¡Bienvenidos! 2023 is my first year at CKS and 13th year overall teaching. I was born and raised in Mexico where I, as a younger student, witnessed passion, benevolence and afection in my formative years. Those memories influenced my decision, later in life, to pursue a career in Child Development. I graduated in Early Childhood Development and Adolescent Psychology from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California in 2012, where I also studied English, Math and Art. I have worked with different grades and taught in diverse school settings including Immersion Programs and Spanish in elementary schools. I consider myself a ‘forever student’, eager to build on my academic foundations and practical knowledge through continued coursework and professional development. I enjoy quiet evenings at home and long walks around town; I love music, world flavors, warm conversations and great coffee. I live in South Lake Union with my husband and our 17-year old dog 'Bebe'.

Children are active learners. They evolve when their needs are met. I believe that learning a second language through music, observation and participation will enable children to excel in school and succeed in life. I believe that a well balanced and challenging curriculum (with a focus on physical and mental experiences) will promote interest in children to acquire knowledge and understanding. Learning is the result of the combination of physical experience, social interaction and reflection. For these reasons, I will develop practices that use modeling to help students gain knowledge and equip them when facing novel situations or problems. I will celebrate with them each day's accomplishments and team up with them to fall in love with Spanish.

When designing curriculum and materials, I seek to exert confidence and engagement in all students so they reap the benefits of brain function (memory, concentration, social skills).

Children will learn basic vocabulary and simple grammar thru music, dance, games and bilingual story telling. They will learn the basics of the Spanish language memorizing words such as colors, numbers, parts of the body, animals, clothes and food, among others.

Students will develop a strong foundation in Spanish thru individual or group participation. Students will learn Spanish using a variety of printed materials and by writing and reading in the target language, interacting with cultural competence, and having fun, using Spanish for intellectual enrichment.

Students will write and read short paragraph stories, as well as memorize Bible verses. Individual participation or in group is crucial at this age thru reading and answers of questions in paperwork, or by writing answers on the board. Occassionally, they will be given tests and quizzes to help them develop deeper understanding of the Spanish language. The objective is to prepare students for higher level Spanish while they are in middle school and for when they enter high school.

Thus far this year, we have assembled to observe important or significant events with a gathering or other enjoyable activities. We commemorated "Mexican Independence Day" in September and "The Day of The Dead" in November breaking Pan de Muerto bread (mexican bread). In December, we celebrated "Las Posadas", a Christmas tradition in Spanish speaking countries, with a pinata.