A Saturday Morning Ritual Worth Starting

 

In the serene gardens of Rancho Los Cerritos, laughter and language come together during a special half-hour designed just for kids. On Saturday, August 16, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., Long Beach families can gather under the trees for a bilingual (English/Spanish) storytime that offers far more than just a good book.

 

Hosted on the historic grounds of one of Long Beach’s oldest homes, this free program encourages cultural connection, early literacy, and joyful play—all in a setting where stories naturally flourish. Whether your child speaks English, Spanish, or both, the morning promises a welcoming space for learning and imagination.

 

Storytelling in Two Languages—and a Thousand Smiles

 

The Rancho’s bilingual storytime series has become a beloved entry point for young readers. Led by local educators and cultural leaders, the program often features picture books read aloud in both English and Spanish. The goal? To nurture a love for language while making every child feel seen and heard.

 

“There’s something magical about watching a child connect to a story in their home language—and then hearing it again in a new one,” said a volunteer from a past session. “It builds bridges. Not just between languages, but between people.”

 

A Garden Backdrop That Feels Like a Fairytale

 

Set against the rustic charm of the 1844 adobe home, the garden at Rancho Los Cerritos creates an ideal environment for open-air storytelling. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket and settle in under the shade trees, where children can let their curiosity bloom.

 

The setting itself teaches history by osmosis. It’s a chance for kids to learn not only from books but from place—a reminder that Long Beach has stories layered in its soil.

 

Connecting to Community, One Page at a Time

 

Bilingual Storytime aligns with a growing national movement to promote dual-language learning and early childhood literacy. As more schools adopt bilingual programs, events like these help reinforce those skills at home—while introducing parents to family-friendly resources in the city.

 

It’s a quick outing with lasting impact. In just 30 minutes, children absorb new sounds, families make memories, and neighbors build community—all through the simple power of a story.

 

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Event Details

 

Rancho Los Cerritos Bilingual Storytime
• 📅 Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• 🕒 Time: 10 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
• 📍 Location: Rancho Los Cerritos
• 🎟️ Admission: Free family program
• 📄 Details: Bilingual (English/Spanish) story‑reading session for kids in the gardens.