5 tips to get your child to speak Spanish
Getting a child to speak Spanish when they are predominantly surrounded by English speakers can present some challenges. However, with a consistent and supportive approach, it is possible to encourage Spanish language development. Here are some additional tips to help you in this process:
Watch Spanish Cartoons📺
Engage your child in watching Spanish cartoons together. The simple dialogue used in cartoons makes it easier for them to understand and learn Spanish. The inclusion of music in cartoons keeps children entertained while exposing them to the language in a fun and engaging way.
Read bilingual books 📚
Bilingual books offer a great opportunity for language learning. With one side of the book in English and the other in Spanish, children can refer to the English text if they are unsure about a specific word. Reading bilingual books promotes biliteracy, especially for children growing up in bilingual households.
Combine learning and play 📝🗣
Incorporate Spanish learning into playtime activities. Children naturally enjoy playing, so integrating language learning with play will keep them interested and help them pick up the language effortlessly. Use Spanish vocabulary during games, sing songs in Spanish, or create playful scenarios that encourage conversation in Spanish.
Listen to Spanish music 🎵 🎤
Children love music, and listening to Spanish songs can be a fun and effective way to improve language skills. Encourage your child to sing along to Spanish songs, clap their hands, or dance to the rhythm. This activity not only enhances pronunciation but also exposes them to new vocabulary and phrases.
Find Spanish play dates 👯♀️👯♂️
Seek out other children who speak Spanish or are learning the language. By providing opportunities for your child to interact with peers who speak Spanish, they will naturally be motivated to use the language. Play dates or joining Spanish language groups can create an immersive environment where your child can practice and improve their Spanish skills.
Remember, consistency and patience are key when encouraging your child to speak Spanish. Each child learns at their own pace, so it's important to provide a supportive and encouraging environment. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, and make language learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and creating a supportive language-learning environment, you can help your child develop their Spanish language abilities and foster a love for multilingualism. With time and effort, your child can develop proficiency and confidence in speaking Spanish, even in an English-dominant environment.
7 Tips to raising bilingual kids.
Bringing up kids to speak a second language can be tough but the outcome is always rewarding. One of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children is raising them bilingual. I couldn’t thank my mother enough for speaking to me in Spanish when I was growing up. Not only could I communicate with my family in Spain, it’s now opened so many doors; socially and professionally. If you’re finding it difficult raising your kids bilingual, here are 7 tips that will help:
1.Start Early
Introduce the second language to your child as early as possible. Children have a remarkable ability to absorb language at a young age. Create an environment where both languages are consistently spoken, whether it's through conversation, reading, or singing.
2.Celebrate the culture, not just the language
Expose your children to the culture associated with the language they are learning. Watch foreign films or animations together, read bilingual books that highlight cultural traditions, and engage in discussions about customs, holidays, and interesting facts about the countries where the language is spoken. Prepare traditional dishes and expose them to cultural events or community gatherings. This deepens their appreciation for the language and strengthens their cultural identity.
3. Speak the heritage language at home
Create an environment where the minority language is spoken at home. Consistently using the language will help your children become more comfortable and proficient in it. Encourage family members to speak the heritage language as well. Additionally, leverage technology to connect with relatives or friends who speak the language through video calls or messaging apps. This interaction will motivate your children to use the language and strengthen their connection to their heritage.
4. Praise the small successes
Encourage and acknowledge your children's language-learning efforts. Celebrate their progress and let them know you are proud of their achievements, no matter how small. Create a positive and supportive atmosphere where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. Make language learning a fun and rewarding experience, and avoid putting undue pressure on your children. Their confidence will grow as they see their language skills improve.
5. Seek Language Resources
Explore language-learning resources, such as books, apps, online programs, and language classes. These resources can provide structure, guidance, and additional support for your child's language development.
6. Make it Fun
Incorporate language learning into fun activities and games. Play language-learning games, use flashcards, or create art projects that involve the second language. Making language learning enjoyable and engaging will motivate your child to actively participate.
7. Be Patient and Flexible
Learning a second language is a gradual process, and each child progresses at their own pace. Be patient and understanding as they navigate language challenges. Adjust your approach if needed and adapt to their individual learning style.
Remember, raising bilingual children takes time and consistency. Be patient with their language development and provide ample opportunities for practice. Surround them with native speakers, enroll them in language classes or cultural programs, and expose them to authentic language resources. With your support and a nurturing environment, your children will reap the benefits of bilingualism, opening doors to broader horizons and future opportunities.
Keep up the great work in raising bilingual kids, and continue to celebrate the rich world of language and culture that you are providing for them!
How being bilingual changed my life
Here I give an account of the advantages of being raised bilingual and bicultural, and how it became a success in my career.
Growing up speaking Spanish
It all started with my mother speaking to me in Spanish when I was a baby. Being native of Spain and a Spanish teacher, she knew how important it would be to speak to me in her native tongue. She didn’t just speak to me in Spanish because she knew it’s a great skill, but she also wanted me to be able to speak to her family in Spain. And I’m ever so grateful she did, as I have a huge family in over there and have made lifelong friends in the little small village I visit every year. Every summer, we would spend 6 weeks in my mum’s small village in the mountains. It was the best time of the year! I would spend all day playing with my friends, which meant I would be speaking all day in Spanish as they didn’t know any English. Then when playtime was over, I would spend time with my grandparents. They were one of the most magical moments, as I learnt so much. I would watch my abuela cook traditional Spanish food, they would tell me stories of when they were kids and how different their upbringing was. In the background, they would listen to typical regional music of Aragon (Jotas) which I never really liked at the time, however now I absolutely love it! The 6 weeks I spent in Spain meant I was fully immersed in the language and culture. I would go back home to the UK fluent in Spanish and full of knowledge and experience! I was proud of my dual heritage, none of my school friends could speak Spanish and English, or had the same summer holiday experience. Little did I know, my bilingual and bicultural upbringing would lead me to write about my experiences.
How speaking a second language formed my career
I truly believe, if it wasn’t for my mum speaking to me in Spanish, I would have had a very different career path. Being exposed to the Spanish language and culture from a very young age, I knew even back then I would grow up to somehow utlise these language skills. At school Spanish, French and English were my favourite subjects, naturally I wanted to go on and learn languages at University. I went on to study Modern Foreign languages at The University of Portsmouth, the languages being Spanish and Italian. I wanted to learn a third language and had always been fascinated with Italian and the country, so thought why not take on the challenge! They do say, once you’ve learnt one language, then it only makes you want to learn more! I spent half my exchange year in Milan, prior to that my Italian was very basic. The experience was one of the best I’d ever had, changing me as a person and opening my eyes to a world out there, a world I would go on to travel. A year after I’d graduated, I travelled solo around South America visiting 7 countries. Being able to speak Spanish improved my experience as I could speak and connect with locals in each country. All these experiences are what helped my career. My first job after University was a Spanish speaking customer service advisor working for an online gambling company. I then went on to have varies roles including working as a project manager for a translation & interpreting company, freelance translator and now an author and independent publisher of bilingual and foreign language books. This has lead me to take part in numerous author visits both virtually and in person. It’s been an amazing experience; I’ve been able to inspire children all around the world that speaking a second language is something to be proud of, and being kind to one another can be a superpower.
That’s why I believe if you raise your children to speak a second language, it’s only going to open so many doors not just professionally, but socially.