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SanTan Sun News

Although she is bilingual and speaks English very well, Pereira said she never mastered writing English and speaks with an accent.

She knows the importance of being bilingual though. So she and her husband, Stephen Barnes, opened Casa del Nino Bilingual Montessori School in Chandler in August 2012. Their goal is to have students who are fully bilingual—which she said means they can read, write, comprehend and speak two languages without an accent.

Pereira said about 65 students ages 2 through 9 attend the school, which she called the area’s only truly bilingual Montessori school.

Because she wants students to learn to understand people with different Spanish accents, Pereira said she hires teachers from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Guatemala, Mexico and Chile. One teacher in each classroom must be born and raised in the United States, while the other is native to Latin America.

In the pre-primary classroom for children ages 2 and 3, Pereira said the main focus is to train the brain to understand Spanish.

In the primary class, which is for kids ages 3 to 5, Pereira said the students start to learn to read and write in both languages and, by the end of kindergarten, they can also speak Spanish in small sentences.

Lower and upper elementary students continue their bilingual education while learning a variety of subjects including social studies, science, math and more.

“Young children don’t discriminate between a first and second language; they just accept that there are two words for everything, like ‘table’ in English and ‘mesa’ in Spanish,” she said

When Spanish is introduced to children younger than 7, they will simply end up having two native languages.

In addition to learning a second language fluently, Pereira said there are many other benefits for children being bilingual.

“Children who are bilingual can comprehend words better than people with just one language; they are all at a very high level of comprehension,” she said.

“They are also very open to new cultures and people who look different, so socially being bilingual is a great benefit because the children have an open mind.”

Phoebe Walsh, 9, is in her fifth year of bilingual education. Pereira said that Phoebe, who is in fourth grade, can already speak Spanish in the present, future and past tenses.

“She can also spell better in Spanish than in English and she is already learning Spanish at a high school level,” Pereira said.

Phoebe, whose favorite subject is math, said she likes attending a bilingual school.

“I like my teachers because they are nice, and I have English in the mornings and Spanish in the afternoons,” she said.

Although she talks mostly in English with her friends at school, Phoebe said she speaks Spanish with a young boy who is from Spain.

Phoebe also enjoys speaking Spanish at home to her mom, who is not bilingual and, admittedly, is not sure what she is saying.

“I also like to make my mom read books in Spanish,” she said.

Phoebe said she hopes to continue learning a second language.

“I want to learn more Spanish when I get older, and I want to travel to different places,” she said.

That said, Phoebe would follow the trend that children who become bilingual at an early age feel comfortable moving to another country as adults.

“It’s normal for them to feel they can live in another country because they are already bilingual, and they have been relating to this other culture their whole life,” she said.

“They don’t feel like they belong to a country; they feel more like they belong

to the world.”

Casa del Nino Bilingual Montessori School is located at 2625 W. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 6, in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 963-2550 or visit casadelnino.co.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.

RESOURCES

Websites

http://bit.ly/1wp46mF

http://to.pbs.org/1Vuu6ra

Books

“The Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second Language,” by Dr. Kendall King and Dr. Alison Mackey

“7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child,” by Dr. Naomi Steiner and Dr. Steven Parker

“Be Bilingual—Practical Ideas for Multilingual Families,” by Annika Bourgogne

Phoebe Walsh said she likes learning Spanish at Casa del Nino Bilingual Montessori School in Chandler. She hopes to use her Spanish skills when she’s older to travel to other countries. Submitted photo

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Birds of a Feather Gallery, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. This summer exhibition celebrates the birds that make Arizona home or a migration stop to some exotic location. Featured artists come from around Arizona and the United States and work with a variety of media ranging from nature photography to abstract sculpture. Visitors will also enjoy displays and interactive programs from exhibition collaborators including ASU’s Art Museum and School of Life Sciences. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-2829, www. tempe.gov.

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Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This indoor play area is designed for children 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

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Game On, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Relax with your fellow teens for two hours of afterschool gaming fun. Teens meet at the library every Wednesday afternoon to play games and socialize. No registration required. Tempe Public Library— Storytime Room, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-5500, www.tempe.gov

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Family Night at the TRC, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first and third Wednesdays of the month enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $5 registration fee. For more information contact Michael Fenzel, (480) 782-2908, www.chandleraz.gov/breaktime.

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Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This indoor play area is designed for children ages 5 and younger to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

3 The Painted Pot, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Create a masterpiece on a clay pot. Designed for participants 15 years and older, it’s a wonderful night full of art and friends. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned pro, spend a wonderful night full of art and friends. Participants must bring their own 10- to 12-inch clay pot to class. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

3 Discovering Outer Space, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a journey through space and an introduction to astronomy led by an amateur astrophysicist. Take a walk through Veterans Oasis Park and explore the vast solar system we call home. The class will conclude with a telescopic viewing of the beautiful night sky. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed.

