spanishinstitute-blog

[spanishinstitute-blog]

#spanish4kids #earlyspanish #learnspanish #language #españolporfavor #españolesporelmundo #españolparaniños #2languagesisbetterthan1 #bilingual (at Spanish Institute)

#2languagesisbetterthan1 #language #bilingual #españolparaniños #spanish4kids #learnspanish #españolesporelmundo #españolporfavor #earlyspanish

[spanishinstitute-blog]

The American Summer program from Global Journeys is seeking host families for summer 2014!

American Summer is a program that brings students from Spain to host families in the state of Colorado. Students come to the U.S. to improve their English and learn more about American culture. Loving, caring and enthusiastic families are asked to share their home, language and culture with a Spanish youth between 13 and 17 years old for one month. 

Host families will open their homes to a student from Spain and make him or her feel like another member of the family.  Hosts aren't asked to change their plans for the summer, just to include their Spanish student in them!

American Summer, in its sixth year of operation, is promoted by individuals who have lived in Spain and have a passion for culturally enriching experiences.

American Summer is looking for host families for Summer 2014. Hosting is an excellent opportunity to learn about another culture, help a young student expand their knowledge, and make new and lifelong friends.

For more information, please contact the American Summer program at [email protected] or visit their website at http://www.globaljourneysltd.com.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Lauren Mahaffey, Kids and Private Class Instructor

Name: Lauren Mahaffey

Where are you from? Columbia, Maryland

Did you have any childhood nicknames?  My mom calls me LoLo and my Ecuadorian friends have many names for me: Lo, Lorenzo, Loretta, y Lauren Maria.

When did you come to the U.S.?  I just returned to the U.S. after 4 years in Cuenca, Ecuador.

What do you miss most about home? What I missed about the U.S. while I was away, aside from friends and family, was the seasons.  What I miss most about Ecuador is the food, the closeness of the playa, los ríos, and los castillos!

What was your best job? There have been so many! 

What is your definition of happiness?   Happiness is as deep as the sea, no matter what is going on on the surface.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  Becoming bilingual.

Do you have any pets? Just plants.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Yoga, Acro yoga, Aerial silks, hike, read and cook.

What is your favorite:

Food:   Choclito con quesito!

Singer: It's always changing, but lately Victor Jara y Silvio Rodriguez

Movie:   The Princess Bride

Book: Anything by Barbara Kingsolver or Billy Collins

What inspired you to teach?  What inspired me to teach is learning.  And what a nice surprise that as a teacher I get to continue learning.

Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish?   I think that it is important for people to learning Spanish because then when you travel to Spanish speaking countries you have an immediate connection with people.

What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute?  I like that the learning process is expected to be fun!

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Varon Osorio Adult Instructor

Varon Osorio teaches adult and private classes here at the Spanish Institute. His diverse interests and teaching background make his classes particularly interesting and engaging. 

Says Varon, "Originally from Yucatán, Mexico, I had the opportunity to take my first teacher’s training at 16 years old and have been involved in education ever since. In my 20s, I started playing in different rock bands and had a couple original songs playing on local radio stations. I’m currently representing my family’s store where we make jewelry, arts and crafts. We use natural materials such as seashells, corals, stone, wood and other earthy recyclable materials. One of my goals is to create a self-sustained community where healthy living is the main focus. I like cooking and know many different types of international cuisines."

Name: Varon R. Osorio

Where are you from? Mérida, Yucatan, México.

Who was the most influential to you as a child? My family.

Did you have any nicknames? Pollo.

When did you come to the U.S.? I have come to the US in 3 different occasions: 1993 - 1997, 2001 - 2006, and 2012 - present day.

What do you miss most about home? My family.

What was your worst job? Not having one.

What was your best job? When I worked in Real Estate in Mexico.

What is your definition of happiness? Awareness of our greatness; total balance of mind, body, spirit; complete health and motivation, loving nature.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? When I was graded as the highest in a College Board certification in English among many others, including my superiors.

Do you have any pets? Not at the moment.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Arts and crafts, learning, and playing the guitar.

What is your favorite:

Food: Indian

Singer: Jeff Buckley

Movie: Lost Boys

Book: Kybalion

What inspired you to teach? The more I would read and learn, the more I had the need to share it with other people. I noticed that if you teach what you learn, tons more knowledge will come pouring down on you.

Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish? It’s one of the most spoken languages in the world and there’s a great amount of culture and knowledge to be shared.

