Teaching a child to be bilingual is one of the best gifts that you could give them. The United States is a melting pot of various cultures and languages with Spanish being the second most commonly spoken language. Your child will greatly benefit from being taught Spanish at an early age and encouraged to continue developing Spanish skills in the years to come.
Instructions
1. Learn numbers. The first thing your child should learn is count in Spanish. Mainly concentrating on numbers 1 through 20. If you are not familiar with the Spanish numbers or the proper pronuciations, you can visit your local education supply store and purchase a cd or computer program that teaches correct pronunciation.
2. Learn colors. Buy or make a set of Spanish color word flash cards. Review with your child the English color words then the Spanish color words. Review the flash cards over and over with your child. After they are familiar with the Spanish color words, play games with the flash cards, such as matching the English word to the Spanish word.
3. Learn household items. With the aid of a Spanish/ English picture dictionary, you can walk around your home saying the English name of an object then the Spanish. Playing "I Spy" is an excellent way for your child to learn and remember the Spanish words. For example when teaching that a clock is el reloj: " What time does el reloj say?"
4. Learn simple phrases. Teach your child that hello in Spanish is "Hola" and good bye is "Adios." Teach and use the Spanish words for please and thank you. Please in Spanish is "por favor" and thank you is "gracias." Begin incorporating bilingual words and phrases into your everyday conversations. Doing this is very important when teaching your child to retain the knowledge of the Spanish language.
5. Encourage Spanish shows. You child's favorite cartoon characters often incorporate Spanish words and phrases into their television programs. Characters such as Dora the Explorer, Diego and Handy Manny openly teach their Spanish heritage on their cartoon programs during the course of each episode. Encourage your child to listen for familiar words and phrases and repeat any new words they might have learned.
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