LEWES, Del. - The Lewes Public Library is launching "Colorín Colorado," a monthly children's storytime in Spanish starting Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at their facility.
Each month, Spanish-speaking educators will read different stories, followed by a hands-on activity for children to explore.
Mauricio Salinas, an educator with over 30 years of experience, is eager about the new program.
"We want to immerse our preschoolers to this language just in case, you know, they want to proceed with their educational career and take classes in Spanish," Salinas said.
The Lewes Public Library has wanted to present this programming for a long time.
"I just think this is a wonderful opportunity for our community to learn something about a new culture, to exchange something about their culture," Jennifer Noonan, children's librarian at the Lewes Public Library, said. "This program really is for everybody, whether they are a native Spanish speaker or have never spoken Spanish, and it's just an opportunity for everyone to come together."
The initiative is thrilling for Sheila Oquendo, another educator involved in the program.
"I understand that in this new generation that we are living in, giving the child the opportunity to speak two languages, accepting everyone as they are, regardless of their language, is an advantage and also creates new citizens that we need so much today," Oquendo said.
Salinas looks forward to sharing his experience as an immersion teacher.
"I want to be hands-on with the community because I think together we can do many, many things," Salinas said.
The program is designed for pre-K through first-grade students, but all ages are welcome.
Future sessions will be held on Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 10, March 9, April 20, and May 18.