Here are some challenges you may face and a few TIPS that work in raising multicultural kids:
TOP 3 CHALLENGES
EXPOSURE
Friends, school, movies, stores… most, if not all of our social interactions will be in English. This is why the more practice we can provide at home, the better.
MY KID DOESN’T WANT TO SPEAK MY LANGUAGE!
Connected to challenge #1, when the importance of making friends is central, kids might reject the chance to speak Spanish at home. Having play dates or going to events where other kids speak Spanish, can help children integrate the language as part of their lives.
COMFORT
Do you or your child feel uncomfortable speaking the language? Make sure you don’t embarrass your child by asking him or her to speak Spanish out loud in front of others or to use it in uncomfortable situations. Start in the comfort of your own home and go from there.
TOP 3 TIPS FOR FAMILY FUN
FAMILY ROUTINE
Find a time in the week, and make it your share time in the second language! Try preparing dinner or eating together once a week and sharing about our day. What about Saturday “panqueques day”?
GAMES
Veo veo! (I spy). You can start by saying the color of the object, and the others try to guess it. Depending on the level, it can be as elaborate as you wish using other vocabulary (shapes, directions, …), or guessing in Spanish.
Bingo. Prepare a grid with vocabulary words or images (kids can also draw them). When you say the word they have to identify it and place the bead on it. When getting all images in one line, say “linea”, when getting all the grid, say “bingo!”
20 Questions. The child thinks of something. You ask yes/no (si/no) questions trying to guess what it is. Take turns.
SONGS, POEMS or RHYMES
This is how we learned our native language actually. Catchy poems, nursery rhymes or joyful songs bring the family together, and learning is guaranteed!
La cucaracha
Los pollitos dicen
Voy a vivir. Marc Antony
EDS MY CLASSROOM is an Educational Dynamic Space that offers Spanish and language classes, camps, activities and tutoring. Based in Venice, their pedagogy is based on strong ACADEMICS, CREATIVE fun methodologies, and promoting self-esteem and SOCIAL SKILLS.