Nowadays, mastering a new language is so much fun—there are so many resources available! Depending on your learning style, you can design a work plan that fits your needs and time. With only five minutes a day, you can build a basic vocabulary that can even help you start a short conversation.

Following the Mantra: Repetition and Practice
In this global community, learning a new language can be very handy. With this approach, you are exposed to discovering new cultural traditions, a different way of living, and a new view of the world. For instance, do you like to cook? Maybe reading and investigating non-traditional ingredients in a recipe can help you learn culinary vocabulary. For example, do you know why "avocado" is called "palta" in some Spanish countries? You can find the answer in the program "Language Through My Kitchen: Latin Cuisine" by watching the following presentation on Facebook of the Peruvian dish “La Causa Limeña.”  (Video, 59:40 minutes)

Building a Vocabulary with Children’s Books
As a long time language learner, I recommend looking at children’s books as a tool to discover new content. Even if you don’t know some of  the words, you can understand the story through the sequence of the illustrations. This is a great way to compile a list of terms that you can investigate the meaning of at a later time. Also, reading bilingual books can help you build the basic vocabulary that you need in order to start a short conversation in no time.

La Historia de "Lucha y Lola"
This Spanish book was presented at this year's Latin American Book Fair (virtual 2020 edition). This is the story of two friends that live in Mexico who are sharing a roadmap of their adventures! It is written by Cynthia Kreilick,  illustrated by Alyssa Kreilick, and read by Veronica Ponce de León, storyteller and Mexican folk artist.

The Free Library Virtual Library
There are several databases that can help you start designing your work plan to learn, improve, or master this beautiful language. 

• Overdrive Sala de Lectura Electrónica en Español: Go to the "For Kids in Spanish" section and borrow an ebook. 
• TumbleBooks: Select "Language Learning" and you can find a wide selection of virtual books to read online.
• BookFlix: Click on the far right corner to change the booklist into Spanish. The ebooks are categorized by subjects: Animals and Nature, Earth and Sky, People and Places, ABCs and 123s, Adventure, Family and Community, Celebrations, Music and Rhyme, and Imagination.
• Mango Languages: Learn basic vocabulary through repetition of words and phrases.
• Duolingo: A fun way to learn a language and earn points in your progress.

Investing Only 5 Minutes a Day
Remember that practice is the recipe for success. To access the Free Library's databases, all you need is a library card and your pin number. Taking small steps every day can make you master the language of your dreams.

¡Aprenda Jugando!

#spanish #español #languages #cultures #latinamerican #diversity #culinary #peruvian #recipes