First in an occasional series…
Since we all have different stories to tell and our own ways of raising our kids bilingual, from time to time, we will invite a guest to contribute to SpanglishBaby. Today, we introduce you to the first one. We hope you enjoy it!
The following is a guest post written by Karen: Spanish learner, mother of two boys and blogger at Teaching and Learning Spanish.
I have to admit that it is difficult to teach Spanish when it’s not your native language, but it is doable. It takes more effort, but the rewards are worth it. Fortunately, I am knowledgeable in the language since I have a BA in Spanish, but I earned that degree back in 1993. After graduation, I didn’t really use the language, but then started studying on my own about five years ago because I wanted to teach it to my two boys, who are now six and nine.
I have discovered that I take a very informal approach when it comes to teaching Spanish to my children. I try to use it on a daily basis and in context. For example, when my younger son is setting the table, we talk about what everyone will need and what we’re eating that evening. I do all of this in Spanish and he responds either through his actions or by words–one word here or there, but he definitely comprehends what I am saying. Another example is when they get in the car after school, I ask them about their day in Spanish. So, overall they get a good dose of the language every day.
Read: How Can a Non-Native Help Her Child Become Bilingual?
Also, we listen to podcasts together such as Cody’s Cuentos and some of the podcasts (newbie, elementary levels) from SpanishPod. My older son really seems to enjoy those. After we listen to them, I try to use some of the key vocabulary we learned to help them remember the new words. I also try to incorporate technology in their learning of the language. For instance, my younger son has started doing the activities on Foreign Language Friends. This program has definitely peaked his interest in the language.
In the car, in addition to podcasts, we like to listen to the Professor Pocket CDs and when I say “we” I really mean “we.” I can honestly say I enjoy listening to these CDs with the boys. We also listen to music by Jarabe de Palo, Maná, and others Spanish-speaking bands.
Read: I am not fluent in my child’s second language
Again, it really takes quite a bit of effort on my part to do this. There are times when I get frustrated like when I can’t remember a word or phrase. I try not to let that bother me too much, though. In the end, the fact that they are getting exposure to a different language is what is most important.
Read: Advice for Non-Native Speakers Teaching Their Kids Spanish?
Are you learning Spanish to teach it to your children? We invite you to share your story and tips with us.
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{Photo by Photo by mikecogh}
I love Karen’s site and hearing her journey of raising her two sons to learn Spanish as their second language.
It’s so great to have such a community of moms who are simply trying to make a difference in the future of our world!We all are raising our own children to learn more than just English which will create children who respect and appreciated others from around the world. What a gift to give our kids.
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I think it is wonderful to give them any bit they can get! I am teaching my three daughters to speak Spanish. I have tried taking three set days of every week and communicating everything to them in Spanish. It has worked well for us! I try to take advantage of everything, like watching movies, going to events where there will be people speaking Spanish and have a babysitter from Chile so they can get a more native speaker speaking to them. For a while, I got frustrated that my daughter didn’t know anyone except me. But I guess I hope for her to have an experience in the culture someday, to be living in a Latin American country.
I am very amazed by those that don’t know Spanish but are learning along with their children. I think they are great examples of learning to their children. I think they can really teach them a lot even if they don’t know the language.
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Thanks for including those of us who aren’t truly bilingual, but want our kids to be!
Thanks for the encouragement, Karen. I’ve gotten out of practice for the last few months but it’s helpful to see how you structure Spanish into your day. I like the informal method, too.
Nicole aka Gidget’s last blog post..The Jimmies Teach Spanish Vocab!
We invited Karen to post this article because we want all of you to be inspired by her hard work and commitment. That´s really all it takes and you are all truly amazing for doing it!
Gracias, Karen!!
I love how Karen is so diligent in finding motivating materials and methods for teaching kids Spanish. I’m always getting great ideas & resources from her blog. I’m exposing my kids to some Spanish and teaching them French (which I speak, but I’m a non-native.) Bilingualism is such an important life skill, and EVERYONE can find away to encourage that in their kids on whatever level they are able. Wonderful, motivating post
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Thank you for the lovely comments. I was glad to do it.
Karen’s last blog post..Perdidos
I think it’s very important to be bi-lingual, so I am teaching my 5 year old daughter Spanish and I find your site very beneficial and inspiring. Thanks.
.-= Dennis´s last blog ..Rocket Spanish Review =-.
That’s great advice. It’s also a good exercise for yourself.
Some things which can also help them tremendously: listen to Spanish music, and watch Spanish movies/series/etc… With or without subtitles. You might buy them some books or magazines for kids (in Spanish). If they learn one Spanish word a day, they’ll be fluent by the time they’re 15.
Ahh…Thanks so much for this post. I did better teaching my kids Spanish when they were learning to talk. Now that I am the only person that speaks to them in Spanish it has gotten even more difficult and I have learned that I have to be very intentional in keeping up my practice of teaching my kids Spanish.
Thank you for this post and especially for mentioning some of the resources you’re using. I’m in a similar situation. I minored in Spanish and, though I’m not as fluent as I was, I am trying to raise my daughter to be bilingual. She’s in kindergarten at a Spanish immersion school and I’m so impressed with how much she’s learned in less than a school year. Helping her with her homework has even helped me with my vocabulary. The resources you mentioned will be fantastic for encouraging and reinforcing Spanish at home.
I knew when I was pregnant that I wanted our son to learn Spanish. I am not a native speaker, but grew up with Spanish in my life. I started small, with flash cards when my son was @ 6 months old. then on to very easy to read books that even I could read (again, I am not a native speaker). I try to regularly say Spanish phrases to my son. He is 4 and understands lots of words. He is also in a pre school that has a Spanish class and has a couple of Spanish speaking friends in day car. We are actally both learning in this journey.