20 Tips for the Spanish Teacher and Student
Learning a second language can be both exciting and fun. As your child studies Spanish, he or she will not only learn to communicate with Spanish speakers, but will also learn about the culture. Language learning is a building process that requires considerable time and practice, but it is one of the most rewarding things your child can learn in school. Your child will benefit from the effort and will acquire a skill that will serve to enrich his or her life. Language learning calls on many skills that are not necessarily used in other kinds of learning. Students will find their Spanish class different from other classes in a variety of ways. The following tips will guide you in helping your child with Spanish:
- Practice vocabulary with flashcards with your child. You can say the English word and then ask you to say and spell out the Spanish word. Make a game out of it! You can try and say the Spanish word and see if your child can figure out which vocabulary word you are saying and give you the correct pronunciation and meaning. Kids love to correct their parents!
- Be interested in the language and the culture that your child is learning.
- If you see the words in the language that your child is learning, point it out . For example, you might find words on a menu, in an advertisement, or in the newspaper. Making real life connections makes language learning seem more relevant and important.
- Explore the online language resources that are posted on Profesora Dunkley's website.
- Support good study habits of their language homework. Learning a language is a skill and requires ongoing learning and practice.
- Listen to your child read or speak the language—even if you don't understand!
- Encourage your child to repeat and practice as this is the key to retention. Once is not enough.
- Rent a Spanish movie and/or listen to a Spanish song. Then discuss it with your child.
- Point out experiences in which you have encountered Spanish in your life, work, vacation, at the store, etc.
- Recognize Hispanic food in the store and point it out—better yet, buy it!
- Visit an authentic Mexican restaurant and encourage your child to practice Spanish. Taco Bell and Taco John's are not authentic Mexican restaurants!
- Help your child learn how to use a Spanish/English dictionary.
- Often times Spanish words look like English and can be recognized. Encourage your son/daughter to use these cognates to figure out the meaning of new vocabulary.
- Remind your child that class participation and memorization are very important strategies for learning Spanish.
- Tell your child that in reading and listening activities, as well as in the classroom, it is not necessary to understand every word. Listen & look for key words to get the gist of what is being communicated.
- Encourage your child to ask questions in class if he or she is confused. Remind your child that other students may have the same question.
- Motivate your child with praise for small jobs well done, not just for big exams and final grades. A memorized vocabulary list is something to be proud of!
- Encourage your child to review previously learned material frequently and not just before a test. Remember, learning a language is a building process, and it is important to keep using what you've already learned.
- Provide opportunities for your child to hear and use the language.
- Above all, remind your child that language is not acquired overnight. Just as for a first language, there is a gradual process for learning a second one. It takes time and patience, and it is important to know that mistakes are a completely natural part of the process.