Method - Spanish Workshop for Children

Spanish Workshop for Children’s dedicated instructors immerse their young pupils in the entire language. This approach follows the natural developmental pattern of first language acquisition. As a result, it enables new language skills to emerge naturally, when the child is ready—much as they do when children first learn to speak their native language.

By meticulously combining language input from the teacher with a focus on genuine communication as opposed to language form, our Spanish Workshop for Children program is carefully calibrated to match children’s developmental needs at every stage of the growth process. It embraces the notion that each child is unique and learns in his or her own way. It then incorporates teaching methodologies and modalities that meld with the various learning styles.

Learn by "doing"
Learn by having fun

The more fun it is to learn a language, the more a child will want to keep using it.
Learn with music and rhythms

Do you remember the songs you learned when you were a child? Most people do! That’s because music uses the entire brain. When combined with musicality, words are easier to learn.
Learn with movement

Children are kinesthetic learners. They like to imitate and act out, and Spanish Workshop for Children encourages them to do so.
Learn by reflecting

Children first absorb the language. Once they have internalized it, they begin to speak it.

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Testimonials

Susan Cordero

Philadelphia, PA

Hi Marcela, The class is going really great. You strive to use developmentally appropriate teaching strategies. This approach really makes an impact on both the kids and the moms. You always provide ways for parents to continue the learning process at home. Taking into considering that the attention span of the toddler is very short, you change the activities every 10 minutes. I really appreciate the reassurance you have provided along the way that my child is "taking it all in," even if Sofia appears not to be listening. I like having the written lesson plans so I can read through them when I am at home, without the distractions of the classroom. I really wouldn't change a thing. Even before I enrolled our child in the class, you corresponded with me numerous times. That one-on-one interaction truly swayed me to choose your language learning experience over others. It is readily apparent that you have put your heart and soul into planning these lessons. Thank you for the opportunity to learn from a real pro!!

Monica Spadea

Haverford, PA

Soy de Venezuela y mi esposo Americano, el no habla mucho español por lo que en casa nos comunicamos en inglés. Aunque yo le hablo exclusivamente español a nuestra hija Valentina (3 años), queríamos que ella lo aprendiera en una forma natural y divertida. "Spanish Workshop for Children" es justo lo que estábamos buscando, no solo para enseñarle español, sino también para exponerla a la cultura y costumbres latinas. Las clases de Marcela son creativas y educativas y desde que Valentina asiste a ellas ha demostrado una notable diferencia en el desarrollo de su español.

Siobhán Kane

26. July, 2024.

My oldest son has been attending Spanish Workshop for Children since 2010 and my young son since 2014. They have attended Spanish for Toddlers classes, Spanish Preschool and Spanish for Children. Both boys throughly enjoy the experience. The teachers we have met throughout the years have been very cognizant of the fact that we are not a native Spanish speaking household and have worked with us all by giving us a fantastic level of everyday use Spanish and a great love of the language.

Doug and Kristin Pfeil

26. July, 2024.

"Spanish Workshop for Children has been an invaluable experience for my two children, one in the Toddler Program and the other in the three hour Preschool. Not only are they learning another language through play and exciting curriculum, but they are exercising a part of their brain that is typically underutilized. The smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, while still providing plenty of opportunities for socialization. I love that material is e-mailed home weekly so that the family can reinforce what is being taught in class. The four instructors that we have had experience with over the years have been exceptional and have provided a welcoming environment for the children as well as the parents. My son cannot wait to return to the Summer Camp, it is his favorite part of the program."

Shayna Bayard

26. October, 2015.

The Spanish Workshop for Children has enriched my son's experience with language other than English. My four year old is always eager and exited about attending class each Saturday morning. As he continues with the Workshop, I look forward to witnessing his further grasp of the Spanish language.

Nina Rizzo

15. October, 2015.

I highly recommend Spanish Workshop to parents who want their children to learn to speak Spanish. My children have made tremendous strides since they joined the preschool class in September. The teachers are very enthusiastic, patient and loving. Moreover, they make learning fun. The weekly take-home materials help non-native speakers like me re-inforce the lessons at home and allow me to learn along with my children. It's been a great experience for us all.

Jennifer Wiley

Oreland, PA

Dear Marcela, When I adopted my daughter from Guatemala, I promised her that I would expose her to the Spanish language, even though at the time I wasn't sure how I would do this, being that I didn't speak the language. Thankfully, I found Marcela Summerville's Spanish Workshop for Children, which turned out to be exactly what we needed! This workshop is geared toward children, but the parents who attend with their children get just as much out of it. Our vocabulary has grown to at least 50 words in little more than and months, and most of all, we have a great time learning! Marcela knows the minds of children, and she gears her lessons according to age groups. In that way, she makes the class both fun and fitting to their attention spans. Every week I am amazed at how she keeps it all so fresh! I recommend Spanish Workshop for Children very highly!

