I want my daughter to enjoy the benefits of learning a foreign language. After reading The Bilingual Edge, I decided to introduce Spanish, since I’m proficient, and Russian, since I know a little and it is a heritage language for us.
We read books in these languages, listen to Baby’s First Steps in Spanish, and we play with Anya: the Bilingual Russian Doll by Language Littles.
Anya tells us, in both Russian and English, about her love of dancing. Although I wish she wasn’t wearing theatrical make-up and a pink glitter costume (and I wish they had included panties in her outfit), Anya provides a fun way for us to interact in Russian. The child’s voice is cute without being annoying, the accent is clear, and the phrases fit well into a toddler’s natural routine.
We respond to Anya’s questions, have her jump and dance as she names those moves, and count along with her.
Language Littles also has a Bilingual Spanish Doll, Bilingual Greek Doll, Bilingual Korean Doll, Bilingual Chinese Doll, and other bilingual dolls.
Another feature I appreciate is that they have little boy dolls in certain languages, as well: check out the Ricky, the Bilingual Spanish Doll, and the David, the Bilingual Hebrew Doll.
All these Language Littles Dolls are available at Kazoo Toys ($37).
