About Learning Spanish for Kids
Compared to other languages, including English, Spanish is easy to learn as there are few irregular forms or pronunciations. Once you learn the basic sounds of the letters and the way they are put together, Spanish tends to stick to its own rules. For this reason, as well as that fact that in the U.S. there have been and continue to be many Spanish-speaking people, it makes sense to teach children Spanish. It is a fun language to learn, beautiful to listen to and nearly ubiquitous in modern American life.
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Best Age to Teach a Foreign Language
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According to Parents magazine, children can start to learn a new language from the age of about two to three. At this age they are able to pick up on words easily. Hearing people speak on television, or even a babysitter speaking in her native language, can help with foreign language acquisition.
Beginning to Teach Spanish Using Familiar Objects
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Spanish can be taught in such a way that it is fun and easy to learn. Rather than start with the alphabet start with words of familiar objects like apple and teacher. The Spanish word for apple is manzana. Once you say this, point to a picture of an apple or actual fruit. The Spanish word for teacher is profesora--if the teacher is female, and professor, if male. Point to yourself as you say this so that the children can make an association.
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Teach Using Songs
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Sing songs in Spanish about things that the children can relate to such as going to the zoo or playing on a playground. The song can provide the names to various animals and items on a playground.
Moving on to the Alphabet
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Start to teach the alphabet to children after some proficiency with word pronunciation has occurred. Make certain that the children are not only saying the words, but that they are saying it with an accent.
Numbers and Other Essential Words
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Teach the children numbers, colors and other things that help with learning. Show movies that are partially in Spanish after more proficiency with the language has developed. Once the children are very comfortable, provide them reading material, appropriate for their language level in Spanish.
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