Tips for Keeping Kids Interested in Learning Spanish
As we’ve discussed many times, early second language education is ripe with benefits. It helps young children develop crucial skills and increase opportunities later in life. However, teaching kids any subject is a challenge in its own right. To stay better prepared for a disinterested student, whether in the classroom or at home, here are three tips for keeping kids interested in learning Spanish.
Carry Over Lessons
It’s essential to reinforce the subject matter of Spanish lessons in many aspects of a child’s life. Other school courses, such as math and science, are useful in other classes, like English and social studies. Additionally, there’s real-world value from academia. Spanish is the same and is a welcomed tool for teaching different areas of study.
As a teacher, consider implementing your curriculum into other subjects throughout the day. After school, guardians should encourage language practice by communicating in Spanish with their children. This “carry-over” technique is conducive to learning, but most importantly, is engaging for young minds.
Get Kinesthetic
There are four main types of preferred learning habits in school and life: visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Traditionally, teaching was conducted through the first three forms of learning, which worked for a good portion of children and young adults.
However, young kids benefit the most from kinesthetic learning, which implements physical manipulation of objects and materials within a given curriculum. This method effectively maintains attention and interest, making it the perfect Spanish curriculum for elementary school students. Try including pairing manipulation with vocab lessons to further reinforce various ideas and concepts.
Fun and Games
One significant aspect of the Spanish language is the joy of learning this vibrant, cultured tongue. Students show an immediate infatuation when first introduced to the new concepts of a second language.
To continue this level of excitement, it’s important to have fun! Young children love physical games and dances, sing-a-long songs, and independent activities (such as kinesthetic activities). These games are easily transferrable to the homelife, giving kids more exposure to learning.
With these tips for keeping kids interested in learning Spanish, your child or student is set up for more success in this area of study. Along with these methods, it’s important to practice patience, encouragement, and the same level of excitement as your children.