What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute? The opportunity to share my experiences and knowledge for a good purpose.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Mercedes Paz Adult and Kids Instructor

Name: Mercedes Paz

Where are you from? I'm from Popayan, Colombia.

Who was the most influential to you as a child? My mom is my the reason of my life.

Did you have any nicknames? My siblings call me Mercy

When did you come to the U.S.? I came to the States 4 years ago.

What do you miss most about home? I miss my family and my Colombian food.

What was your worst job? My first job in Colombia was as an English teacher. Here in the States I also work as an Au Pair.

What was your best job? My best job has been teaching to kids who belong to an Indian community in Colombia.

What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is being happy and making others happy.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? I'm proud that I got my bachelors degree in teaching.

Do you have any pets? Yes, I have a chihuahua :D

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to go to the gym, yoga, hiking and dancing to salsa music.

What is your favorite:

Food: Seafood.

Singer: Gilberto Santa Rosa

Movie: Forest Gump

Book: Divine transformation (Dr. & Master Zhi Gang Sha)

What inspired you to teach? I love to teach people about other cultures, in my case Latin culture.

Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish? It is important to learn Spanish to know and understand Hispanic culture. Besides that,  a country like United States is growing in its Hispanic population so learning Spanish is a way to communicate with all of this new community.

What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute? I really like the Institute’s teaching methodology based on interactiveness.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

In memory of Gabriel Garcia Marquez

On Thursday, April 17th, beloved Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez passed away at age 87. Known to millions as "Gabo", Marquez captured the hearts and minds of millions through his writings and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. Since Thursday, memorial services  have been held in both Colombia and Mexico where millions have come to pay tribute to the man and his works. Marquez leaves behind such loved works as 'One Hundred Years of Solitude', 'Love in the Time of Cholera', 'No One Writes to the Colonel' and 'The Autumn of the Patriarch' among many others. His thoughts and ideas will live on for all those who have read and have yet to read his works. 

"He allowed himself to be swayed by his conviction that human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but that life obliges them over and over again to give birth to themselves." -Love in the Time of Cholera

Read more about Gabo and his works.

_________________________________________________________________

El jueves pasado, el 17 de abril, el querido autor colombiano, Gabriel Garcia Marquez se murió a la edad de 87 años. Conocido por millones como "Gabo", Marquez conquistó los corazones y las mentes de millones de personas a traves de sus escritos y ganó el Premio Nobel  de Literatura en 1982. Desde el jueves, servicios conmemorativos se han celebrado en Colombia y Mexico, donde millones de personas han venido a rendir homenaje al hombre y sus obras. Marquez escribió obras tan queridas como 'Cien años de soledad', 'El amor en los tiempos del cólera', entre muchas otras. Sus pensamientos e ideas vivirán para todos aquellos que han leído y aun no han leído sus obras. 

“… se dejó llevar por su convicción de que los seres humanos no nacen para siempre el día en que sus madres los alumbran, sino que la vida los obliga otra vez y muchas veces a parirse a sí mismos."

-El amor en los tiempos del cólera

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

      Angela Ortiz Roa Kids Instructor

      Angela Ortiz Roa is a mother of a beautiful 5 year old boy, who has taught her about patience and love. She initially gained experience with children through her big Colombian family. She moved to the U.S. twelve years ago and became a bilingual child care provider and also taught Spanish at the elementary level. Today, she works as a Pre-Certified Trilingual interpreter (ASL, English, Spanish)for a well respected agency in the Denver Metro Area. Angela says, “Everyday I become more involved with my Latino community and embrace more and more my heritage. In order to learn a language fully, it is imperative to learn the culture around that language. If we teach language and culture to the children, they will grow up to be respectful adults and they won't feel intimidated by what is different or unknown to them. I believe this awareness is what will help us create in a better world for the future, for the children. I am thankful to the Spanish Institute for the opportunity to work in what I think I do best!”

Where are you from?   Bogota, Colombia

Who was most influential to you as a child? My parents. They have both been role models and inspiration my whole life. Always positive and optimistic, they love me unconditionally and believe in me even when I doubt myself.

Did you have any nicknames? Angelita

When did you come to the U.S.? July 2001

What do you miss most about home? EVERYTHING!!! Culture, music, family, food, friends, landscape. EVERYTHING!

What was your worst job? I have been really lucky and have really enjoyed all of my job experiences.

