In This Issue:

Language Lizard Update: World Folktales and Fables Week
7 Unexpected Side Effects of Learning a Foreign Language
Can Babies Learn a Foreign Language Outside of the Home?
Feature Article: 8 Favorite Folktales from Around the World
World Folktales and Fables Week - Special Discount

World Folktales and Fables Week

This year, World Folktales and Fables Week will be celebrated March 18-24.

Reading world folktales and fables is not only a wonderful way to entertain and bond with children, it is also an effective way to educate them. The stories in classic folklore offer social lessons, as well as an opportunity to teach kids about cultures and languages. Folktales and fables are particularly enticing with their simple characters and settings, a conflict set early in the story, and their moral lessons. We see good triumph over evil; cunning and ingenuity used to solve problems or outwit an adversary.

Bilingual folktales from around the world have the added benefit of encouraging children to practice second language skills while teaching them about other parts of the world.
Be sure to enjoy a good folktale at home and in your classroom! Use #WorldFolktales on social media, and tell us about your favorite folktales and fables. We’re also offering a discount on our favorite folktales and fables in the Subscriber’s Special section below.

7 Unexpected Side Effects of Learning a Foreign Language

We’ve heard plenty of news stories about the myriad of benefits of learning a new language. But what about the quirky side effects that you weren’t expecting? This Study Breaks article looks at 7 odd and unexpected ways you might change once you begin your language learning journey.

Can Babies Learn a Foreign Language Outside of the Home?

Researchers from the University of Washington wanted to explore whether babies as young as 7 months could begin learning a second language, even when their families weren’t teaching them at home. During their study, they found evidence that very young children can start learning a second language with only one hour of play and "infant-directed speech" per day with a tutor.

8 Favorite Folktales from Around the World

During World Folktales and Fables Week (March 18-24), take the time to share your favorite story with your classroom and family!

Every culture has its own way of teaching lessons and sharing how different things came to be. Many do this through the telling of fables or folktales. Here, we look at eight folktales from around the world. Each one explores the origin of different phenomena and reflects important values. These folktales, which are all part of our Multicultural Book Sets, are a perfect way to teach your students or children about different cultures and languages from around the world.