The Language Tree
Columbia's Original Spanish Immersion School
Established in 2012
Specials Classes
The Language Tree has continued to expand our preschool program by adding specials classes to our program, including Music and P.E. These classes have become a favorite part of our students' week, giving them additional opportunities to learn, explore, create, and stay active while supporting their overall development.
Music classes will be led by Dr. Mary Shields.
Our P.E. classes will be led by Fabio Lima and Lais Marquezi.
Dr. Mary Shields believes music should feel like play — full of giggles, wiggles, and "let's do that again!" moments. With a PhD in Music Education and years of experience teaching everyone from preschoolers to college students, Dr. Shields brings the same passion and expertise to every age group, whether that means leading a room of three-year-olds in a silly rhythm game or guiding advanced students through complex musical concepts.
Dr. Shields' teaching journey has taken her through preschool classrooms, middle and high school music programs, and university lecture halls — giving them a rare, well-rounded understanding of how musical skills grow from the very first "shake the shaker" moment all the way through advanced musicianship. That experience shows up in the preschool classroom as playful, developmentally-aware lessons that build real musical foundations through singing, movement, instruments, and storytelling. She is an active clinician and adjudicator, a voice teacher at Caleb Alexander Music Productions, a researcher, and adjunct faculty at the University of Missouri. Dr. Shields and her two-year-old, Henry, are excited to join The Language Tree Family this fall!
Fabio Lima is a Physical Education professional who graduated from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil. He is also a 4th-degree Black Belt and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor. Laís Marquezi has been a psychologist for over 14 years, specializing in child development, and is also a Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They are the proud parents of our student, Theo Lima, and moved from Brazil three years ago to teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Columbia.
In early childhood, play and movement are essential parts of learning and development. Through P.E classes, children build balance, coordination, strength, agility, and other fundamental motor skills in a fun, age-appropriate environment. Beyond the physical benefits, group games and activities help children learn to share, take turns, work as a team, cope with small frustrations, and develop self-confidence. More than just exercise, these classes provide meaningful learning experiences that foster healthy habits and a lifelong love of being active.
