The AFA Blog

Raising Bilingual, Kindhearted Kids

Practical guidance on Spanish immersion, bilingual parenting, and early learning, from the educators at our Woodbury academy.

A child engaged in joyful imaginative play at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion in Woodbury
Bilingual Parenting

How to Keep Your Child's Spanish Alive Over Summer Break

Worried about the summer slide? Here are simple, joyful ways Woodbury families can keep a child's Spanish alive over summer break, no fluency required.

Juliana Capdevila
Children play on the outdoor playground at Alma Flor Ada Spanish immersion summer camp in Woodbury
Spanish Immersion

Summer Learning Loss Is Real. Here Is How Immersion Camps Help

Summer learning loss is real for preschoolers. See how Spanish immersion summer camps in Woodbury, MN keep your child's skills and language growing all break.

Melissa Thaemert
Young children learning together at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion in Woodbury
Bilingual Parenting

The Benefits of Bilingualism for Young Children (Backed by Research)

The benefits of bilingualism for young children include stronger thinking skills, academic gains, empathy, and lifelong opportunity. Here is what research shows.

Juliana Capdevila
A joyful classroom moment during the day at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury
Early Learning

A Day in the Life at a Spanish Immersion Academy

A Spanish immersion preschool daily schedule from drop-off to pickup at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury, MN: circle time, centers, meals, rest, and more.

Melissa Thaemert
A native Spanish-speaking teacher leading a lesson at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury
Spanish Immersion

How the 90/10 Spanish Immersion Model Works

A clear, parent-friendly explanation of the 90/10 Spanish immersion model: what it means, when teachers use English, why it works, and what you'll notice at home.

Juliana Capdevila
A welcoming classroom space at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion in Woodbury
Choosing a Preschool

What to Look for in a Spanish Immersion Preschool

How to choose a Spanish immersion preschool: a practical tour checklist covering immersion percentage, native-speaking teachers, ratios, safety, culture, and tuition.

Melissa Thaemert
A child thriving at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion in Woodbury
Choosing a Preschool

Is a Spanish Immersion Preschool Right for Your Child?

Wondering is Spanish immersion right for my child? An honest, founder's guide to who thrives, common worries, and how to decide, from Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury.

Lucilla Davila
Children building early literacy skills at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury
Early Learning

Will My Child Be Ready for Kindergarten After Spanish Immersion?

Yes. Here's how Spanish immersion builds real kindergarten readiness, why English does not fall behind, and how children transition into kindergarten.

Juliana Capdevila
A parent and child together at Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion in Woodbury
Bilingual Parenting

Do You Need to Speak Spanish at Home for Immersion to Work?

No, you do not need to speak Spanish at home for immersion to work. Here's why, plus simple ways any family can support a bilingual child.

Juliana Capdevila
The entrance to Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota
Choosing a Preschool

Spanish Immersion Preschool in Woodbury, MN: A Parent's Guide

A clear, local guide to Spanish immersion preschool in Woodbury, MN: how it works, what it costs, the right age to start, and how to know if it fits your family.

Lucilla Davila
Children enjoying summer activities at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury
Programs

Spanish Immersion Summer Camps in Woodbury

Spanish immersion summer camp in Woodbury, MN: 12 weeks of bilingual adventures blending STEM, art, music, and outdoor play for current and new AFA families.

Melissa Thaemert
A toddler exploring and learning at Alma Flor Ada in Woodbury
Early Learning

Starting Spanish Immersion at 16 Months: What to Expect

Starting toddler Spanish immersion at 16 months is an ideal time to begin. Here is what a day looks like, how language develops, and how separation is supported.

Melissa Thaemert

See it in person

The best way to understand Spanish immersion is to visit. Schedule a tour of our Woodbury academy and meet the team.