Spanish Interactive Program for Young Learners Created by Scotch Plains Mom

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In 2002 Seewald, a New Jersey native, was awarded a small county-based grant, and MARACAS was launched as a program in the Scotch Plains/Fanwood, New Jersey, recreation department. Since its inception the MARACAS methods and curriculum has been embraced by hundreds of students throughout Central Jersey and elsewhere, including several private preschools and parochial elementary schools in New Jersey.

L. Verga said about her daughters MARACAS experience, She had so much fun and did not even realize she was learning in the process the best way to learn. She loved the crafts and music especially. Not only has my daughter become more aware of different cultures/countries, she educates her parents every night on something new! She has been saying gracias, adis, etc. in place of English!

The MARACAS program is by far one of the best available for elementary Spanish instruction, said Michele Schreiner, Ed.D., World Languages Supervisor for the Egg Harbor Township, N.J., School District. Learners in a MARACAS program will be surrounded with meaningful language and will come to understand the language through concrete experiences.

“We loved our mixed-age homeschool Maracas classes, said Tobi Feldman, homeschool parent. “Learning Spanish was fun and engaging at all levels. I particularly appreciated the projects/games the children made which encouraged carryover of the lesson between classes. My children still play the games and sing the songs they learned!

The MARACAS Spanish interactive program connects language to real life experiences as well as the many academic experiences that are an authentic part of young children’s lives each day. MARACAS Las Cuatro Estaciones contains 25 classroom tested, Multiple Intelligences based lessons divided into four units by the seasons. They are embedded with positive messages and motivational ideas to empower children to be great learners, community members, and citizens of the world. With music at the heart of this interactive learning program, children experience the sounds and rhythms of Spanish through the diverse genres of MARACAS music featured in 22 original songs, available on a CD, which is sold separately.

The MARACAS Las Cuatro Estaciones curriculum and CD are now available at www.maracas123.com. A sample lesson and song can be downloaded at http://www.maracas123.com/curriculum-cds/.

Author Amanda Seewald serves on the boards of two professional organizations, as the New Jersey State Representative for the National Network for Early Language Learning, and provides workshops and trainings to teachers, parents, and students across the country.

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