Spanish 
Every Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, and on the second and third Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, the Children’s Museum comes alive with the engaging stories, rhythmic music, and energetic games of Cuentos con Ritmo! Designed for children ages 1-5 and their caregivers, this educational program, partially sponsored by Redwood Credit Union, provides an immersive and fun environment for visitors to learn and celebrate the Spanish language.
In this post, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Cuentos con Ritmo, with insights from Guadalupe Tausch, the founder of Colors of Spanish and the adored host of this beloved program.
Meet Guadalupe Tausch
Guadalupe Tausch leads the way in inspiring the magic of language during Cuentos con Ritmo. With a Master’s degree in Spanish focusing on early acquisition of foreign languages, and over 20 years of experience teaching Spanish to children and young adults, Guadalupe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role.
In 2004, she cofounded Colors of Spanish, an organization dedicated to fostering language acquisition through programs that promote creativity, energy, and the spirit of play. In fact, Cuentos con Ritmo originates from ¡Canta Conmigo!, a music and movement program created by Colors of Spanish nearly two decades ago.
Today, Colors of Spanish also provides age-appropriate Spanish Classes and Tutoring and has partnered with numerous Preschools in Sonoma County providing interactive language-learning programs.
Cuentos con Ritmo: Explore Language Through Stories, Music, and Movement
During Cuentos con Ritmo, or “Stories with Rhythm,” children and their caregivers are immersed in a dynamic environment where language comes alive through interactive activities. This program offers an inclusive space where even the youngest Spanish language learners and fluent speakers alike can cultivate a positive relationship with the language.
Through engaging stories, music, movement, rhymes, and games, this language program provides a fun and energetic setting where children can interact with language naturally, and families can get resources to continue the learning process at home.
Interactive Storytelling
Interactive storytelling is a cornerstone of Cuentos con Ritmo, offering children an experience rich in creativity and imagination. Guadalupe emphasizes that books are essential tools for inspiring young minds, and the importance of reading stories with surprising and magical moments, to spark curiosity and excitement in children:
“Books are an essential vehicle to develop an individual’s creative thinking. In this case, Cuentos con Ritmo selects books that are simple, but with surprising and magical moments to stimulate learning and the imagination of each little reader.”
Guided by Guadalupe’s storytelling prowess, children become active participants, bringing characters to life and weaving exciting tales of wonder. Through the magic of storytelling, this program aims to spark a lifelong love for learning, language, and creative thinking.
Music and Movement
Music, rhymes, dancing, and movement are integral components of language learning during Cuentos con Ritmo. Traditional Latin American songs, such as “El Patio de Mi Casa/ The Patio of My House,” paired with lively activities invite children to actively engage their whole body and mind.
When asked how music and movement aid in language learning, Guadalupe highlights many of the benefits of creating a fun environment for children to learn:
“Music allows us to develop the ability to listen and express ourselves through the rhythm and context of the song. It is a way to develop language, improve concentration and cognitive skills, and it is extremely engaging for the children!”
Music and movement act as a gateway to language learning, while also making every session of Cuentos con Ritmo a celebration of self-expression, culture, and community.
Celebrating Language, Culture, and Community
From its inception, the curriculum of Cuentos con Ritmo has been designed to encourage language learning to happen naturally, without pressure or expectation. Guadalupe explains the program aims to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that every child feels valued and empowered in their language journey:
“One of the main objectives of Cuentos con Ritmo is that each family, whether Hispanic or non-Hispanic, has the opportunity to interact with language in a relaxed and friendly environment.”
Through age-appropriate books, lively music, and fun activities, children of all linguistic backgrounds are invited to explore, discover, and connect with the Spanish language at their own pace.
Building Community Through Language
The true magic of Cuentos con Ritmo lies in the sense of community it fosters. Families come together to share in the joy of language and culture, forging bonds beyond the Museum’s walls. When describing the atmosphere of the program, Guadalupe expresses immense gratitude to see families engaging with each other and cultivating friendships:
“We are honored to be a bridge of connection between cultures and families that have common goals. Some of the families that participate each week get to know each other, sharing their experiences about raising bilingual and multilingual children in the community, strengthening that bond that often leads to the beginning of a friendship.”
This program not only enriches language skills but also fosters meaningful connections within the community. The laughter and camaraderie that fill the room during each session are a testament to the power of language to bring people together.
Join Us for Cuentos con Ritmo at The Children’s Museum
Visit the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County and embark on a magical adventure with Cuentos con Ritmo! Whether your family is fluent in Spanish or looking to provide your little learner with early language exposure, this program offers something for everyone.
Come celebrate the beauty of language and culture through stories, music, and movement during Cuentos con Ritmo, every Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:00 am, and on select Saturdays from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.
Thank You, Redwood Credit Union!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Redwood Credit Union for their generous grant support, which has played a vital role in making Cuentos con Ritmo possible. With their contribution, we are able to bring the joy of storytelling, music, and play to children in our community every week. Thank you, Redwood Credit Union, for your commitment to enriching the lives of children through programs like this.
