Emerging Economies Meet in Russia

"By some predictions, the four nations, Brazil, Russia, India and China, a group referred to as the BRIC group, will surpass the current leading economies by the middle of this century, a tectonic shift that by this reckoning will eventually nudge the United States and Western Europe away from the center of world productivity and power." -- NY Times, Jun 17, 2009

Of course this is nothing new, but we continue to be reminded that we need to prepare our children for the future. Learning what the U.S. government calls "critical languages" -- languages important for "promoting understanding, conveying respect for other cultures, economonic competitiveness and national security issues" -- is important.

Think about adding exposure to foreign languages as a priority to your child's list of standard extracurricular activities -- music, art, sports -- your children will thank you later.

Truly a Small World

I have been keeping tabs on the organization, Edutopia, a non-profit foundation created by George Lucas (yes, that one) to help improve public education through innovative thinking and access to the best technology tools and knowledge resources available.

This particular article, Kids Create – and Critique On – Social Networks, was inspiring. A large part of what I’d like to do with Global Noodle is utilize technology – and social networking in particular -- to create opportunities for learning foreign languages for kids in middle school and high school that go way beyond the classroom.

Have any thoughts on this? I'd love to hear from you.

Global Noodle Plays Ball

Fresh off the press! Global Noodle has teamed up with Playball California to create super awesome summer camps! Our action-packed, innovative learning experience is like no other! Your 2-7 year old will play sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball & field hockey, create fun-filled arts & crafts projects and will learn Spanish through songs, games and activities TOO!


Ages: 2-7 years

Location, dates & hours:
Palisades Recreation Center
Week of August 3, M-F, 9:30am-2pm
Week of August 24, M-F, 9:30am-2pm
Cost: $255 per week

Mother's Beach, Marina del Rey
Week of August 31, M/T/W, 9:30am-2pm
Cost: $165 for 3 days

Please email me to register or for more information at: (310) 804-5079 or ptay@globalnoodlestudio.com

Foreign Language Learning Playdates

This summer, I’m pleased to offer a series of foreign language learning “playdates,” where our native speaking teachers will lead a group of children through art & craft projects, music & movement and simple fun & games in Mandarin or Spanish.

Each playdate is an hour of exposure to another language in a playful and enjoyable home setting that has been prepared for indoor and outdoor preschool fun. Each participant will receive a handbook to take away so you can integrate songs, vocabulary and phrases into your day-to-day family life.

6 week session: July 6th – August 14th

Toddler Playdates (12-36 months)
Mandarin & Spanish Playdates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am

Preschooler Playdates (3-6 years)
Mandarin Playdates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3–4pm
Spanish Playdates: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3-4pm

Fees: $275 for 6 week session (12 classes)

Location: My private home in Venice, CA

Please call or email me to register or for more information: 310.804.5079 or ptay@globalnoodlestudio.com