Running around the neighborhood I bet you have heard this once or twice Colorado Avalanche Throwback Jersey , "I know she knows how to say it. I heard her singing her colors in Spanish just this morning. Lisa, tell my friend what red is in Spanish right now!" Or perhaps this scenario rings a bell, "Jorge Chicago Blackhawks Throwback Jersey , I am warning you! No more English. If you want something, you have to ask me in Spanish starting ahora!"
Parents across the world see a very global future for their children and want to prepare them for it. We have read or heard about the reports from experts about bilingual children scoring higher on standardized tests and reading sooner than monolingual children. Yet there seems to be a struggle to achieve that blissful state of learning.
Many times children rebel at using their native language of Spanish; thus eliciting threats from the parent of no communication in any other language but Spanish. Then there is the Anglo parent who, with all good intentions Carolina Hurricanes Throwback Jersey , eagerly enrolls their child in a fairly expensive once a week language class; only to wonder why that same child will not 'perform' for family and friends her new words in Spanish.
With the following seven simple steps and suggestions you and your family can bloom into a second language journey - blissfully and with smiles:
1. Start the second language learning as early in your child's life as possible. Experts agree - the earlier, the better. Think of how you learned your native language. It's all about vocabulary at first so remember that repetition is the key for all your child's learning.
*Experts say it is just as easy for a child to learn two words in two languages for one item as it is to learn just one word.
*Introduce the new language bilingually, using the native language and the new together Calgary Flames Throwback Jersey , for any child birth through 8-10 years old. (Immersion should be used for children 8 -10 and older.)
2. Find a bilingual language learning program, product or class for your child that incorporates the following components necessary for success: visual, music Buffalo Sabres Throwback Jersey , beginning reading and verbal exchange. Give your child the opportunity to enjoy the new language daily for 10 to 30 minutes (depending upon the age of your child, more time needs to be spent as your child continues to develop his language skills).
3. Show your child you value speaking a second language.
*If you speak mainly English in your home invite a Spanish speaking friend over, attend cultural events where both native & new languages are spotlighted through music Boston Bruins Throwback Jersey , dance, food and more and turn on the Spanish channel on TV and the radio.
*If you speak mainly Spanish in your home invite new English speaking friends over and get them involved in learning Spanish as you cook for them, entertain them and welcome them into your home Arizona Coyotes Throwback Jersey , visit the local library for bilingual books and fun children's programs and make learning the new language fun for your child and yourself.
4. Do not allow anyone try to convince you that learning a second language needs to come after your child has mastered her native language. The myth that children will be language delayed or have a language disorder if a new language is introduced early in life is just that - a myth.
*The latest study out of Texas on this subject suggests that children up to the age of five can learn five languages simultaneously.
*I will caution that you not settle for immersion for your young child during her school day. It should not be 'sink or swim' in the English only classroom for the Spanish speaking child nor should a Spanish only class be used with your English speaking first grader.
*Your child should be allowed contact with hisher native language throughout the day until at least the age of 8-10 years old.
5. For Spanish speaking families it is a lot of work to continue your native language within your home and community when English is the dominant and daily language your child hears. As in most of parenting, keep a smile first of all.
*Refuse to fall into the trap of making your child 'perform' in your native Spanish language. Encourage your child to appreciate their native language by appreciating it yourself and speaking it with love.
*Try not threaten to speak only in Spanish to your child in order to get them to respond back to you in Spanish. This will alienate them from you, their language and their heritage.
*Your child will understand everything you say to them Anaheim Ducks Throwback Jersey , but your child might often times make the conscious effort to refuse to verbalize back in their native tongue due to your threats.