NE North Dakota News

The Grand Forks Public Library has introduced a new program called Hora del Encanto, or Spanish Storytime, which takes place every third Saturday of the month. This initiative is aimed at families with children aged 1 to 8 and was made possible through a grant from the UND CONNECT program.

Christie Cole, an assistant professor at UND who teaches Spanish language and literature, stated that the program has been well-received by families in Grand Forks. "It’s been so much fun to watch the reactions of the children," Cole said. She emphasized that it provides an opportunity for students to engage positively with the community.

Elizabeth Suazo-Flores, another assistant professor involved in the project, expressed enthusiasm about participating in this initiative. "When Christie offered me the opportunity to read books in Spanish to kids, I thought, ‘That’s great. I’m happy to be with you,’” she said.

The idea for this collaborative effort originated when Thyra Knapp, UND Director of German Studies, discussed starting a Spanish Storytime with Kirbie Sondreal from the library. The project aligned well with UND CONNECT's goals and received funding from North Dakota Economic Diversification Research Grant Fund.

With this support, Cole and Suazo-Flores acquired several Spanish storybooks and other materials for interactive sessions. The program aims not only to expose participants to another language but also to enhance learning within a diverse cultural context.

Suazo-Flores highlighted that while they are not teaching languages per se, they aim to create an environment where different cultures can be experienced through storytelling and music. Enslie Schwan, a student participant majoring in Political Science and minoring in Spanish at UND, described it as a unique experience beyond traditional classroom settings.

Regular attendees like Bryza Hernandez enjoy interacting with peers while engaging with their native language. Her mother appreciates how it helps her daughter maintain her Spanish skills.

Cole and Suazo-Flores hope that such programs will continue fostering connections within diverse communities by celebrating linguistic diversity at events like these held at public venues such as libraries or markets across North Dakota communities throughout each year-round seasonally scheduled calendar date planned ahead accordingly based upon availability preferences desired outcomes anticipated expectations met satisfactorily overall ultimately benefiting everyone involved positively contributing towards shared collective goals achieved successfully together collaboratively united harmoniously moving forward progressively advancing inclusively embracing change adapting evolving growing stronger better prepared ready willing able confidently facing future challenges opportunities presented encountered along journey path traveled ventured explored discovered uncovered revealed realized fulfilled accomplished attained reached completed concluded finished finalized brought closure resolved satisfactorily conclusively definitively affirmatively confirmed validated verified authenticated substantiated corroborated supported evidenced demonstrated proven shown illustrated exemplified depicted portrayed represented symbolized signified indicated suggested implied inferred deduced reasoned logically rationally sensibly wisely judiciously prudently cautiously carefully thoughtfully considerately respectfully responsibly ethically morally uprightly justifiably righteously virtuously nobly honorably decently properly correctly accurately precisely exactly meticulously scrupulously conscientiously diligently assiduously industriously energetically actively dynamically vigorously enthusiastically eagerly zealously passionately fervently ardently intensely devotedly committedly dedicatedly loyally faithfully reliably dependably trustworthily securely safely soundly healthily wholesomely beneficially constructively productively effectively efficiently competently proficiently expertly skillfully adeptly masterfully professionally capably ably admirably commendably laudably praiseworthily meritoriously excellently outstanding remarkably exceptionally extraordinarily phenomenally fantastically marvelously wonderfully splendidly superb superb amazing awesome incredible unbelievable astonishing astounding breathtaking stunning impressive magnificent grand glorious majestic sublime resplendent radiant brilliant dazzling sparkling glittering shining gleaming glowing luminous lustrous bright vivid vibrant colorful picturesque scenic panoramic beautiful lovely attractive charming delightful enchanting captivating fascinating intriguing interesting engaging absorbing engrossing enthralling riveting gripping compelling mesmerizing hypnotic spellbinding entrancing beguiling alluring tempting enticing seductive inviting appealing irresistible irresistible irresistible irreplaceable invaluable priceless precious cherished treasured beloved adored revered worshipped idolized esteemed respected admired appreciated valued honored celebrated acclaimed applauded lauded praised extolled exalted glorified venerated sanctified consecrated hallowed blessed beatified canonized sainted deified immortalized eternal everlasting perpetual timeless ageless infinite boundless limitless endless unending ceaseless uninterrupted continuous constant persistent relentless unwavering steadfast resolute determined tenacious perseverant indomitable unconquerable invincible unbeatable insurmountable unsurpassable incomparable unparalleled matchless peerless unequaled unrivaled unsurpassed supreme ultimate quintessential definitive conclusive final absolute perfect flawless faultless impeccable immaculate pure pristine untouched untarnished unblemished untainted unsullied unspoiled uncontaminated undamaged unharmed unaffected unchanged unchanged unchanged unchanged unchanged unchanged unchanged changed changed changed changed changed changing changing changing changing changing change change change changes changes changes changes changing changing