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STEAM, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Explore science, technology, engineering, art and math through interactive and exciting activities. Ages 6 to 11. Downtown Library Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware

St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

ECO Explorers, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Leave no stone unturned on a journey to discover the dynamic systems that occur in our gardens and different ecosystems. Explore plants, animals and processes through activities that may include crafts, movement and experiments and stories. Learn about vegetables through observation and identification, a story and explore nature through an experiment. Environment Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $7 to $10 registration fee; $5 instructor/ supply fee. (480) 782-2895, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.

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Lil’ Gardener, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute apron and paint a ceramic pot while wearing your new garden fashion statement. Each class is a stand-alone class, however, a variety of aprons will be made, so feel free to sign up for multiple classes. For participants ages 7 to 13. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed

“Cinderella” Puppet Show, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Everyone’s favorite fairytale told with elegant hand puppets and two little mice rod puppets. One of the most popular shows of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, “Cinderella” was awarded the UNIMA-USA Citation for Excellence in the Art of Puppetry. Tempe Public Library—Meeting Room A, 3500 S. Rural Rd., Tempe. Registration required, contact tplprograms@tempe.gov. (480) 350-5500, www.tempe.gov

5 Kayaking and Canoeing, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The slow movement of a canoe or kayak on a scenic lake can be both a restful and an invigorating experience. Learn how to safely use these simple watercrafts by experts from AZ Game and Fish. For ages 10 years and older. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $3 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.

Muffins and Mom, 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Come make muffins with your mom. Spend time mixing up batter and baking tasty treats. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov.

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Meet the Creature, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In this interactive program, children will get up close and personal with live animals while receiving a fun lesson in wildlife rescue and conservation. Each program features different, fascinating animals from around the world. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.

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LEGO Club, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The library supplies the LEGO, you supply the imagination. Ages 5-12. Downtown Library Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. Registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary. org.

Teen Book Lovers Club, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join fellow book lovers in discussing an array of books and get the chance to read and review books before they are published. Ages 12-18. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Teddy Bear Sleepover, 10:10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.

Children are asked to bring their stuffed animal to preschool storytime Wednesday, Sept. 9. Animals will stay the night and need to be picked up on Thursday during preschool storytime. See what happens when stuffed animals spend the night at the library. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Call for charge. (480) 782-2800, www. chandlerlibrary.org.

The Mojo Farmers, 7 p.m. This Tempe rock band has been kicking out the jams for more than 15 years. In their music, they follow the belief that variety is the spice of life. It’s a fun and family friendly performance. Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., Tempe. Free. (480) 350-5100, www.tempe.gov.

Bikes, Bounce and Boogie, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Come enjoy bikes, pedal cars, trikes, pedal push cars and a bounce house and music for children to enjoy. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Pre-registration fee required. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.

Exploring Colossal Cave in Tucson, 9 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. Looking for an adventure? This unique, off the beaten path field trip for ages 8 to 13 will explore one of Tucson’s greatest attractions— Colossal Cave Mountain Park. Bring plenty of water and snacks and wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing to meet any weather conditions. Trip includes transportation, but prepare to purchase or bring lunch. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all participants must register. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $31 to $41 registration fee. (480) 7822890, www.chandleraz.gov.

Grandparents Day Breakfast Celebration, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Grandkids and their grandparents can come celebrate with breakfast from IHOP and Starbucks. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call for charge; registration required. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Junior Animal Scientist, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Explore the wondrous human and animal bodies in this fun, hands-on, multisensory modalities class. This class is for curious kids who wonder what makes us tick. Participants must be between 6 to 12 years old. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $6 to $10 registration fee. (480) 7822890, www.chandleraz.gov.

Community Nights in the Courtyard, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Teens will have a chance to express their artistic creativity in hip-hop dancing, poetry and urban artwork. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $2 to $5 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz. gov.

Friday Feeding Frenzy, 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join the EEC staff for a live animal feeding. Meet the animals in the nature center and learn about their diets. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz. gov/eec.

Talk like a Pirate Day, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The library will have pirate-inspired crafts, book reading, cartoons and treasure hunt. A parrot will make a special appearance. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Call for charge. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

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The Teen Scene, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Hang out with friends, play games, grab a spot to study, use a laptop or just munch on some snacks. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Upcycled Headbands, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Have a favorite T-shirt that you can no longer wear? Upcycle it into two stylish headbands by using a Celtic knot and a five strand braid. Participants should bring at least one T-shirt and scissors. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. $6 to $9 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov.

