“Our Culture, Our Traditions, Our
Language Are The Foundations Upon Which We Build Identity.” Bilingual is Better
by Ana L. Flores & Roxana A. Soto
Creating an environment for your child to
learn a second language doesn’t have to be so challenging once a family makes a
commitment to the goal, and creates habit-forming behaviors.
According to most bilingual educators,
early learners should be exposed to each language on a daily basis. So here are
5 daily activities to help you accomplish just that.
1) “Se habla español” Upon Entering Your
Home
Unless your children are in an immersion
school, they’re hearing English all day. Therefore, make a commitment to speak
español upon entering your home. As an art project, create a sign with your
child that says, “En la casa se habla español.” You can also take it a step
further and create flash cards with the names of all the furniture and
appliances. Create a 5-minute daily habit of walking around your home while having
your children name all they see in Spanish.
2) Español at the Dinner Table
Ensure the conversation at the dinner
table is conducted in Spanish. Start off the ceremonial experience with a rhyme
to get the conversation started: “Zanahoria, remolacha, pepino, lechuga, y col. Pimentón, perejil y ñame
fortalecen el corazón” Source://poemasrimasycuentos.blogspot.com
3) A Call to Abuela, el Tio or la Prima
Make a list of
your Spanish dominant family members and friends, and put them on the call list
for your child to sing them a short Spanish song like “Los pollitos dicen pio
pio”. Lots of fun songs available on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTApI_rUZ2E
4) Visit Oznoz.com
Oznoz.com is a website with unlimited
access to high quality children’s cartoons in 10+languages. Start your free
trial and turn on Plaza Sesamo, Musty 3D and Might Jungle, all available in
Spanish.
5) Read a Bedtime Story in Spanish
Chose an age appropriate children’s book in
Spanish that authentically depicts and celebrates Latino culture. Here’s a list
of award winning children’s books: http://www.slj.com/2013/06/awards/intl-latino-book-awards-recognize-top-childrens-titles/#_
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