Spanish Courses for Kids

Learning Spanish at an early age could improve a child's success.

Children learn foreign languages much more easily than adults, according to Noam Chomsky in a recent interview with Forbes magazine. Therefore, why not introduce your children to a language early? According to Fox News Latino, by 2050, 10 percent of the world will speak Spanish and the United States will be the largest Spanish-speaking country, so learning this language could increase your child's chance at a successful future. There are several Spanish language courses available online or via computer software for children in grades K through 6 that teach the language in a relatable and engaging way.

MUZZY

MUZZY is a television program developed by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Rather than expect children to learn through memorization or homework, MUZZY exposes children to the Spanish language through repetition and spiraling, a language acquisition technique that introduces new concepts several times in different contexts. Created with the understanding that all children learn differently, MUZZY's programs engage visual, oral, musical, kinesthetic and logical-mathematical learners. Packaged as animated stories on DVD, there are four levels of MUZZY that correspond to your child's age: MUZZY Young Ones, MUZZY Preschoolers, MUZZY Ages 5 to 7 and MUZZY Ages 8 to 12+.

Risas y Sonrisas

Risas y Sonrisas (Spanish for Laughter and Smiles) is a Spanish language program available for desktop computers. Both independent learners guided by tutors as well as classrooms benefit from the program, which teaches children pronunciation and reading skills through interactive software as well as teacher-led activities. Students engage in classroom skits and conversations with a class or tutor and have the ability to play games, songs and pronunciation guides on the computer to augment their in-class learning. The program offers cultural immersion chapters at the end of each unit so students can learn about Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures.

Learn or Review Spanish with Senora S.

This online program is available for students who can already read. Written in Spanish first and English second, Senora S. presents lessons under the title "Aprender o repasar! Learn or Review!" which immerse students by giving them the opportunity to use their English only when they cannot understand the Spanish vocabulary on the site. Students learn fundamental vocabulary such as parts of the body, colors, numbers, personal information and weather. A section of the website entitled, "Hay Mas/There's More" gives advanced students more vocabulary and opportunities to hear spoken Spanish. Learn or Review Spanish with Senora S. is just one of many foreign language links on the parent site, Anacleta's World Language & Cultural Resources; there are additional links to more advanced coursework.

BBC Languages -- Spanish

The BBC offers a twelve-week online Spanish language course for self-motivated students who are of the age to use the Internet by themselves with parental permission. The course is taught as a cohesive story, introducing vocabulary and grammatical elements throughout the course of the twelve-week story. Each week, the student receives an email with a link to the next installment of the lesson. Throughout the week, the student listens to the narrative and completes various listening and spelling activities. Each week culminates with a quiz and the course itself ends with a test, so students can determine how much they learned and what areas they need to work on.

References

• "Forbes"; Noam Chomsky On Why Kids Learn Languages Easily; David M. Ewalt; October 2005
• Early Advantage: How MUZZY Works
• Spanish for Kids: Risas y Sonrisas: About the Program
• Anacleta's Word Language & Cultural Resources: Learn or Review Spanish with Señora S.
• BBC: Spanish Steps --- Spanish for Beginners
• "Fox News Latino"; U.S Will be the Country with the Most Spanish-Speakers in 2050, Says Scholar; February 2011

Resources

• Early Advantage: MUZZY Home
• Spanish for Kids: Risas y Sonrisas: Home
• Anacleta's Word Language & Cultural Resources
• BBC: Spanish Steps --- Spanish for Beginners