and Nilka Avilés , Ed.D., an IDRA senior education associate, describe the first set of theme-based materials that is available, 10 big books, and how they’ve been used with teachers to align with Head Start competencies and Ellen Galinsky’s seven life skills every child needs. Juanita and Nilka are interviewed by Christie Goodman, APR, IDRA communications manager. Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or fill out form online at www.idra.org/Podcasts. Sign up to receive free e-mail notices when new episodes are available.

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See resource links and show notes. (13.3 MB; 00:14:24 min.)

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Resources

Semillitas de aprendizaje
Semillitas de aprendizaje is a unique bilingual (Spanish/English) set of early childhood materials by the Intercultural Development Research Association that is based on the art of storytelling. Semillitas de aprendizaje focuses on literacy development and has culturally-relevant materials for 3- and 4-year-old children. The series includes a set of 10 big books, a set of 10 corresponding small readers, cartitas series – letters home with family activities, a set of 15 preschool math and self concept books, and a curriculum for teachers. The big books are the first in series available for purchase.

Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
By Ellen Galinsky

Video Interview with Ellen Galinsky
Ellen Galinsky speaks to Katie Couric about her new book, Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs

Show Notes

* Juanita offers an overview of IDRA's new Semillitas de aprendizaje materials, including their connection to storytelling and Head Start competencies.

* Juanita explains how the refreshed bilingual curriculum meets specific educational needs, and how they align with Ellen Galinsky's Seven Essential Life Skills.

* Juanita shares some of the 10 stories in the Semillitas de aprendizaje, including La Chamaca Machaca.

* Juanita and Nilka sing a song that was inspired by the “Chamaca” story, and explain how how music is integrated into the curriculum.

* Juanita and Nilka talk about the range of academic classroom activities in the Semillitas materials: from music and phonics to English, math, and art.

* Juanita and Nilta discuss how teachers can make use of the Semillitas framework in building “foundation skills” with young students.

Show length: 14:24

Related podcasts

Supporting Parents of Preschoolers – May 25, 2010

Building Critical Thought through Children’s Literature – February 2, 2009

Early Childhood Classrooms of Excellence – April 4, 2007

A Model for Successful Reading Instruction – December 4, 2006

Early Literacy Development for English Language Learners – April 17, 2008

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