Nina Rivera

East Falls, PA

Aunque yo hablo español con mi hija, Spanish Workshop for Children le provee una oportunidad para que ella oiga a otros hablando español y para que juegue con otros niños en español. Así el español no solo es el idioma de mami, sino que también es un idioma para jugar y comunicarse con otros. Marcela sabe como atraer y mantener la atención de lo niños pequeños, al mismo tiempo que entiende y tolera el comportamiento de los niños de esa edad, quienes no pueden estar sentados por mucho tiempo. En Spanish Workshop for Children los niños juegan, cantan, bailan, escuchan cuentos y hacen arte, dirigidos por Marcela en español.

Deborah Ahern Evans

Fort Washington, PA

The Spanish Workshop for Children provides a total immersion classroom environment where my daughter can listen to, speak, and sing in Spanish. She is definitely obtaining a level of comfort and confidence with the language. For instance, she is beginning to react automatically to commands given to her while playing games in Spanish, all without translating what was spoken into English. Ms. Summerville has an enormous amount of energy and is so entertaining that the children learn Spanish effortlessly. My favorite part of the class is her involvement of the parents. She works with parents to create an environment that is supportive of foreign languages at home. This emphasis increases the children's success in the program exponentially!

Susan Cordero

6. October, 2015.

Hi Marcela, I looked very hard for a Spanish program for my 18-month-old. 'Spanish Workshop for Children' is the only program that actually encourages children to start as early as possible. Marcela answered all of my questions about how children could learn to speak two languages at the same time. She emphasized over and over that children can learn to speak two languages without too much difficulty, as long as they are repeatedly exposed to the additional language in many different ways. Marcela's teaching style is very unique. She incorporates music, art, playtime, and culture into each session. All of the lessons are provided to parents in both Spanish and English translations. You don't even realize that you and your child are learning to speak Spanish! Marcela goes above and beyond, providing individual feedback to parents about how to tailor activities to their child's age. Most of all, I appreciate her suggestions on how to keep the learning process going at home. I was very impressed with Marcela's previous teaching experience. She seems to be constantly involved in the most up-to-date ways to educate children and adults on the importance of speaking Spanish. In addition, she provides parents with opportunities to obtain Spanish teaching tools (i.e., computer programs, stores to purchase educational books, and Spanish activities within the community).

Jules Catania

Haverford, PA

My son Sam started classes at The Spanish Workshop for Children when he was 18 months old. He is now 2 1/2 years of age and has learned so much in his year with the program. He loves to use his Spanish words and sing his Spanish songs. Neither my husband nor I are Spanish speakers, so Sam pushes me to keep up with his learning. Language is so natural for children his age and the immersion method that Marcella uses is truly the only way to successfully teach and learn a second language. Every week, Sam's Spanish vocabulary grows right along with his English vocabulary. Marcela plans out wonderful activities for the children, from arts and crafts projects to singing and dancing. Every week it is something new and exciting for the children. Sam always asks on our drive over to class, "Mama, what is Marcella going to do today?" I can only answer, "I don't know, sweetie, but it will be something fun!”

Monica Spadea

3. October, 2015.

Gina Mastrosimone

3. October, 2015.

Spanish Workshop for Children is a world class Spanish language immersion program and my daughter has made remarkable strides in becoming bilingual thanks to the the top-quality instructions from her teacher, Sra. Victoria! My daughter started with SWFC when she just turned 3 years old and has attended the preschool class as well as the summer camp for the last 2 years. When she started, she already had a wide vocabulary and good understanding of Spanish but she wasn't speaking. Within the first week, Sra. Victoria had her asking simple questions and within a month she was already speaking in paragraphs! Now she is even reading in Spanish! Sra. Victoria is very nurturing and has an interactive style that ensures the child is acquiring Spanish as a native-speaking child would. I am amazed at the progress my daughter has made and will be forever grateful to Sra. Victoria and Spanish Workshop for Children for helping my child become bilingual!

Molly Jones

3. October, 2015.

Many language programs talk to children in the given language and focus little attention on the child's verbalization.What I have found to be different, and much more effective, about the Spanish Workshop for Children is that the teachers' primary focus is to encourage the child to speak Spanish themselves.This recall has made all of the difference as both of my daughters now both have a reasonably extensive understanding of the language. Thank you Spanish Workshop!

Neha Shah

3. October, 2015.

Our two boys (ages 2.5 and 4.5) have been attending Spanish workshop for children for the last 18 months. It was important for us to expose our children to multiple languages at very early ages so as we believe it is extremely important to be bilingual and trilingual in this super-connected global world. The immersion program is very effective and the only way to learn another language! The teachers are so wonderful and caring, making learning Spanish so enjoyable for the children. I would highly recommend this program along with the summer camp to all parents in the Princeton and surrounding areas!

Simon Richter

Professor and Chair Department of German University of Pennsylvania and Tina Muller, Ph.D.

I've never seen total immersion for kids like this. Marcela takes the children on a journey into a Spanish-speaking world that engages their minds, their bodies, their imaginations, and their sense of fun. Marcela is the Peter Pan of Spanish-language immersion for children. Our son Toby has been completely captivated.

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