INSTITUTO CHAC-MOOL
Cuernavaca, Mexico
Cuernavaca, Mexico
Year Round Programs for Children
What is there for kids to do in Cuernavaca, Mexico? LOTS OF FUN THINGS!
Instituto Chac-Mool offers two children's Spanish programs year round for ages as young as 4-5 years*. The programs are created specifically for young learners to keep them active and engaged while learning Spanish. The class hours are weekdays 8:50 am to 1:50 pm, same as the adult program, and the children may join evening school-wide activities such as Mexican cooking classes, as well as weekend excursions. Instituto Chac-Mool has comfortable homestay families with several rooms available to welcome families such as yours into their homes. If you'd like to arrange your own private rental, www.cuernavacainfo.com offers rental properties, including some near the school. During the summer weeks you will find the most children at Instituto Chac-Mool, however we offer these programs at any time of year. July 2009 offers a special opportunity for the students to interact with local Mexican children. July is when Mexican children are out of school and many come to Instituto Chac-Mool to learn English. After daily lessons all children get together for educational and fun activities and, we hope, to form friendships. Instituto Chac-Mool offers two different Spanish programs for children, in addition to our popular Teen Program. We require at least one parent or a designated guardian to also be studying at Instituto Chac-Mool.
* Note: For those 4 years of age, acceptance into program isn't guaranteed. Please contact us to find out if your young child is accepted in this program.
Introduce your child to the Spanish language and culture of Mexico with Programa Amiguitos at Instituto Chac-Mool. In this day camp type program, children learn Spanish words and phrases through educational, yet fun activities which include matching games, story telling, speaking, drawing, creative thinking, acting, and guessing. With emphasis on cultural immersion, the thematic approach assures that each student is challenged at their own level utilizing diverse themes, such as animals, ecology, and ocean life. As part of the learning process the children may make items such as Maya and Aztec calendars, bark paintings, masks and Aztec headdresses, play soccer, and learn how to protect our planet. All activities are age appropriate and classes are limited to 8 children per qualified children's instructor. We recommend 12 year olds enroll in the teen classes (although not required).
More demanding than the Programa Amiguitos, the Junior Spanish Program has been created for children who have had previous exposure to Spanish such participating in a dual immersion program at school. The Junior Program offers a balanced 25 hour weekly schedule during the same hours as the adult program. It combines structure and role play activities with workshops, social activities, sports, and with parental approval, guided field trips. The program has an academic foundation with a strong emphasis on developing communication skills in Spanish. To be able to assimilate well into a high school Spanish class we recommend a three or four week program, however students may enroll for as short as one week. The size of each group is no larger than 6 students per specially trained instructor. All students are placed in a small group based on their Spanish ability determined by an oral interview on the first day of class. We recommend 12 year olds enroll in the teen classes (although not required). This very special Junior Spanish Program is offered year round.
What to bring:
For your child's safety, a doctor is always on call, and a hospital is just 5 minutes from Instituto Chac-Mool. Your child's classes will be in one of two locations, either at the same building where adult Spanish classes are given, or directly across the neighborhood street (summer only). Buildings are gated and only students, staff and approved visitors are allowed access. Purified water is available for drinking and students can purchase food and drinks from the school cafeteria, many healthy options are available for a dollar or less. There are several breaks provided throughout the day, during that time parents can visit with their children. For children under 4 years of age day care centers are just a short walk from Instituto Chac-Mool. Please note: Children must be supervised by the parent or guardian outside of the class time which is Monday through Friday 8:50 am to 1:50 pm. This includes (but not limited to) the swimming pool area and while at your host family, on weekend excursions, or during other extra-curricular school activities. Please understand that the host families are not baby sitters or child care providers. In order for our programs to be the best they can be, it is important that children are respectful and well behaved. In the event that a child is disruptive to their class or their host family, the parent will be requested to remove the child. Unfortunately refunds on fees will not be made in these situations.
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´My children really benefited from the environment of Chac-Mool and teaching of Julia. I am more than pleased with the amount they learned and the attitude they have involving Spanish.
It was an excellent program. My daughter was happy to go to class every day and was forced to use her Spanish. After 3 weeks, she was speaking in Spanish to our host family and to people in the street.
We chose Chac-Mool because of its website and children´s program. In reality Chac-Mool exceeded our expectations. Everyone from the director to the teachers, from the office staff to the ground´s keepers is dedicated to his/her job and the school´s mission to be ´´The ultimate language and culture experience.´´ We have thoroughly enjoyed our time here, and learned so much. The grounds are well thought out and maintained. The teachers are bright, dynamic, and creative in their playful approach to teaching. We so enjoyed living with our Mexican family too. The food was amazing. This has been a fantastic experience for our family.
The staff, administrative and teaching, was very kind and helpful. Learning the language was interesting and fun at the same time. Even our youngest, who was in the beginning not so eager to go to school during holidays, got so excited within an hour of lessons that she greeted us during the first break: "It's so fun learning Spanish with games and we're going on an excursion too! I wish I could go to school here. Can we live in Mexico from now?"
The teachers obviously care a lot about their students and are very knowledgable and flexible! It is a great program for kids and adults, alike!
I'm not sure how you did it, but my daughter now loves learning Spanish! You inspire the kids to learn. I thank you for that and for my excellent adult classes as well.
I will be recommending your Spanish classes for children to all of my friends. My kids have been exposed to the Spanish language in our home (my husband is Mexican), but it was hard to get them to speak it. Since we've returned home they are using Spanish much more often. I think your excellent teachers had everything do to with this.
This has been one truly wonderful experience for my son and me. I hope to return next year. Our four weeks here in Cuernavaca have rekindled my desire to learn to speak Spanish. After two semesters of frustration in Spanish class, this experience has really allowed me the time to loop all the tiny bits and pieces of Spanish floating around my head to come together. I am once again excited about learning and reinforcing my Spanish skills. I look forward to returning to Cuernavaca again and again to solidify these elusive concepts.
We've just returned from our second trip to your school, and again have only great things to say about our Spanish teachers and our host family. Thank you again. -Tom This has been a wonderful experience for our whole family. My husband and I greatly improved our ability to listen and speak Spanish. My kids have learned an incredible amount of Spanish and enjoyed learning the culture and playing with the sweet children they met. Our 'family' was just that, they worried for us constantly and were gracious as well as hospitable. The teachers were very knowledgeable and personally interested in our progress. This has been the trip of a lifetime. -Debbi and family It was a joy to find a well supervised program where the kids are actually taught Spanish. Since our kids already knew quite a bit of Spanish, I was anxious for them to get to the next level. Your great teachers did an excellent job, I commend you and all the staff that made our Spanish learning vacation so successful and enjoyable. - Alicia and kids
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Children's Classes at Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish Schools Privada de la Pradera #108 Colonia Pradera Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62170 (do not send payments to Mexico address, please ask for U.S. address)
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Spanish classes for children
Spanish Classes for Children and Families in Mexico