Woman selling onions at Urubamba Market, Peru (photo by Cindy Beams)
A time to savor -- the summer break!
Most schools have just let out for summer. A few months spread ahead for a delicious change of routine. A chance to read a favorite book. Reconnect with friends. Head out for adventure. Breaking the Barrier World Headquarters is full of activity as this is the time of year when many schools and families are gathering their resources for the coming fall. We want to offer you some special treats to brighten your summer and to whet your appetite for language learning. In this issue, we offer the following breaking news:
An "Ideal Lesson Plan" update, written by John Conner, tackling the intricacies of in-class writing
We are now on Facebook! 'Like' us and share with your friends!
An article and wonderful recipe from Cindy Beams, world traveler and BTB co-founder, who offers us a glimpse into her wonderful cookbook and her thoughts on cuisine as a reflection of culture.
A French cultural article We travel to Senegal and learn of a national cuisine with myriad influences.
A Spanish cultural article We venture to Colombia for the beautiful lights of the traditional holiday, El Día de las Velitas.
A great grammar article written for Think Spanish, explaining the differences between the verbs "ser" and "estar."
Our updated conference schedule for the remainder of 2011
Our latest news on the 2011 editions
John Conner, Cindy Beams & staff writer Connor MacKenzie
May your summer be full ofunexpecteddelights!
The Ideal Lesson Plan
Step Nine in the renowned teaching series
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What better way to share the
adventures of summer than to record them on paper? The fastest path to written fluency may be simpler than you think. Enjoy John Conner's inspiring thoughts on the art of in-class writing.
BTB on Facebook page. There, you'll be able to keep up to date with our latest developments, from language conference dates to new products. We'll keep you in the know on our travels and maintain a pipeline of interesting supplementary material. Moreover, it should prove to be a great forum for discussion on our series as well as teaching methods both in the classroom and at home. 'Like' us at BTB on Facebook.
"Back to Basics: So Swings the Culinary Pendulum"
An article and Peruvian recipe from Cindy Beams
Fish monger in Tucume, Peru (photo by Cindy Beams)
Cindy Beams's constant knack for exploration goes hand-in-hand with another of her talents: culinary art. This summer, we're lucky to have another one of 'Conchita's recipes,' -- this time for ceviche -- as well as her thoughts on the cultural importance of appreciating and savoring local food.
The enclosed article is truly a beautiful reflection on cooking and eating, inspired by Cindy's trip this past winter to the northern coast of Peru. She follows it up with her own take on one of Peru's national culinary treasures. ¡Buen provecho!
Roll up your sleeves and dig in. It's the fastest path to fluency!
Often new languages come to life, taking shape from existing tongues. Like language, national cuisine is created through the blending of other people's culture and experience. Let's venture to Senegal now to explore this fusion in a special cultural article, made available to us by our friends atThink French magazine. The accompanying questions and answers serve up a ready-made activity for class next fall.
An wonderful article on a traditional Colombian holiday
This inspiring celebration is both a state and religious holiday, yet the marvelous tradition of lights is more beauty than it is doctrine. Each region in Colombia has its own twist on the holiday, but no matter where you are for this day, the lighting displays prove to be spectacular. Join us as we travel to Colombia for the wonder of El Día de las Velitas.
An article of necessity from the archives of Think Spanish!
No matter where we are or what we're doing, the verb 'to be' is always in play. In Spanish, mastery of the differences between ser and estaris one of the first indications of an accomplished speaker. This article outlines the differences between these two critical verbs. You will enjoy John Conner's presentation of this theme as well as the little quiz that follows. Once again, it is a great activity for you to do in class.
We love comparing notes with teachers and homeschool families around the country at the many conferences we attend. This summer we'll be heading north of the border to the American Association of Teachers of French Conference in Montreal, Canada.
If you can't come to Montreal, come see us elsewhere. We may be coming to a conference center near you!
All of our French books underwent a careful editing during the past two years. The result? The much improved 2011 editions with updates to cultural information as well as accurate and precise writing on all pages. Our Advanced French book includes the new cultural readings and icons that direct students to the right track of the recently recorded audio CDs.
We also have updated the Spanish books. The 2010 and 2011 editions are identical in page numbers and in exercises / answers. The maps in the 2011 editions have some small changes, reflecting new population totals and changes in heads of states.
We are able to accept special orders for hard-cover editions of both our French and Spanish student editions. We will also be making our books available very soon in an electronic format. The cost will be the same as for the paper editions.
Often new languages come to life, taking shape from existing tongues. Like language, national cuisine is created through the blending of other people's culture and experience. Let's venture to Senegal now to explore this fusion in a special cultural article, made available to us by our friends at
