Habla Espanol?

Home School Tips — By Dr. Mommy on May 11, 2009 at 8:00 am

Teaching a foreign language seems to be tricky for some but it is so important to try to incorporate into your home school curriculum.

We are at an advantage because I am fluent in the Spanish language and will actually be teaching my children conversational Spanish this year.

For those that aren’t as lucky, there are several resources that offer easy ways to learn a different language.

It is important to choose a language or several languages that you will be able to use on a daily basis. Many children learn by hearing the language spoken. I actually learned Spanish by listening to my parents, and of course listening to Spanish radio stations, and television programs. The best part was watching programs that were originally in the English language and translated or dubbed into the Spanish language.

Here are some tips for learning a new language:

• Listening is very important – purchasing computer programs, tapes or CD’s in the foreign language will be helpful

• Use flashcards to reinforce the learning process

• There are many programs that are available in different languages that can be checked out for free at your local library

• Choose one day and make it French, Spanish or Italian Day (or whatever language you choose)

• I love music so incorporate music into learning, kids are having fun and learning at the same time

• On the day you choose you can make an ethnic meal, dress in their custom garb, etc.

• Patience is key

Although I have been incorporating a different language into our home schooling curriculum , I do not have high expectations. It is very difficult to learn a new language but with some patience and fun, it can be done.

To give you some ideas, here are some of the things we have done to make learning a foreign language fun.

• Spanish Day – have chosen one day out of the week, when I will speak Spanish the entire day.

• Cooking – I have decided to incorporate home economics and language into one, we will learn to cook and learn to cook some ethnic meals that I enjoyed as a little girl

• Reading/Writing – I have collected various Spanish written resourcesto have my children translate as well as using flashcards and several games

• Labeling - my entire house has index cards as labels with the name of the object in both Spanish and English

• Music - once again I have incorporated foreign language and music class together. Will learn basic Spanish songs and rhythm all at the same time – great for the kinesthetic learner

• History – learning about the culture is very important and just as important as learning to speak the language

• Movies/TV Programs – I have taped several programs that are entirely in the Spanish language and perfect for children learning a new language, and of course this is wonderful for my visual and auditory learners.

I hope that I have given you some ideas on how to incorporate the learning of a new language into your home school curriculum. You may not have the advantage of knowing a second language, but don’t let that stop or hinder you. Learning together is fun as well and your child will see and appreciate that you are trying to learn along with them. Most importantly make learning fun.

Tags: dr mommy, Dr. Mommy Chronicles, habla espanol, Home School Tips, homeschool tips, learning a foreign language, teach spanish at home, teaching a foreign language, teaching spanish