My husband and I have been raising our kids bilingual since our first child was born eight years ago. Today, we're lucky enough to be able to say that they're both fully bilingual in English and Spanish. So, whenever people ask for advice on how to do the same with their kids, I like to share the following five key tips with them…
Read more ¿Qué más?: Here's why you shouldn't be worried about speaking to your kids in Spanish ONLY
Speak to them in Spanish
Start as ealry as possible. Ideally, in the womb. It may sound insane, but your baby can hear you and once he's born, he'll recognize your voice and associate Spanish with you. As they get older, make sure you speak Spanish to them as much as possible. The more they hear it, the more of a chance they'll have to speak it.
Read to them in Spanish
Reading should also be happening as early as possible. Read to your baby all the time even if you don't have books in Spanish. Until they learn how to read on their own, they'll have no way of telling what language the book you're reading to them is in. Just translate on the fly or get Spanish books from your local library. Reading is a great way to help them expand their vocabulary.
Play music in Spanish
Teaching a child a second language is all about making it fun. If you make it seem as a chore, you'll get all kinds of resistance. So use resources like music to expose your children to Spanish and they'll be learning without even noticing. By the way, it doesn't only have to be children's music. Play any kind of music in Spanish and start singing and dancing to the Latin beats!
Let them play apps in Spanish
Another resource you need to put to good use is your tablet or smartphone. There are a ton of really good apps out there that will help your children with their Spanish and they won't even realize it. Again, the main idea here is that they have fun while learning.
Join a Spanish playgroup
I'll never get tired of saying this: a Spanish playgroup will be life-changing. Not only for your kids, but also for you. For starters, you'll be with other parents trying to do the same thing you're doing. They'll understand your frustrations and share in your joys. And, your kids will make friends with others in their same boat. It's a win-win situation!
