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What's it like to raise bilingual children? Curious about the challenges and joys of juggling two languages at home?
Join us in today’s episode! My guest Lucia Garrett and I dive into our experiences raising bilingual kids. Lucia talks about her journey with bilingualism and how it has been to raise her children learning Spanish. Lucia stresses the importance of patience and consistency, even when faced with challenges. We chat about the ups and downs, the struggles of finding good resources for teaching Spanish, and how to overcome them. I also shared my own story about my son's language skills and a heartwarming moment when he was able to help a family having a difficult time communicating. We discuss the benefits of bilingualism, the importance of encouraging reading and writing in both languages, and how to stay positive and determined!Key Takeaways:
Let your children explore both languages through books, music, and shows.Be proud of your child's bilingual journey, no matter how small the steps.Stay consistent in using both languages at home, even on tough days.Resources:
Guest Lucia Garrett - Mother of a 4 year-old and 18 month-old
Pato Pato® - upcoming educational toys in Spanish https://www.playpatopato.com or [email protected]Spanish for Children and Families Social Media and Website:
Website https://www.jencova.com/ @spanishforchildrenandfamilies (IG) https://www.instagram.com/spanishforchildrenandfamilies/ Facebook Community - Mundo Fantastico Spanish for children https://www.facebook.com/groups/spanishandchildren Contact With Jenny [email protected] -
Welcome back to "Spanish for Children and Families", your go-to podcast for bringing Spanish into your home in a fun and engaging way. In this episode, we're diving deeper into the journey of teaching Spanish at home, focusing on planning, flexibility, and tuning into your child’s interests.Last Episode Recap:
We explored counting from 1 to 10 in Spanish and revisited colors and greetings with "El cumpleaños de Luna la Mariposa." Remember, you can find a free PDF with the story and worksheets on our website to help reinforce learning.Today’s Focus: Enhancing Your Spanish Teaching Strategy
Planning Ahead: Discover the balance between structured planning and the flexibility to adapt to your child's learning pace. Structured planning might include setting up a language learning calendar or themed weeks that make learning engaging and fun. Meanwhile, flexibility allows you to adjust based on your child's interests and the natural flow of life, making every learning opportunity count.Incorporating Your Child’s Interests: Understanding and integrating your child’s interests into Spanish learning can significantly boost their engagement and retention. Whether through art, nature, cooking, or storytelling, connecting lessons with their passions makes learning more meaningful.Structured vs. Flexible Planning:
Get creative with Language Learning Calendars, Themed Weeks, Weekly Language Challenges, and Scheduled Conversation Hours to provide a solid framework for learning.Learn to adapt with Adaptable Story Time and Interactive Learning Games, ensuring that lessons remain compelling and relevant to your child's evolving interests.Deep Dive into Interests:
Strategies to discover and incorporate your child's passions into learning, from observation to trial and error, ensure Spanish becomes a vibrant part of their world.Specific examples include introducing young artists to Spanish-speaking painters, taking nature lovers on bilingual outdoor adventures, cooking Spanish meals with little chefs, and exploring Spanish literature and sports to weave language into favorite activities.
Art projects inspired by Spanish-speaking artists.Nature walks with Spanish vocabulary for the outdoors.Cooking sessions featuring recipes from Spanish-speaking countries.Storytime with bilingual books or Spanish literature tailored to age levels.Following Spanish-speaking sports teams or learning sports terms in Spanish for the active child.
Examples to Engage Every Learner:
A combination of structured planning and adaptability lays a solid foundation for language acquisition.Aligning lessons with your child’s interests transforms learning Spanish from a task to an adventure.Embrace flexibility to keep lessons fresh and exciting, adapting to your child’s changing passions.Foster an environment where learning Spanish is part of daily life, making it a natural and fun experience.Document and celebrate your journey together, creating lasting memories while building bilingual skills.
Key Takeaways for a Rich Learning Experience:
Closing Thoughts:
As we wrap up today’s episode, remember that teaching Spanish at home is about more than just language; it’s about connecting with your child and embracing a world of new cultural experiences together. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll tackle navigating negative influences in language learning. Your journey to bilingualism is a profound gift to your child, filled with moments of joy, discovery, and connection.
