[WaitingforJacob]

We are packing for our pick up trip . We are bringing with us our 7 year old daughter and on the way home of course we'll add our new 6 year old son (who speaks zero English - and our spanish is very poor, but we're trying to learn some basics!)

I could really use some suggestions on activities to keep them happy and occupied on the plane!! Crayons and coloring books I've got...but that won't last for 8 hours!

Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

Thank you!
Kathy

[JohnnaMJH]

I would get a portable CD player w/music CD's. I'm sure you could find some Spanish music in Guatemala, and of course English music would be fine too I'm sure. Also, you could consider a portable DVD player so he can watch movies. Either a regular one, or one of those Video Now type things. A lot of our kids DVD's have an language selection where you can change it to Spanish.

HTH,

[Devora]

Just to help out with the music idea: Tish Hinojosa has a children's cd in Spanish. I don't know where you live, but you can probably find it at a good-sized book/music store.

Other ideas:
* etch-a-sketch
* cheap little hand-held games -- you can probably find them at a dollar store type of place; you know, the little ones where you move around a silver ball through a maze and that kind of thing
* books -- again, you can probably find ones in Spanish at a good-sized bookstore; if you have time before you travel you can order some from Amazon, too

Have fun!
Devora

[momof8]

We had the same situation when we brought our two Russian born children home, ages 4 and 4 1/2. We spoke no Russian, they spoke no english. We brought travel size magna doodles for each of them and they were big hits. We were in airports or flying for over 17 hours. A little demo and they were hooked on them for hours, scribbling and erasing. We also took lots of snacks like cheerios and crackers which kept them busy. We asked the Russian hostess to teach us a few command words to help on the way home, like eat, sleep, potty, and our most used nyet nada! (don't do it!!) We also brought picture books and just read them in English and taught them a few words that way. In one month our son picked up English and stopped speaking Russian. Our daughter took longer because she has speech problems. She did not speak any words in Russian at age 4 1/2. But she is learning to read now.(age 8 1/2)

[pvanabel]

Kathy,
I just went to Barnes and Noble bookstore, not sure if you have one in your area, but they have a huge selection of Spanish books, many which have the words in Spanish with the English version underneath it - or visa versa. Maybe get a First Words English Dictionary that you can look at and start teaching him some new words - will keep time on the plane and he will be learning new words - hope to see you there.

[LucyLuMyLuv]

I traveled with my 6 year old daughter and picked up another 6 year old! I brought coloring books, Polly Pocket dolls (would not do that again -- too many LITTLE pieces) and their favorite -- they each got a new leapster. I know basic Spanish and could get by. My 6 year old knew no Spanish but kids have an amazing ability to communicate no matter what the language and it was amazing seeing them look out for each other from the minute they met.

[SweetMoody]

Oh the leap pad, great idea! expensive but so worth it! You could get one and several "books" for it. They have spanish and you all could work on learning spanish from your new family member and start teaching him. There is also math, geography, music. I bought my niece one and it kept her busy for ages! Better then gameboy because they are learning and interacting way more.

Fantastic idea Lucy!

[my3guats]

Just a couple more quick thoughts...

Leap Pad had a mini game called Leapster...my kids love it but not sure if there are Spanish cartridges.

Legos...lots of little pieces but Isaac spent hours with them.

The portable DVD player is a great idea!

Not sure how soon you are going but this book/CD was a life saver for us...Adopting from Latin America
It has some very basic short phrases that you will need to use with your new son. You can find it at
http://WorkNotes.com/AZ/AdoptingFromRussia/Kelleher

Good Luck!