5 Tips so that you can start speaking Spanish with your child
Do not despair! In this post I am going to go over some super simple and easy ways to get that going, and I'll show you some super intentional ways to get going as well. I will help you out with both!
Tip 1: Start as young as you can
Your journey down the path of speaking Spanish with your kids may seem like a long and rough one, but if you start your kids out young--as young as possible--then you will be doing them a favor.
Did you know that by the age of 13 people are less likely to pick up a new language and start to speak it like a 'native speaker'? The so-called 'window' of opportunity is ALWAYS open to learn any language, but if you want to go for speaking with out that 'accent', then younger is better.
So, 'how young?' you may be asking. I would say that as soon as your child is learning your language at home with you. That is the best time because kids are learning language anyway. If you start to teach your baby vocabulary at that age, then they will be able to pronounce words like a 'native speaker'!
How can I do this if I don't speak Spanish myself? Keep reading!
Tip 2: Watch TV and listen to music in Spanish
Not only is TV good, but start listening to music in Spanish as well. If you as the parent show interest in Spanish music genres by listening and singing along, then your kids will follow your example. There are so many amazing genres to explore like salsa and merengue. You could take it a step further and learn to dance! How fun!!
Tip 3: Use labels around the house
Labels with images and the word on the label are best. This way you will help your child to begin to make that connection with the real world and reading. You could make your labels in English and in Spanish. I recommend that you start to color-code the languages that you speak, read and write in the house as a family. In dual language there are different models, but the best one that I have found uses green for Spanish and blue for English.
If you use images, you could look through magazines and cut and paste the images on note cards, and then use your favorite adhesive to put the cards up. If you involve your child in the process, then your child will gain more ownership of the learning process. This way your child will be more likely to get excited about learning to speak Spanish as well!
Certainly, you can use programs like Canva or others that you have available. But I highly recommend involving your child so that your child takes the ownership as well, and then becomes more excited about learning Spanish!
Tip 4: Enroll in an online course
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| Click on the image so that you can learn more about how to start learning Spanish for free! |
Yes. An online course will help you. Of course you need to check it out thoroughly first. First, make sure that the teacher is a native speaker so that your child (especially) will pick up the correct pronunciation from the start.
Secondly, this may sound basic, but be sure to verify that videos are included because this is how you can see and hear the pronunciation. I emphasize both see and hear because many times when you look at the formation of the mouth, then you get clues for how to pronounce your words better. And, of course, you need to hear the pronunciation so that you can say the words correctly.
It is also important that you have the option for reading and writing, not just speaking. Speaking and understanding is the first step, but you need to have all four domains together, or at least as an option. Those four domains of language are: speaking, listening, reading and writing. You need them all.
Finally, you should make sure that you have engaging, downloadable activities so that you and your child can continue to practice what you have learned.
Tip 5: Partner up with your child and practice what you are learning
You are your child's best allay and partner! As a parent, you know that bilingualism is essential in this generation. Even if you are not bilingual, you can open windows of opportunity for your children. As their partner, you do the investigations and find the best program that suits you both. Then, when you have made your choice, go full-steam ahead!
Check out Spanish Just in Time!
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| Click on the image so that you can sign up for some complimentary lessons! |
So I have created a Spanish learning program for parents and their kids. I have created a 3-step program for you and your child to begin speaking in Spanish--Right Away!! I have created videos for the purpose of listening and then repeating what you hear. This is an essential step.
Also, you will receive downloads in PDF format that you can print. Your options for fun are endless: you can make puppets with the PDFs. (Or you can make your own puppets.). You will have 'cut and paste' activities where your child can color, trace, cut and paste to show what they have learned and for extra practice. You will also receive sentence strips that are already made along with vocabulary cards so that you can start to encourage early reading and writing (literacy) with your child in Spanish!
If you are interested, click this link and discover how you can start!
I hope to see you soon. I can't wait!!
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