It's said that toddlerhood is the best time to learn a second, or even a third language, when little brains have a good grasp on their first language but are still developing and receptive to being wired for a new language as well. With babysitters and teachers fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, German, Spanish, Russian, French, Ashanti and even American Sign Language, NY City Explorers is steeped in a strong foundation of multiculturalism and multilingualism. To that end, we were delighted when one of our regular Bag of Tricks Babysitting clients asked us to provide sitting services for a mommy meeting of the minds to discuss establishing an English-French dual language program at one of Brooklyn's local schools.
The interest meeting, which took place at Court Street's Enoteca, was well-attended by 15 adults with 8 children amongst them. While the adults planned the tots gobbled Brooklyn's yummiest pizza. Also at the children's table? Bag of Tricks Babysitters Alvino Johnson and Melissa Bayer along with teaching assistant Ka Yiu Kong, fresh from her day as a chaperon at our Summer Camp, Jr.
Nestled into a cozy private room and armed with sketch paper, crayons and story books, Vino took the lead entertaining the tiny troops, even bursting into spontaneous song when necessary to keep little minds interested and out of busy parents' hair for the 2 hours that the meeting lasted. While Melissa drew pictures of Thomas the Tank Engine, Elmo and even several monkeys, Vino led the group in song and Ka Yiu handed out slices of pizza and refills of juice and milk.
Not only were our sitters delighted to spend time with young friends new and old (including 2-years-old Zooey who excitedly ran right up to Vino upon first sight of the most-requested sitter), NY City Explorers is grateful to Brooke Toomey for organizing the event and allowing us to be a part of it. While meeting new families in Brooklyn is always a great business opportunity, the chance to hear the cutest little voices speaking French to their parents was truly the icing on the cake! Or, should I say, the creme in the eclair?