Thank you for joining us on "Spanish for Children and Families." Until next time, keep embracing the beauty of Spanish in your family’s life. ¡Hasta luego!www.jencova.com
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¡Hola y bienvenidos! We're thrilled to have you join us again. If you missed our last episode, we explored part 1 of the significant realities of teaching Spanish at home, discussing the ups and downs of the learning journey and sharing six strategies to manage emotions. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 in our upcoming episodes.
Today's Episode: We are learning the numbers from 1 to 10!
We're diving into the world of numbers, learning how to count from 1 to 10 in Spanish. Alongside this new lesson, I am sharing a bilingual and Spanish-only story about Luna la Mariposa, followed by a fun activity for you to practice at home with family and friends. Plus, we've got a couple of worksheets available for download in PDF format to extend your learning. Ready to count with me?Counting in Spanish: 1 to 10
Join us as we count in Spanish, starting with uno (1) and going up to diez (10). We'll say the number in English first, then in Spanish, pausing for you to repeat after us. Don't worry if you need extra practice; you can revisit this segment anytime.Story Time: El Cumpleaños de Luna La Mariposa
It's Luna's birthday, and she's turning 10! To celebrate, we're sharing a special story about Luna and her friends practicing numbers in Spanish during a birthday scavenger hunt. Learn new words like "colibrí" (hummingbird), "tortuga" (turtle), "fiesta" (party), and "cumpleaños" (birthday) as you join Luna's celebration. The story is available in both bilingual and Spanish-only formats to help develop your listening and comprehension skills.Activity: Your Own Scavenger Hunt
Inspired by Luna's story, we encourage you to conduct your own scavenger hunt at home. This engaging activity will help you practice the numbers and vocabulary learned today. Whether you're preparing for a fictional friend's birthday party or just having fun, this scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to apply what you've learned.Free Resources
Don't forget to visit our website at www.jencova.com to download the free resource accompanying this episode. You'll find the story in both its bilingual and Spanish versions, a coloring sheet, and matching worksheets to practice the scavenger hunt vocabulary.We hope today's episode has been both educational and entertaining, making your journey into Spanish more enjoyable. Remember, learning a new language is a journey filled with small victories, and every number you learn opens up new possibilities for communication and fun.
Thank you for tuning in to "Spanish for Children and Families." Espero que tengas un buen día, and we look forward to joining me for more language adventures. ¡Hasta luego!
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Welcome to Episode 6 of Spanish for Children and Families! Whether it's morning, afternoon, or night where you are, I'm thrilled to have you join us! In this episode, we take a slight detour from our language lessons to address something equally important: the emotional and practical aspects of teaching Spanish at home.
In this episode, we reflect on last week's exploration of greetings, colors, and the enchanting story of Luna la Mariposa, which we offered both in Spanish and a bilingual version, with a free PDF available for download at our website, www.jencova.com. We deeply appreciate your invaluable suggestions, questions, and feedback, which you can continue to send to [email protected].
Today, we pivot from our planned lesson on numbers 1 to 10, which I will cover soon, to address a heartfelt message from a listener who is navigating the challenges of teaching Spanish to her 6-year-old at home, dedicating this episode to anyone facing similar hurdles. We delve into acknowledging difficulties, addressing feelings of shame and frustration, and the importance of being ready to adapt our teaching strategies. We also discuss setting realistic expectations by understanding each child's unique growth path and the significance of celebrating every small victory along the way. Additionally, we offer strategies for managing emotions, including normalizing mistakes, setting achievable goals, and practicing self-compassion. Looking ahead, we preview Part Two, where we will explore planning ahead, tuning into your child's interests, and dealing with negative influences, continuing our journey into the realities of teaching Spanish at home.
Key Takeaways:Teaching and learning Spanish at home is a journey with its ups and downs. It's crucial to acknowledge the challenges and learn from them.