Teen Create-Space, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an open, create-friendly environment where teens are invited to create projects like crochet, coding, duct tape art, 3D printing/3D Pen Doodling and more. Ages 12-18. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www. chandlerlibrary.org.

Science Matters Super Science Show, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Science Matters needs your help to solve the mystery of the missing mascot. Use forensic science skills to solve the mystery and become a chemical detective. You can become a science super sleuth. Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. $2 to $3 registration fee. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz. gov.

Fall Seed Swap, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fall planting season is here. Come share seeds and seed starts, meet local gardeners and exchange gardening tips. You can participate even if you do not bring seeds. Envelopes and markers will be provided. Participants can be of all ages. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Rd., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, www.chandlerlibrary.org.

Plants, People and the Environment, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Since people have been on Earth, there has been a relationship between humans and plants. Take a guided walk through Veterans Oasis Park and learn about the importance of native plants to culture, food, medicine, tradition, arts and crafts, and music. The terrain is easy and will teach you the study of ethnobotany. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $8 to $11 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

Vertuccio Farm Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. This festival includes a 10-acre scarecrow-themed corn maze, 1800s family variety show, giant tube slide, rubber duck races and spider web crawl, bounce house, mini hay maze, barrel train, pumpkin patch and farm animals. For adults, test your strength on histriker, race pedal cards, and jump on the extreme air pillow, walk through the farm and discover where pizza comes from, kettle korn, fry bread, and barbecue. Vertuccio Farm, 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa. $9 and free for ages 2 and younger. (480) 882-1482, www.vertucciofarms.com.

Fishing Trip, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pack a lunch and catch a ride up to Tonto Creek for some premium trout fishing. City of Chandler staff will transport you up to Tonto Creek and share some “secret” and favorite fishing holes. Just bring your fishing gear and valid AZ fishing license. Participants must be 6 years or older. Veterans Oasis Park’s Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. $10 to $14 registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov/eec.

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Fall INTERSESSION YOUTH CAMPS

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 9

Don’t let your kids be home alone or bored all break - enroll them in our fun and affordable youth programs! Qualified staff will engage kids in sports, games, arts & crafts, skits, youth development activities and special events. Morning, afternoon, or full day sessions are available at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Snedigar Recreation Center and the Environmental Education Center.

This heart-pumping BMX Bike Event is for bike riders and enthusiasts ages 12 to 18 and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, at Chandler’s Bike Park located in Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Road. Admission is $3 residents and $5 for non-residents.

Fall S W I M OPPORTUNITIES

We offer hundreds of opportunities for you and your family to discover hidden talents, develop new skills and have fun through our classes, programs and events. For a complete listing of upcoming activities or for more information on programs highlighted below pick up Break Time magazine at Chandler facilities,

This special event celebrates these beautiful insects through guided walks, hands-on crafts and presentations. Walks are approximately 15-minutes in duration and the terrain is easy. Don’t miss this fun-filled, family-friendly special event on Saturday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Environmental Education Center.

Summer may be over, but swim lessons are still available at four of our six aquatic centers! Already know how to swim? Consider signing up for one of our youth or adult stroke development classes. Visit www.chandleraz. gov/registration for more information and to sign up.

THIRD THURSDAY OCTOBER - DECEMBER

Visit the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park for this FREE lakeside entertainment series good for the whole family! Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and food. Snacks and beverages will be available for a small fee.

Family NIGHT AT THE TRC

Enjoy a variety of different recreational activities and entertainment the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. For more information contact the TRC at 4780-782-2900

Celebrate Grandparents Day at Hamilton Library

By Meghan McCoy

Grandparents and their grandchildren will have an

to bond over a catered breakfast, crafts and photos this

Hamilton Public Library, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., is hosting a Grandparents Day event from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, a day before the national celebration. It will feature a catered pancake breakfast from IHOP, a visit from its mascot and beverages from Starbucks. The free breakfast is being offered to the first 50 people who register by Friday, Sept. 11, at www.chandlerlibrary.org or by calling (480) 782-2828.

“The local IHOP across from us said we would love to get the word out,” about the event, said Hannah Verdin, Chandler Public Library assistant.

A card-making station for kids and a photo

booth to capture cherished memories will also be available. Library staff will read stories about grandparents and pancakes.

“It will be a relaxing day to spend Grandparents Day,” Verdin said.

The reasoning for the event is twofold—to celebrate the day and to bring seniors into the library.

“It’s nice to have a program to draw them in once in a while,” she said.

The Chandler Public Library system offers hundreds of programs for kids, including weekly storytime, afterschool programs, Children’s Theme Club and Minecraft.

Meghan McCoy is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.