Spanish Language Podcasts for Kids
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Lauren Barack -- School Library Journal, 11/17/2008 9:13:00 AM
Take one cartoon puppy, mix in some classic fairy tales in Spanish, and the result is Cody’s Cuentos, a podcast series that aims to teach K–12 students Spanish.The series features tales from the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and Charles Perrault. Here children can listen to Caperucita Roja (Little Red Riding Hood), Gatos con botas (Puss 'n Boots) and even La Cenicienta (Cinderella), among others, all shepherded by a dog named Cody, who guides children through the site.
The podcasts are recorded in Spanish and are meant to immerse students in the language through a story they love. The cuentos—meaning stories or tales, in Spanish—range from beginner to advanced. While children can find classics on the site, there are also regional cuentos, and original ones as well.
Although the site assumes that most listeners have a modicum of understanding of the Spanish language, parents and educators who want to further the experience of listening to the podcasts can purchase a transcription of many of the tales, which come with worksheets that include definitions of Spanish words, questions and answers to help with comprehension, grammar tips, and even practice exercises.
The stories, for now, are free. But fans who want to thank Cody for his helpfulness are invited to donate some virtual doggie biscuits, via the site’s PayPal link.
