It is certainly advantageous for your kids to be bilingual. Their ability to speak two languages can readily open up many opportunities for them. In the U.S., it is practical to learn Spanish in addition to English.
Here are some techniques for preparing your kids to learn basic Spanish, even at a young age:
- Numbers. Begin your kids’ basic Spanish lessons by teaching them how to count from 1 to 10. Pay close attention to correct pronunciation. If you are not familiar with it, go to a local bookstore. Ask for a computer program (or a CD) that can guide you in how to say or pronounce numbers in Spanish. You can use it as an aid. Once your kids have mastered counting from 1 to 10, you can lead them to continue learning how to count from 11 to infinity. Again, refer to the computer program (or the CD) whenever necessary.
- Colors. Try to be more interactive here. You can have a set of flash cards. You can either buy or make them. A set of flash cards is effective because it allows you to review with your child. A flash card contains not just the color but also its equivalent word in English and in Spanish. You can shuffle the flash cards and instruct your kids to read (or say aloud) the particular color. You can also use the flash cards to run some games.
- Household items. You need another learning tool here. This time, it is beneficial to find an English-Spanish picture dictionary. The picture will help your child remember the word easily (from English to Spanish or vice versa). You can make your lessons more exciting by inviting your kids to walk around with you. Once you spot a household item, point to it. Then ask your kids to name it. Or you can simply open the picture dictionary, point to an entry, and then require your kids to read the equivalent words in English and in Spanish. After that, you may cover the words and challenge your kids to name the items again. You may also instruct them to spell the words. If that is easy, you can challenge your kids to use the Spanish words in sentences. For example, your kids can say: “Is that el reloj?”
- Phrases and sentences. Common expressions are easier to learn. You can teach your kids how to say greetings like “Hello!” (“Hola!”) or “Goodbye!” (“Adiós!”). Or polite terms like “Thank you!” (“Gracias!”) or “Please!” (“Por favor!”). Strike up a conversation with your kids and prompt them to use those expressions.
- Spanish TV shows. There are a number of TV programs that teach kids to speak Spanish. Most of them feature lovable cartoon characters. Let your kids watch them. They are surely going to have fun meeting Handy Manny, Diego, or Dora. While watching the TV programs, tell them to listen well. When they are asked to repeat some words, phrases, or sentences, motivate them to do so.
Enrich your kids’ learning as they grow up. You may consider enrolling them in a formal Spanish course. Once they have mastered Spanish as a second language, expect them to be more competitive. Your efforts will absolutely pay off in the near future.
Teach Kids Basic Spanish
Teach Kids Basic Spanish : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.
It is certainly advantageous for your kids to be bilingual. Their ability to speak two languages can readily open up many opportunities for them. In the U.S., it is practical to learn Spanish in addition to English.
Here are some techniques for preparing your kids to learn basic Spanish, even at a young age:
- Numbers. Begin your kids’ basic Spanish lessons by teaching them how to count from 1 to 10. Pay close attention to correct pronunciation. If you are not familiar with it, go to a local bookstore. Ask for a computer program (or a CD) that can guide you in how to say or pronounce numbers in Spanish. You can use it as an aid. Once your kids have mastered counting from 1 to 10, you can lead them to continue learning how to count from 11 to infinity. Again, refer to the computer program (or the CD) whenever necessary.
- Colors. Try to be more interactive here. You can have a set of flash cards. You can either buy or make them. A set of flash cards is effective because it allows you to review with your child. A flash card contains not just the color but also its equivalent word in English and in Spanish. You can shuffle the flash cards and instruct your kids to read (or say aloud) the particular color. You can also use the flash cards to run some games.
- Household items. You need another learning tool here. This time, it is beneficial to find an English-Spanish picture dictionary. The picture will help your child remember the word easily (from English to Spanish or vice versa). You can make your lessons more exciting by inviting your kids to walk around with you. Once you spot a household item, point to it. Then ask your kids to name it. Or you can simply open the picture dictionary, point to an entry, and then require your kids to read the equivalent words in English and in Spanish. After that, you may cover the words and challenge your kids to name the items again. You may also instruct them to spell the words. If that is easy, you can challenge your kids to use the Spanish words in sentences. For example, your kids can say: “Is that el reloj?”
- Phrases and sentences. Common expressions are easier to learn. You can teach your kids how to say greetings like “Hello!” (“Hola!”) or “Goodbye!” (“Adios!”). Or polite terms like “Thank you!” (“Gracias!”) or “Please!” (“Por favor!”). Strike up a conversation with your kids and prompt them to use those expressions.
- Spanish TV shows. There are a number of TV programs that teach kids to speak Spanish. Most of them feature lovable cartoon characters. Let your kids watch them. They are surely going to have fun meeting Handy Manny, Diego, or Dora. While watching the TV programs, tell them to listen well. When they are asked to repeat some words, phrases, or sentences, motivate them to do so.
Enrich your kids’ learning as they grow up. You may consider enrolling them in a formal Spanish course. Once they have mastered Spanish as a second language, expect them to be more competitive. Your efforts will absolutely pay off in the near future.