What was your best job? I love working with children, language, cultures and community. All of my jobs have revolved around this concept. I am a lucky girl.

What is your definition of happiness? Peace of mind. Family love.  Unrestrained creativeness.  Outlets for the passionate heart to express itself.

What accomplishments are you most proud of? My cultural and linguistic awareness and knowledge.

Do you have any pets? Compost - Worms <3

What do you like to do in your spare time? Something related to music. Dance, sing, play, listen to...

What is your favorite:

Food:  Ajico, Colombian soup

Singer: Oh, oh...I have so many...let’s say Concha Buika for today!

Movie: Blade Runner

Book: Any biography!

What inspired you to teach? I am a child at heart, and as adults we should focus on what we are teaching the children because they hold the future in their hands. I want to help inspire children to become better adults!

Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish? Because it is BEAUTIFUL! And because language and culture are part of each other. If children are exposed to language, they will understand and accept the culture that comes with it better. We need more tolerance and acceptance in this world.

What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute? The team and support they provide to the teachers. 

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Gabi Huebler

Kids Instructor

       I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I finished high school with a bachelor’s degree in Literature. I studied Psychology and Tourism. I taught English to kids in Buenos Aires in a private school for 3 years, and private lessons too. I worked in the airline industry for 6 years in Buenos Aires, specializing in customer service, ticket sales and international fares.

      I moved to Boulder in 1991, and have taught Spanish to kids and adults since. I founded, with a friend from Peru, a home based preschool-playgroup where we taught Spanish to English speaking children. I also work as a para-educator for a BVSD school. I love working with children. My language and culture are my passion too, and I am so happy to be able to pass them along.

      In my free time I like to spend time with my family (I have three kids who, by the way, speak perfect Spanish), play tennis and read.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Nathan Batres

Adult and Kids Instructor

Nathan has many years of experience teaching Spanish to all ages, from preschoolers to adults. He was the resident Spanish teacher at Kinder Huis, a preschool in Alameda, CA for over eight years. Nathan has over fifteen years of tutoring experience and he loves to share his passion for his native language with others.

Where are you from?

Alameda, CA

Who was most influential person to you as a child?

My grandfather became my hero and by example, taught me how to work hard to achieve my goals.

Did you have any nicknames?

My dad used to call me “Loc­illo” or his little crazy one 

What do you miss most about home?

I miss the variety of food (especially Mexican food) and the variety of cultures.

What was your worst job?

I have enjoyed every job I’ve ever had.

What was your best job?

My favorite job has been teaching Spanish to preschoolers. Very rewarding to hear them speak phrases in Spanish.

What is your definition of happiness?

My family. My wife and baby boy are truly my world and happiness.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am proud of never giving up on my dreams despite the odds or naysayers. It got me through high school and eventually through college.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. I have a dog name Sybra. She is a Boxer/ Pit mix and she is truly and amazing addition to our family.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife and son. I also enjoy drawing and reading books.

  What is your favorite:

Food:

Have to be biased on this one­ Nicaragüense.

Singer:

Prince & Bon Jovi

Movie:

Lord of the Rings and Star Wars

Book:

Don Quixote

What inspired you to teach?

My grandfather. He told me to never be ashamed of who I was or where I came from. I am proud of my heritage and honored to share my language with others.

 Why do you think it is important to learn Spanish?

Besides it being such an expressive language, it is one of the fastest growing in the world. It is definitely an advantage to speak it in the U.S.

 What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute?

I am amazed at the quality and effort they have put into the material used to teach. They train and evaluate their teachers/instructors to better teach and better meet the needs of students.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Mark Ray, Executive Director

      Mark manages the daily operation of the school and works closely with the school president to execute the long-term strategic growth and overall quality of the school, along with its mission and vision. He is also responsible for enrollment, outreach, and coordination of all Spanish Institute schools and programs. This includes the development and implementation of school projects and the oversight of attaining and maintaining the academic programs and standards. Mark graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in Spanish language and literature with a certificate in applied business. In his time at CU Mark founded the CU Boulder Spanish Club, the first Spanish club at the university. Mark is originally from Upstate New York, but has lived in Colorado for almost a decade. Mark has traveled to several Spanish-speaking countries and studied abroad in Costa Rica. When Mark isn’t too busy at the Spanish Institute or off on a language and culture-fueled adventure, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two dogs. Mark also spends his time playing sports, listening to music, and attending local Spanish conversation groups.