Each child's learning process is unique. Understanding and adapting to their pace and interests can make a significant difference.Celebrating small wins and setting realistic expectations are foundational to a positive learning experience.Strategies like normalizing mistakes and practicing self-compassion are essential for both parents and children.
Luna la Mariposa Story and Free PDF: https://www.jencova.com/free-resourcesConnect with Us: Send your feedback and questions to [email protected] or join our Mundo Fantastico - Spanish for Children, Facebook group.
Resources Mentioned:
Next Episode Preview:
Don't miss Part Two of "The Realities of Teaching Spanish at Home," where we'll look deeper into planning, engaging your child's interests, and navigating through negative influences.
Thank you for listening to Spanish for Children and Families. Remember, it's okay to take breaks and breathe, but don't give up on this rewarding journey. ¡Hasta la próxima! -
Show Notes for Episode 5: Greetings and Colors in Spanish
Welcome back to "Spanish for Children and Families," In this fifth episode, we explore basic greetings and the colorful spectrum of colors. Join us as we lay down the foundational blocks for daily communication and share the enchanting story of Luna la Mariposa, accompanied by printable resources to enhance your learning experience.
In This Episode:
The Basics of Greeting in Spanish: Learn how to warmly welcome others with "Hola" and inquire about their well-being with "¿Cómo estás?", along with proper responses to reflect how you're feeling. Practice to perfect your pronunciation.A Spectrum of Colors: Discover the basics of colors in Spanish, including rojo (red), azul (blue), amarillo (yellow), verde (green), and morado (purple). These aren't just vocabulary words; they're your first steps toward describing the world around you in Spanish.Storytime with Luna la Mariposa: Enjoy the bilingual and Spanish-only versions of Luna la Mariposa. This story not only introduces the colors rojo, azul, amarillo, verde, and morado but also incorporates the word "mariposa" (butterfly), enriching your Spanish vocabulary and comprehension skills.Printable Resources: To complement the exploration of greetings and colors, I prepared a special coloring sheet featuring Luna la Mariposa. This fun activity is designed to go with the story we shared and help reinforce the Spanish vocabulary creatively and engagingly. Visit my website at www.jencova.com and click on the free resources tab. You will find materials tailored to today's lesson, perfect for reinforcing the concepts and supporting your and your child's language learning at home.Engagement Challenge: Inspired by Luna's discovery of the beauty in rojo, azul, amarillo, verde, y morado, we challenge you to recognize these colors in your daily life. Whenever you see something that matches the colors you learned today, say it out loud! This practice will help solidify your new vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.¡Espero que tengas un buen día! I hope you have a great day! Hasta la próxima! See you soon!
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What if I told you there's a theory that can revolutionize the way you approach learning Spanish? Get ready for a linguistic adventure as we explore the magic of Comprehensible Input (CI) in today's episode.
In this episode, I talk about the transformative power of comprehensible input and its impact on learning Spanish, changing the way families approach language acquisition. I contrast the traditional method, filled with grammar drills and vocabulary memorization, with the more natural and immersive approach of CI.
CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience, breaking down language barriers and promoting shared language adventures. It facilitates gradual progress, boosting confidence and motivation for learners of all ages. CI integrates into daily life, ensuring consistent and natural language exposure, and creating a positive association with the Spanish language.In the latter part of the episode, I introduce a 10-Day Challenge designed for families wanting to infuse their daily routines with Spanish, incorporating CI and other language learning methodologies. This challenge covers greetings, introductions, and the Family Unit, providing lesson plans, activities, practice exercises, flashcards, and audios. Each day focuses on different aspects of CI application, building a strong foundation for language acquisition.
Key Takeaways:
Comprehensible Input (CI) prioritizes exposure and comprehension over explicit grammar instruction.CI creates an immersive and enjoyable learning experience for families, breaking down language barriers.The Tending Challenge provides practical ways to incorporate CI into daily routines, promoting gradual progress and confidence in Spanish learning.Resources:
If you want access the PDF’sMundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children Facebook groupThanks for joining me on this language journey! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Hasta la próxima!
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Have you ever wanted to teach your children Spanish at home but found it challenging?
