Nature for Kids

Gr 2–6—Using a total immersion approach, this involving video presents basic Spanish vocabulary through scenes on the African savannah. Twelve chapters feature lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, elephants, rhinos, assorted birds, and hoofed animals such as gazelles to introduce basic words and concepts. Comparative adjectives (taller, shorter, larger, smaller), colors, action verbs, and other building-block language elements are introduced and reinforced via the lives and activities of the animals. Words are used in sentences that describe the action of each scene, and then the highlighted vocabulary is pronounced clearly and spelled onscreen. The delineation of words relating to colors is especially good. For example, the color "verde" is spelled out in green. The soundtrack music is especially effective, ranging from a New Age sound opening the video to the thunderous track accompanying the section on action verbs. While this may not be the best introductory fare for the youngest children, it can be used to supplement more basic programs, such as the "Kids Love Spanish" series (Brock Sisters Prod.). It will certainly well serve older elementary graders who already have some Spanish vocabulary under their belts.—Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA