Using my knowledge of the Spanish language, I translated the BUILD program into Spanish. Also, I translated the small books that accompany the activities. The BUILD program is a summer program for rising Kindergartens and their parents. The program readies the students for school in the fall and prepares the parents to be at-home teachers for their children.
Last summer I attended one of the BUILD sessions. The Spanish-speaking parents were very attentive and showed a deep interest in helping their children. The only problem was that they did not understand the English instructions they were being given. When I observed the frustration in their eyes, I decided to act. I asked the creator of BUILD, Ms. Wrae Croom, if I could translate her program into Spanish. She agreed with me that their was a need for the Spanish translation. So, I met a need in the community by translating the BUILD program.
I translated the activities on my own. The one page instructions included steps in both English and Spanish. I also translated the small books. But, when it came time to attach the Spanish translations above and below the English words on each page of the books, I recruited the assistance of a middle school Girl Scout troop in my area. They helped me to assemble the books and prepare them for use.
I returned the activities and books to Ms. Croom in January. She assured me that they would be put to use this coming summer as another class of children prepared for Kindergarten. And, I made the offer to translate any new activities that Ms. Croom adds to the program. I am excited to attend the BUILD sessions this summer to see my work in action.
