There are so many things we wish we had time to teach our children, but many of these seem SO BIG, we put off doing them or feel stressed just thinking about it.
Learning Spanish for many people is one of those BIG THINGS. They remember their own difficulties learning a foreign language, and they often wonder how on earth they are going to fit another thing into their schedules.
Well, I think I can offer you some encouragement and reassurance that you really can teach your children Spanish in spite of busy schedules or your own past language learning difficulties.
It is said that you should start your kids young. The reason is that kids have a greater ability to absorb new languages the younger they are. Prior to age 10 especially, their brains are more physically “flexible” let’s say, and this is what gives them that advantage.
But, another benefit to starting young, even if it is only as early as middle school, is that you put time on your side. I always tell parents that you can set a goal of language fluency for your children by the time they are adults. With this thinking, you take some pressure off yourselves and give yourself time to build the language skill bit by bit over time in a non-stressful way.
That is where 10-15 minutes a day comes in. When decide to begin, just plan to work on Spanish for that amount every day for four to five days a week. You can do more days, but by planning on four to five, you give yourself wiggle room when you need to skip a day.
Only 10-15 minutes a day may not seem like much, but add that up over how many days in a year, and WOW! If it helps, get a calendar where you and your child can mark an “x” for each day you have done. This is a great motivator to do more and a representation of all the work you have done. What satisfaction!
Once your child reaches high school, he or she will have foundations in the language already begun. And then, in a high school, things will pick up. High school classes teach more content and require more dedicated time, and your child will be ready.
This can continue through college where your child could enroll in a semester or school year abroad to really refine his or her speaking skills. And then at the end, voila! You have a fluent or nearly fluent young adult.
If you are looking for a Spanish curriculum that is fun and easy-to-use, check out my curriculum. You can go at your own pace, 10-15 minutes a day or more if you want. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, and your child will build skills speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish!
And, I am always available via e-mail if you ever have questions while working through the curriculum.