ROCKLAND — This summer Penobscot Bay Language School is offering a free community language and culture program every Friday, from 9:30 - 11 a.m. (28 Gay Street, Rockland) all summer long.

The program, Spanish Songs & Stories, is designed for families with young children at home (infant, toddler, pre-K, summer vacationing, homeschool students and their families, and more). The program focuses on basic exposure to foreign language (Spanish) and culture through live performances (voice/guitar) of traditional Spanish language folk and children’s songs. Colorful vocabulary and familiar themes are reinforced through read-aloud activities with children’s books, poems, and other authentic sources (as well as some translated favorites).

“Movement, dancing, and other physical and tactile activities are encouraged and keep our young learners engaged and excited about learning,” said PBLS, in a news release. “Following the success of the PBLS early childhood language initiative over the past two years, offering this and similar programs at area schools, youth outreach events, and most recently in the Children’s Room at Rockland Public Library, PBLS is excited to bring the program home to our beautiful schoolhouse in Rockland. Weather permitting the program is held outside, amongst the colorful gardens and wide open grassy yard.”

For more information about Youth & Family programming or to register for Spanish Songs & Stories (free of charge) visit www.penobscot.us or call (207) 594-1084. This free community educational program is partially funded by a local donor. If you would like to support this sort of free community programming please email director@penobscot.us to reach Jared McCannell.  

Founded in 1986 as a non-profit language school and center for cultural exchange, Penobscot Bay Language School has served thousands of local and international students–of all ages–through language classes, immersions, and cultural programming. Over three decades later we continue to promote our mission: To develop and provide opportunities for the people of Midcoast Maine and around the World to explore our shared experience on Earth through the study and celebration of language and culture.