HELLO....WHAT'S YOUR NAME?

"Hello" and "What's your name", are usually the first two things that Dominicans will say when asked if they speak English. Lately I have noticed that the younger generation of Dominicans all have a great desire to learn the English language.  A highly needed skill to be able to work in the hotels, and in the tourist industry.  We decided to begin teaching English to our kids at Dominicanada as soon as possible.  I know from experience that it was much more difficult for me to pick up the Spanish language as an adult.  My daughter on the other hand was fluent by the age of three.  So little by little we will introduce basic grammar, conversation, games and songs in English. 

This week we had our first English class on things to wear, and things in the neighbourhood.  The kids were very attentive.  They recognized words that sounded very similar in both languages.  Pants are pantalones, lamp and lampara were easy as well.  They walked around practicing all morning, and it was cute to see them imitating me.  I was thrilled to see that they can already put together little phrases.
Eventually we will use Skype to bring our donors live from Canada into the Centre to have actual conversations with their sponsored child. We're looking forward to the day the kids can communicate directly with our sponsors.