Spanish Lessons for Kids
As Latin American populations grow in the United States, Canada and even throughout Europe, more and more parents are becoming interested in having their children develop Spanish skills at an early age. Our Santa Ana program is quite well suited to accommodate families with children, big and small. This is why Spanish lessons for kids don't get any better than at our Learning Park.
In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of families come down to study Spanish. Out on our Santa Ana campus, Conversa has designed a
special Children's Program to accommodate entire families.
Here's how it works. Families can elect to stay with one of our Costa Rican host families in the town of Santa Ana, or to stay in one of two on-campus lodges ideal for families, La Casita or La Cabaņa (click here to get a better look at the different options) . Each suite in La Casita has two adjoining rooms and a full bath. There is also a shared living room, kitchen and patio area. However, all meals are prepared and served in the cafeteria. La Cabaņa is a single-family option, with two bedrooms, two baths, a living room and kitchenette, and beautiful private deck.
Children Learn Spanish
Children learn Spanish by participating in our Children's Program while their parents participate in either our Intensive Spanish Program (four hours per day), or our Super-Intensive Program (five and a half hours per day). When the old school bell rings at 8:30 a.m., Mom and Dad go to their Spanish class for two hours. At the same time, the kids go to their Spanish class for the same two-hour period. As with the adults, the class is conducted entirely in Spanish, and homework exercises are assigned.
The bell is rung again at 10:30 a.m. and we all break for half an hour. We go up to the "comedor" for breakfast. This is an opportunity for the family to come together. Fresh fruit, pancakes, French toast, empanadas, coffee, tea, a fruit drink - this would constitute a typical mid-morning break.
After the break, Mom and Dad return to class for a second two-hour block of classes. The children continue with their same instructor, but these next two hours are spent in a non-academic mode. The instructor uses a variety of inter-active recreational activities to expose the students to the language. These include nature walks, painting, drawing and coloring, board and card games, puzzles, ping pong and foosball.
We ring the bell again at 1:00 p.m. Everyone drifts back up to the comedor for lunch. Lunch is served from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. If anyone is in need of a special diet, our kitchen staff can assist you. He buys our food, prepares the menus and supervises the preparation of our meals.
After lunch, Conversa, Conversa provides a shuttle service back to Santa Ana at 2:00 p.m. However, students may opt to remain on campus for an additional hour and a half, doing homework, swimming or just relaxing. Then, they can return to Santa Ana via our 3:30 p.m. shuttle. Students can stay on campus beyond 3:30 p.m., but they are responsible for their own transportation back to Santa Ana - public bus, taxi, or a 40-minute hike.
Of course, week-ends are free. Our Housing/Travel Coordinator, Maria Jimenez (alias Gata) can assist you in making transportation and lodging arrangements. Very often, she can get you a good discount as well.
The Academic Program
Spanish Training Methodology
Get College Credit for Spanish Classes
Spanish Course List
- Spanish Lessons for Kids
- Spanish Lessons for Retirees
- Spanish for College Students
- Spanish for Professionals
- Customized Spanish Programs
Host Family Program
Spanish Program Prices
Volunteer Opportunities
Spanish Training Methodology
Get College Credit for Spanish Classes
Spanish Course List
- Spanish Lessons for Kids
- Spanish Lessons for Retirees
- Spanish for College Students
- Spanish for Professionals
- Customized Spanish Programs
Host Family Program
Spanish Program Prices
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a Fan