In this episode, I explore the complexities parents face when teaching Spanish to their kids at home. I discuss five primary challenges: consistency, bilingual confidence, engagement, potential resistance, and adapting to different learning styles. Each challenge presents unique hurdles but also opportunities for growth and connection. From establishing a regular schedule to incorporating interactive activities and celebrating successes, I offer practical strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Key takeaways:
· Consistency is key in establishing a routine for Spanish activities at home.
· Embrace the learning journey alongside your child to make it a shared experience.
· Incorporate fun and interactive elements like games, music, and storytelling into lessons.
· Celebrate small victories to foster a positive attitude towards language learning.
· Adapt teaching methods based on your child's unique learning style for an effective learning experience.
Resources:
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Email us at [email protected] -
Have you ever considered the profound impact of brain plasticity on a child's ability to learn Spanish and how it influences their cognitive development?
In this episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast, I explore the concept of brain plasticity and its connection to learning Spanish.
Brain plasticity is especially powerful during childhood. Neuroplasticity, as it's known, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and experiences. The early years, marked by high plasticity, create an ideal phase for language acquisition, laying the groundwork for learning languages like Spanish effortlessly.
However, it's not solely about language skills but also about nurturing an appreciation for culture, fostering empathy, and preparing the brain for future language learning endeavors.
I provide actionable insights for parents or caregivers, focusing on exposure, consistency, and engagement as key elements in facilitating effective language learning. Parents: embarking on the learning journey alongside their children, even without fluency, can be enriching for both parties.
Key takeaways:
· Brain plasticity in childhood facilitates efficient language acquisition, especially for learning Spanish.
· Introducing Spanish early fosters cultural understanding and creates opportunities for future language learning.
· Parents' engagement and a language-rich environment are key in facilitating effective language learning.
Resources:
· Book Recommendation: "The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind" by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Email us at [email protected]Thank you for joining me on another insightful episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast. If you found this helpful, remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share with friends. Let's continue this amazing journey together. ¡Hasta la próxima!
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Have you ever wondered why it's crucial to introduce Spanish to children at home? Join me as we explore the profound significance of teaching Spanish to children and the incredible impact it can have on their lives.
In this episode, I approach the questions and uncertainties parents often face when considering how and when to start teaching their children Spanish. I also emphasize the vast cultural opportunities and the global perspective that come with learning Spanish.
The first step is seeing the home environment as the initial classroom for a child. I stress the comfort and familiarity of home as an ideal setting for language learning, where you integrate Spanish into daily routines to create a natural learning atmosphere for children. While acknowledging challenges like consistency and resource accessibility, I emphasize the immense rewards that persist through these challenges can offer.
The conversation extends to both families with existing Spanish knowledge and those without, assuring that fluency isn't a prerequisite to kickstart a child's language journey. I stress the abundance of resources available for families embarking on this language adventure together, and I remark on the shared experience as a bonding opportunity and a model for lifelong learning.
Starting the Spanish learning journey early shapes not only the child but the entire family. It's a discovery path that connects hearts through words, fostering a love for language that transcends generations.
Key takeaways:
· Early exposure to Spanish enhances cognitive skills and cultural understanding.
· Brain plasticity in childhood is pivotal for language acquisition.
· Teaching Spanish at home is a comprehensive journey shaping open-minded, globally aware individuals.
Resources:
· Join the Facebook group "Mundo Fantástico, Spanish for Children" for additional resources and support.
· Stay updated on upcoming free challenges and access additional resources.
· Email us at [email protected]
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the "Spanish for Children and Family" podcast. If you found this helpful, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends. I'm looking forward to sharing more insights with you in the next episode. ¡Hasta la próxima!
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Jenny Corredor Varela is a native speaker, Spanish coach, and program creator. With more than 21 years of experience, she has helped children, adults, and families learn this beautiful language whether they speak Spanish at home or not. In the Spanish for Children and Families podcast, she shares great tips for language acquisition, overcoming challenges, and raising bilingual children. She also shares Spanish lessons and helpful resources.
