Learning for little ones

“Maracas, burbujas and perros” were the perfect combination of fun for some of Yuma County's littlest library patrons Thursday.

“Maracas, bubbles and doggies” are just some of the things children up to 5 years old now have an opportunity to hear about during bilingual story time, a new program through the Yuma County Library District.

During the second session Thursday, about 10 children had a chance to listen to Mayra Corona, otherwise known as Miss Mayra, read several stories in both English and Spanish.

Corona said it's important for all children today to learn multiple languages. “Any step toward that ... is a plus.”

The bilingual story time is free and offered at the Yuma Main Library every Thursday starting at 6 p.m.

Parents Griselda and Francisco Bacio and their daughters, Katyia and Sofia, have attended both sessions since story time started and heard about the program just by taking the girls to the library.

“I think it helps them to socialize with the other kids, not to mention learning two languages,” Griselda said.

And as bilingual parents, it's very important that their children speak multiple languages, they said.

Francisco Bacio said “nowadays, you need to learn two, three languages. It's a must.”

And it's not just the books Corona reads. There are also songs in Spanish and English.

The children learn body parts with the Hokey Pokey and other words with “La Pequeña Araña” or the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”

Then, there's everyone's favorite time: the burbujas - the bubbles.

The bubbles float down from the ceiling, an effect created by a bubble machine, allowing everyone an opportunity to try to catch some bubbles.

And when it's time for the bubbles to stop, there a Spanish song about popping them.

Whether kids are helping Corona read a story, sing a song or playing with bubbles, the bilingual story time is a chance for the children to have real exposure to two languages. Corona said that through using all the senses, it's a great way to help the children to learn.

And Corona said the books she reads come from their very own Spanish book section at the library. What used to not be a big selection is on the rise.

“It's growing,” she said with pride.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.