How To Teach Your Kids Spanish - In A Non-Native Home!

So, you want to teach your kids a language?

Amazing!

But... there’s just one little thing…..

You’ve never spoken a word of the language in your life.

Well, except for maybe those hilarious Dora imitations you do for the kids or a handful of words back in college...

Or maybe you grew up with a second language at home but as an adult, your grasp of the language has slipped away.

You want your kids to have a connection with your incredible heritage but knowing where to start feels totally overwhelming.

I want to help you discover that teaching your kids a language - even if you don’t speak it - is SO rewarding, super fun and, with a few insightful tips, nowhere near as hard as you think.

You don’t need to be able to speak the language to teach it! You can learn WITH your kids!

This was my exact story. I grew up learning the German language at school. Neither of my parents spoke a foreign language, so I learned whatever was on the school curriculum. It wasn’t until that school subject took me on exchange to Germany that I realized the value of a foreign language - not only was it great to communicate with those SO different from me, but it also broadened my world in ways I never could have imagined.

I knew I wanted my kids to have the same opportunities that I was given, so I started my kids' language journey when they were toddlers.

When I got started, it was overwhelming, as I didn’t speak any of our target language, which was French at the time. However, over time, through a whole lot of trial and error, I discovered ways to engage my kids in the French language.

Today, I want to share how you can do the very same things - even if you speak little or none at all - so let’s dive into the tips!

Tips for Teaching Your Kids Spanish:

1. Chunk learning: The ‘chunking’ approach can really speed up language learning. Focus on teaching your kids a certain number of words and phrases they’re going to say or hear frequently. Focus on vocabulary rather than grammar and learn the most commonly used phrases for daily routines.
2. Repeat, repeat and…..repeat! Repetition is key for success when learning a language. Incorporate short phrases into your daily routines and repeat them over and over again. Start with a few sentences related to a particular routine and gradually expand.
3. Flashcards: Bilingual flashcards with pictures are a fantastic learning resource. Use beautifully illustrated flashcards to help your kids learn new words faster. Carry them with you on picnics, car trips, and playdates.
4. Incorporate video learning: Videos are an amazing learning resource to introduce new words to your kids. Incorporate video learning to expose them to the sounds and natural accent of a native speaker.
5. Celebrate culture and diversity: Help your kids connect the Spanish language they are learning to the culture. Explore themed dishes, cultural festivals, museums, and movies to introduce the culture behind the language.

Tips for teaching yourself Spanish:

1. Pick your Sanctuary: Choose a place where you can practice your target language when you're not teaching the kids. Focus on specific areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, and practice vocabulary related to those places.
2. Set goals (baby steps!): Set small, achievable goals to guide your language lessons. Start with a timeframe to master a certain number of words or phrases.
3. Find your community: Join a group, online or in-person, to stay motivated and encouraged on your language-learning journey. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who are also teaching their kids a language.

Remember, take it one word at a time, and know that you're doing an amazing job! Teaching your kids Spanish, even as a non-native speaker, is a lifelong journey filled with exciting opportunities.