 Where are you from?

Hamilton, NY (Upstate/ Central NY)

Who was most influential person to you as a child?

My brother. He was always inspiring me to be better and never give up on anything until you’re personally satisfied with the work you’ve done.

Did you have any nicknames?

Mr. Mark

What do you miss most about home?

The pizza!

What was your worst job?

Separating mixed recycling at the recycling center.

What was your best job?

I’m currently working it!

What is your definition of happiness? Happiness to me is being around friends and family as well as being a part of an inclusive and forward thinking community.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my BA from the University of Colorado Boulder and advancement to executive director at the Spanish Institute.

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs named Guinness (6) and Stella (1).

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to stay busy by being outside hiking or lounging and I am constantly finding new house projects to work on.

  What is your favorite:

Food:

NY style pizza

Singer:

Depends on my mood. I would probably choose Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam to be the lead singer of my band.

Movie:

Tough call, but I would have to say Shawshank Redemption. I mean come on, who doesn’t like that move?

Book:

Being a Spanish language and literature major in university, this is a difficult question. I’ll just answer with my favorite author (at the moment): Jorge Luis Borges.

What inspired you to teach?

While I don’t often teach anymore, I have always had a passion for education and learning. There is no better feeling as a teacher than watching a student have that “Aha!” moment. Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish? The obvious answer is because is it one of the most spoken and fast growing languages in the world. The honest answer is that you have no idea what you’re missing when you interact with a culture and you don’t speak the language. It’s still possible to appreciate another culture without knowing the language, but not on the same level.

What do you like about working with the Spanish Institute?

My favorite part about working at the Spanish Institute is the community. SI works with such a diverse population and collaborates with several organizations in Boulder that combine to create such a rich and wonderful community.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Isabel Enright

Adult and Kids Instructor

I discovered my love and passion for teaching Spanish to children in 1995, when I started teaching with BVSD elementary schools.  I have tremendously enjoyed the opportunity to share my native language and culture with all my students. I believe that learning a language should be fun. Before they know it, both adults and children alike are speaking and singing in Spanish. I like to plant the seed of joy for languages.

I came to this country in 1994 and I love to spend my free time with my husband Jerry, and my two children who are bilingual. I became a naturalized US citizen in 2008. I enjoy listening to all types of music. I enjoy watching and participating in dances from all over the world. I also like scrapbooking and Jazzercise, but most of all I love spending time with all my family in Mexico.

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Las Fallas de Valencia

Fire! Fire! Fire! Do you love the Fourth of July? Do you love Disneyland ? Las Fallas, which begins March 12th, has been described as a combination of the Fourth of July, Disneyland, and the end of the world. Located in the Spanish town of Valencia, Las Fallas began as a feast day for St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Overtime this holiday merged with the pagan ritual of burning wooden sticks at the start of Spring. For almost the entire year leading up to this event, the citizens of Valencia create ninots, puppets or dolls, several stories tall. At the start of Las Fallas, the ninots are placed around town with the help of large cranes.

For five days there are celebrations, dancing, bullfights, beauty pageants, etc. Don’t bother trying to sleep in. At 8am every morning, a number of marching bands blast through the streets to wake everyone up. On the fifth day of celebrations, the day known as  La Cremá (the burning), all the ninots are stuffed with fireworks and set ablaze. On ninot is spared and set in a museum with the other chosen ones from years past. The ninots burn and Valencia dances into the night. Read more about Las Fallas.

Learn More!

 ________________________________________________________________

¡Fuego! ¡Fuego! ¡Fuego! ¿Le gusta el 4 de julio? ¿Le gusta el Mundo Mágico de Disney? Las Fallas, que empiezan el 12 de marzo, se describen como una combinación del 4 de julio, el Mundo Mágico de Disney, y el fin del mundo. Localizadas en el pueblo español de Valencia, Las Fallas comenzaron como un día de fiesta para San José, el santo patrón para los carpinteros. Con el tiempo, esta fiesta se fusionó con el ritual pagano de la quema de palos de madera a principios de la primavera. Durante casi todo el año anterior a este evento, los ciudadanos de Valencia crean ninots, marionetas o muñecos, de varios pies de altura. Al inicio de las Fallas, los ninots se colocan alrededor de la ciudad con la ayuda de grúas grandes.

