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HOLA, Solocontestas!

I have these suggestions:

1. Whenever you can, say short phrases in both languages. I often do this with my 2-year-old. Just say for example "Sit down. Sientate."  Get them (and your husband) accustomed to Spanish coming out of your mouth in normal everyday life. I think every mother repeats some of the same things a lot. You can gradually move to saying these things only in Spanish and they will already know it. You don't have to repeat everything all the time. But for example if there is a great big tree near your home, after you say "Ah, alli esta el arbol grandote. There's the big, big tree" as you go past it every day for two weeks, I bet they will figure out something about arbol and grandote.  

2. Learn songs to sing to them in Spanish (whether you are a singer or not!) and sing to them as you are scrubbing behind their ears or tying their shoes. 

3. Teach them vocabulary for specific things or activities, then make a special time to use it. For example, learn words for animals and then go to the zoo and find those animals. Are they motivated by fruit smoothies? Have them choose their favorite fruits, teach them the words about fruits, smoothies, blenders, etc. and then talk to them in Spanish about what you're doing while they help you make the special smoothies. Use your imagination and teach them the Spanish words for things they like. If Daddy's along, he'll pick up some vocabulary too.  

4. Find situations the children will use Spanish with other people. Do you have Spanish-speaking family that need a visit? Neighbors? Something many Spanglishbaby readers have done is find a playgroup — or start one – whether formal or informal. 

5. Check out these Spanglishbaby pages!

http://www.spanglishbaby.com/2…..ocabulary/ 

http://www.spanglishbaby.com/2…..portunity/ 

http://www.spanglishbaby.com/2…..-the-home/ 

http://www.spanglishbaby.com/2…..-language/ 

¡Suerte! Come back and let us know how it goes!!!