English

Over the past six months or so, Idan has been learning English.  I used to speak to him about 90% in Spanish and 10% in English, and now I speak to him about 70% in Spanish and 30% in English.  He now understands a lot in English, but rarely speaks it.  He does, however, use a number of English words and phrases, some of which he, delightfully, mispronounces.  Two of my favorites are "Waif!" (instead of "Wait!"), and "What dooyin?"  (instead of "What are you doing?"). 

Indian food

On the changing table this morning, making conversation, I asked Idan what his favorite food was.  His answer:  Indian food ("Comida Hindu")!  That's my boy!

Today

About two weeks ago, I created page-sized "flashcards" for each letter in the alphabet, with each page containing a large letter and a clipart picture that starts with that letter (in Spanish).  Idan and I have been playing the Letters Game by laying the letters out on the floor and practicing each letter and the sound of each letter, and me quizzing him.  In order to make sure he understood the letters themselves rather than simply identifying the pictures on the pages and then using that to remember the pictures, I've been planning on switching to picture-less flashcards after a few more weeks. 

This morning I went to the grocery store with Idan.  Just before we were about to leave, Idan noticed a sign with large capital letters, and called out the letter K (his favorite letter, which he typically refers to as a "Kumin").  We then practiced the other letters on the sign ("JERKY JUNCTION"), and he was able to identify most of them -- without reference to any associated pictures, proving that he remembered the letters themselves.  Next step, practicing the sounds and then learning simple words!

K is para