Durante cinco días hay fiestas, bailes, corridas de toros, concursos de belleza, etc. No se moleste en tratar de dormirse a las 8 de la mañana cada día, pues una serie de bandas de música hacen ruido a través de las calles para despertar a todos. En el quinto día de la celebración, el día conocido como La Cremá (la quema), todos los ninots se rellenan con fuegos artificiales y se prenden en fuego. Se salva un ninot y se coloca en un museo con los demás elegidos de los últimos años. Los ninots se queman y Valencia baila en la noche. Lea más acerca de Las Fallas.

¡Aprenda más!

[spanishinstitute-blog]

The Spanish Institute and Nosara, Costa Rica!

We are excited to announce our new partnership with the Spanish Institute in Nosara, Costa Rica! Those interested in traveling to Costa Rica now have the amazing opportunity to practice their Spanish through either intensive or longterm courses while they also immerse themselves in the local culture. Current students of the Spanish Institute in Boulder and Denver can continue their studies with the same curriculum! Learn more about our new partnership and travel opportunities here!

Estamos entusiasmados de anunciar nuestra nueva asociación con el instituto español de Nosara, Costa Rica. Ahora, aquellos que tienen ganas de viajar a Costa Rica pueden practicar su español ya sea a través de cursos intensivos o de largo plazo, a la vez que se sumergen en la cultura local. Los estudiantes actuales del Spanish Institute de Boulder y Denver pueden continuar sus estudios con el mismo programa. Aprenda más acerca de nuestra nueva asociación y oportunidades de viaje aquí!

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Get to Know the Spanish Institute!

Mayrelis "Maye" Cordero, Academic Director, Graphic Designer and Instructor

Mayrelis “Maye” Cordero is the academic director at Spanish Institute. She is responsible for overseeing all curriculum and teacher development.  Maye received her combined Bachelor Degree in Communications and Photography in 2008, and in 2011 she received a Media Design Master of Fine Arts with Honors at Full Sail University, FL. Maye is also a graphic designer, a creative and professional photographer for several websites, and Spanish instructor.  Since 2000, Maye has worked  as an instructor of not only Spanish but also disciplines such as Salsa, Jazz, and Hip Hop in countries like Mexico, Brazil, Italy and Spain. These opportunities have provided her with a broad scope of cultural, social and pedagogical skills. 

Where are you from? San Juan, Puerto Rico Who was the most influential person to you as a child?  My mom. I never forget what she says: "Las cosas se hacen bien o no se hacen" ("Things are done well, or not done"). I have followed that mantra in all my ventures, and it's definitely what has brought me here. Did you have any childhood nicknames? Many, and I still do back home! However I never was a big fan of "Gordi" (from gordita "chubby") :/ When did you come to the US? About three years ago. After coming on tour, I loved the vibe of the city of Denver. Two months after that first visit I returned with two suitcases and a bunch of dreams...and here I am! ;)

What do you miss most about home? My family and FOOD!!!--nothing like the Caribbean flavors!

What was your worst job? I've been very fortunate to work on what I love since I was very young. First as a professional dancer, dance instructor, photographer and now as a Spanish Teacher. I can't complain, I love and have loved what I do. What was your best job? As a professional dancer I had the opportunity to travel the world and meet incredible people, it was really cool.  However, working here at SI it gives me the opportunity to work one on one with the students, and see their faces when they discover/learn something in class, is fascinating!!!  What is your definition of happiness? It's continually evolving. But knowing that my family has peace of mind, gives me joy. What accomplishments are you most proud of? I'm proud I finished with honors my bachelor's and Master's degrees while I was traveling and dancing around the world. It wasn't easy, but I did it, and seeing the smile of my parents at the graduation ceremony, was PRICELESS!!!

Do you have any pets? Not a big fan of animals... What do you like to do in your spare time? I meditate and practice Yoga; When I don't, life can be pretty "interesting". Besides that, reading, going outdoors and being with friends are my favorite hobbies. What is your favorite: Food: Pizza!!! ... extra cheese please! Singer: Maroon 5. Movie: Many, but "Mar adentro" (with Javier Bardem) is always in the  top 5 list. Book: "Ask and it is given" - By. AH What inspired you to teach? I love being that link between knowledge and the student. Seeing their bright faces and progress in class is a great reward for me! Why do you think it is important for people to learn Spanish? Spanish is everywhere nowadays! Communication is the key to live in society, and with the always increasing Spanish population, it is imperative to be able to connect with it. What do you like about working with the Spanish institute?  I love my students. But what really makes every day enjoyable is the amazing team we have in-house. It's great to work with a team that makes you feel respected, care and appreciated. 

