How can I help my child at home?
When it comes to school, there are many things that parents can do at home to help their child be successful. However, when the subject is foreign language, it can be more difficult to help because of the language barrier. Here are some things all parents can do at home to help their children be more successful in Spanish class:
1. The most effective way to learn a foreign language is to practice, practice, practice!
A newsletter is sent home with students at the beginning of every new unit of study. It contains information about the unit, the activities we will be doing in class, and a list of vocabulary along with a pronunciation guide. Students are encouraged to share this newsletter at home and to use the information to practice the new vocabulary and language structures. These newsletters can also be found on the website by using the "Spanish News" tab at the top of this page.
2. Make practicing fun!
A great way to practice Spanish vocabulary is to incorporate it into everyday situations. For example, if your child is learning numbers, have him/her count things in Spanish (trees that you drive by, green beans on the plate, people in the room, etc.). If your child is learning colors, play "I Spy" with the colors in Spanish. Create your own a Memory Game or vocabulary book. There are many fun and creative ways to practice! Click here to go to a list of activities that Senora Deprez has created for each unit to help students practice what we are learning in class.
3. One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it!
If you don't speak Spanish, ask your child to teach you the vocabulary he/she is learning in class. What a great teaching and learning experience for both of you! This can also work with siblings, friends, and other relatives.
4. Stay away from translation!
I know, I know... it sounds strange. But, encouraging your child to associate the Spanish vocabulary with the actual meaning of the word will help them better internalize the information. For example, instead of asking your child how to say "red" in Spanish, point to a red object and ask them what color it is. Instead of saying body parts in English and having your child translate them, have them point to their body parts and name them in Spanish.
5. Seek out Spanish opportunities whenever possible!
Many children's television shows are broadcasted in Spanish, which provides a great listening opportunity for students. See how many words your child can recognize! The public library also has many Spanish and bilingual books available that can be used for added practice and language exposure.
1. The most effective way to learn a foreign language is to practice, practice, practice!
A newsletter is sent home with students at the beginning of every new unit of study. It contains information about the unit, the activities we will be doing in class, and a list of vocabulary along with a pronunciation guide. Students are encouraged to share this newsletter at home and to use the information to practice the new vocabulary and language structures. These newsletters can also be found on the website by using the "Spanish News" tab at the top of this page.
2. Make practicing fun!
A great way to practice Spanish vocabulary is to incorporate it into everyday situations. For example, if your child is learning numbers, have him/her count things in Spanish (trees that you drive by, green beans on the plate, people in the room, etc.). If your child is learning colors, play "I Spy" with the colors in Spanish. Create your own a Memory Game or vocabulary book. There are many fun and creative ways to practice! Click here to go to a list of activities that Senora Deprez has created for each unit to help students practice what we are learning in class.
3. One of the best ways to learn something is to teach it!
If you don't speak Spanish, ask your child to teach you the vocabulary he/she is learning in class. What a great teaching and learning experience for both of you! This can also work with siblings, friends, and other relatives.
4. Stay away from translation!
I know, I know... it sounds strange. But, encouraging your child to associate the Spanish vocabulary with the actual meaning of the word will help them better internalize the information. For example, instead of asking your child how to say "red" in Spanish, point to a red object and ask them what color it is. Instead of saying body parts in English and having your child translate them, have them point to their body parts and name them in Spanish.
5. Seek out Spanish opportunities whenever possible!
Many children's television shows are broadcasted in Spanish, which provides a great listening opportunity for students. See how many words your child can recognize! The public library also has many Spanish and bilingual books available that can be used for added practice and language exposure.