If you're already thinking about next semester, it's a GREAT time to add in Spanish in a fun, light way with Flip Flop Spanish. Here are three more obstacles you can avoid easily, just by knowing they exist!
Obstacle 3: “Do I HAVE to?” (BOREDOM)
Let's face it. Languages are made up of words. Words must be learned. There aren't any cool dissections, or neat battles to re-enact, no physics laws to be broken. That's the bad news. The good news is all of THOSE things are made up of WORDS. If you find yourself or your child getting bored of learning just MORE words, you need a change. Change what you're learning, how you're learning it, and even when you're learning the language. Find out the words they say the most (or YOU say the most) and say them in your new language.... Things like "pick up your jacket," and "great job" go a long way toward encouraging your child to learn a foreign language.
Check out all the ebooks we have, and enjoy a bingo game, or download the advent calendar, and begin strong NOW, no need to wait until 2017 slips away.
Obstacle 4: “Do I have the right tools to teach this language?” (CURRICULUM)
When thinking back to our own schooling experience, most of us would agree that textbooks weren’t overly successful at holding our attention or getting us motivated. If you or your child feels overwhelmed by a book, set it aside. TONS of resources exist today that can make learning more exciting:
- the internet: google translate - just type in one word at a time.
- "homework helper" workbooks are available at many bookstores for minimal cost
- iPhone, iPod, Android apps
- online games
- chapter readers - bilingual, even!
- foreign language section at the library
- crosswords
- etc., etc., etc! (more ideas are available on our Facebook Page or by searching with the #homeschoolspanish hashtag.)
At the same time, if a child is EXCITED about a particular curriculum, GO FOR IT! As long as we're not creating a roadblock to the language, we'll be moving forward in some way. THAT is the goal here.
Obstacle 5: “What was that again?” (CONFUSION)
Sometimes we get lost. What do we do? We go back a few steps until we recognize our surroundings. Languages are the same; when confusion sets in, it is best to go back to the point where we knew what in the world was going on.
Another great way to get back on track is to use flash cards. Just change it up. Put down the text book for a few days, and grab some flash cards. Have fun with memory, charades, and laying out funny sentences. Make your own flashcards…there are plenty of ways to learn new words! Choosing a second textbook or reference book is also a wonderful way to dispel any confusion. You may not need to change your curriculum; simply referencing another text may be exactly what you need to clarify the lesson for your child (and you!).
Finally, keep it fun and light. If you have read my book, The Key to Learning Anything, you know that motivation is the main goal - find what motivates your student or yourself, and you will have found success! Learning languages is hard enough…no need to add to the pain! Give them the tools that they need: a happy attitude and an excited outlook on your new journey to bilingualism!