[spanishinstitute-blog]

Spanish Institute Blog turns 3 today!

Spanish Institute cumple 3 años hoy!!

#tumblr birthday #tumblr milestone

[spanishinstitute-blog]

"Let's Do This Together"

Intercambio is a Boulder based non-profit whose mission is "to build understanding, respect and friendship across cultures through educational and intercultural opportunities." This amazing organization offers:

Volunteer-taught English classes for adult immigrants.

Classes and workshops on life skills and citizenship.

Cultural trainings and events for all community members.

The Spanish Institute would like to congratulate our partner school  on its 2013 Awards for Excellence from the El Pomar Foundation. Watch this video and learn how Intercambio is "more than a hand up it is an arm around the shoulder saying, 'let's do this together'". Visit their website and learn how to become a volunteer. 

_ _ _  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Intercambio es una ORGANIZACIÓN SIN FINES DE LUGRO de Boulder que tiene la misión de "fomentar el entendimiento, respeto, y amistad entre las culturas a través de las oportunidades educativas e interculturales." Esta increíble organización ofrece:

    1. Clases de inglés enseñadas por voluntarios para inmigrantes adultos.

    2. Clases y seminarios sobre habilidades para la vida y la ciudadanía.

    3. Formación cultural y eventos para todos los miembros de la        comunidad. 

A el Instituto Español le gustaría felicitar a nuestra escuela asociada por su premio de excelencia del Pomar Foundation 2013 . Mira este video y aprende como  Intercambio es "como una mano amiga alrededor de tu hombro que te dice: ¡vamos a hacer esto juntos!" Visita su sitio web y aprende como podrías ser un voluntario. 

[spanishinstitute-blog]

"'Toy Feliz"

The holiday season is in full swing and with less than three weeks until Christmas, companies like Mattel and Walmart are marketing their toys to Hispanic consumers.

The Latino community is growing as a demographic and consumer and companies small and large that recognize this are shifting their marketing strategies to compensate. Mattel has a toy campaign this holiday season targeting Hispanic mothers with the phrase “’toy feliz” to play on “Estoy Feliz” or “I’m happy”.  They plan to run the campaign through January so that is reaches many Hispanic families during Three Kings as well.  Read more from Tanzina Vega here.

This change in marketing strategy is not just during the Holidays. Many companies have increased their marketing towards Hispanics year round. According to “Advertising Age” Hispanic media spending in 2012 was $7.9 billion.  Last year Walmart received the first Marketer of the Year award by AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing. Many companies hire Latino agencies to help them craft a successful campaign. USA Today points out what happens to companies who don’t account for their Hispanic demographic. For example, the California Milk Processor Board’s “Got Milk?” campaign, which flopped due to its Spanish translation that unfortunately asks, “Are You Lactacting?” USA Today

There are many new and exciting changes we will be seeing as consumers in coming years.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _  _  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

La temporada de vacaciones está aquí y con menos de tres semanas hasta Navidad, las empresas como Mattel y Walmart  van a comercializar sus juguetes a los consumidores hispanos. La comunidad Latina está creciendo demográficamente y como consumidor. Las empresas de todos tamaños reconocen esto y están cambiando sus estrategias de mercadeo. Esta temporada de vacaciones, Mattel tiene una campaña de juguetes dirigida a las madres hispanas con la frase “’toy feliz” que significa “Estoy Feliz”. Planean ejecutar esta campaña a través de enero por lo que llegará a las familias hispanas durante la temporada de los Reyes Magos. Lea mas sobre este tema aquí. 

Este cambio en estrategia de mercadeo no es para las vacaciones únicamente. Muchas empresas han aumentado el mercadeo por todo el año.  “Advertising Age” dice que el gasto en medios de comunicación hispana en el 2012 fue $7.9 billones. El año pasado, Walmart recibió  el primer premio como Vendedor del Año: La voz del mercadeo hispano. Muchas empresas contratan agencias latinas para ayudarles a crear una campaña exitosa. USA Today muestra lo que le pasa a las empresas que no piensan de este sector demográfico hispano. Por ejemplo, la campaña de California Milk Processor Board de “Got Milk” no tuvo éxito en este mercado porque se traduce en ¿‘estas lactando’? USA Today.

Hay muchos cambios nuevos y emocionantes que vamos a ver como consumidores en los próximos años.