Whether you speak a second language or not, ensuring your child learns a second language is extremely difficult. Every day, I hear from parents who say, "I speak Spanish, and I try to speak to my children in Spanish, but they only respond in English!" "I don't speak any other language than English," for example. "How am I supposed to help my child learn Spanish?"
Don't be concerned. You're not by yourself or bilingual schools in Austin. And, while it is difficult, there is a specific strategy you can use to ensure that your child knows a second language.
As a parent, you can take three types of actions: small, medium, and large actions to ensure your child learns a second language or has a strong foundation.
Big Actions- Long Term Immersion
First, you must understand what immersion is. Immersion is interacting with or living in a language. It is not necessary to have a special teacher to do this with children. You simply need someone to hang out with your child who will not speak English and will only converse in the target language.
Immersion options include:
Immersion camp in the United States: All activities will be conducted in the target language, but the children around them will speak English. A good, but not great, option. If you are unable to travel abroad, this is the best option.
Camp Abroad: An even better option is a fun camp that is not related to language but is held in the country where that language is spoken. You can take a break while your child attends an art camp in Mexico City, Barcelona, or Lima.
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You can immerse as a family and travel to another country to study. The children attend child classes, while the parents attend parent classes. Smaller classes are preferable. International is even better because the children's first language may be Japanese, French, or Russian, and they must communicate in the new language!
You could request an exchange if you have friends or family in another country. You send your children for a few weeks, and they send theirs. Alternatively, one parent relocates to the new country with the children, while the other remains. If you are at ease, send your child to stay with friends or family for a month, or accompany them.
Medium Actions- Immersion is Still Best
You may now argue that you are unprepared for large-scale actions and would prefer something more manageable. Perhaps you don't have the funds to visit friends or family in another country, or to attend an immersive camp in another country. That's all right!
There are also short immersion camps in your own country. During the school year, you can often do half-day or Saturday camps during the summer. To start hearing the language, your child could spend a sleepover at their house. You could request that the family try to interact with your child. This is not very effective because it is not their job, but it is an additional way to interact with the language.
Another medium (yet highly effective) action is to hire a babysitter (but you don't have to leave) who will play with your child in the target language from an early age or language schools Austin. Because all languages are still relatively new, doing so from a young age (6 months or more) ensures that your child is not confused or frustrated.
Small Actions
There are online language classes for children that can be accessed at any time - the schedule is extremely flexible. I reiterate that at this age, all you need is someone to play with your child and interact with images, pointing, or some kind of action with words associated with it. This is how they learn any language: image, word, situational context. This does not have to cost a lot of money.
We use Zoom for small group classes and any platform for private lessons at our online Spanish immersion school for kids. The instructor remains consistent throughout the course, allowing them to truly bond with and get to know your child. That, I believe, is critical for the children to have fun while also trusting the teacher. Routine and stability are important to children.
Conclusion
I am very excited to begin this journey of second language acquisition with you and your family. Even if you start with small changes, this will help your child's second language development.
At Nido Verde Di Reggio Emilia, we believe in learning through play in a loving and respectful environment. We provide a Spanish speaking environment or Austin Spanish immersion school in which children can explore and experiment as they begin to understand the world around them. You can learn more about us by visiting us. Call us at +1-512-202-8295 and email us at admissions@nidoverdedireggioemilia.com.
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