How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo Se Dice?
on Goodreads (317)
What’s inside...
Hello! ¡Hola! Some people speak Spanish. Some people speak English. Although we may not speak the same language, some things, like friendship, are universal! Follow two young giraffes as they meet, celebrate, and become friends. This bilingual tale from Angela Dominguez, How Do You Say? / ¿Cómo Se Dice?, will have readers eager to meet new friends and amigos.
Age
0-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Giraffe 1
Discussion points
What are some ways the two giraffes help each other in the story?
How do you think the giraffes felt when they first met each other?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend who was different from you? How did you feel?
Why is it important to learn about new languages and cultures?
How do you say 'hello' in a language other than your own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the value of friendship and cultural diversity highlighted in the book. Ask them to relate their own experiences of meeting new people to the story. Show interest in their answers and share your own stories to make the conversation more interactive and personal. Emphasize that learning new languages can be fun and a great way to make new friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Bilingualism
Explanation: The story showcases two giraffes, one who speaks English and the other Spanish, learning to communicate. It emphasizes the beauty of mastering another language.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to learn and respect multiple languages, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Friendship Across Cultures
Explanation: Despite initially speaking different languages, the two giraffes find common ground and build a friendship, showing that language isn't a barrier to relationships.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, promoting empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Value of Patience and Learning
Explanation: As the giraffes teach each other their respective languages, the story demonstrates the patience required in learning and teaching.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be patient and supportive with others who are learning new skills, whether academic or social.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The giraffes' willingness to explore each other's languages represents the broader theme of curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore new ideas, cultures, and languages, enhancing their cognitive and social development.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: Through their interaction, the giraffes learn to communicate effectively despite language barriers, highlighting different forms of communication like body language and sounds.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of effective communication and adaptability in expressing themselves with others who may not share the same language.