How to Keep a Third Language Going
I didn't see this issue raised in the archives, which surprised me a bit given that it seems very "Bay Area." :) If I overlooked it, I apologize. Here goes: We are raising our son in a bilingual household (Dad speaks his native language, I speak English), and sending him to a preschool where Dad’s language is primarily spoken. Before he went to preschool, he had a nanny who spoke a third language (Spanish), and as far as anyone could tell, he understood everything she said and even occasionally responded to her in Spanish once he became verbal. Since she’s no longer such a big part of his life, though, I’m wondering about the best way to help him maintain his Spanish. I speak it myself (though it is a second language for me), and while I try to sprinkle it in to my communications with him, he sometimes gets upset and insists that I speak English. I also don’t want to completely stop speaking English with him because there is that intimacy we have in English that I don’t want to lose.
So, I’m seeking advice about how to keep Spanish in his life so he doesn’t lose it, but without confusing him, overwhelming him, and/or boring him. I check out Spanish books from the library (which he actually sometimes lets me read to him!), and our nanny still babysits whenever possible, but I would love to hear more fun ideas that have worked for other families. Are there Spanish “classes” that are geared toward young kids? Good videos that you would recommend? Other ideas? Many thanks!
Parent Replies
I would sign up for some parent-child classes in Spanish. If he's 5 or under, you should definitely look into Canta y Baila Conmigo classes -- find them through East Bay Music Together http://eastbaymusictogether.yourvirtuoso.com Those are fun classes, the music is authentic and NOT just the Itsy Bitsy Spider translated into Spanish. Play the CDs in the car and throughout the day as much as possible. Also check out www.VerdelimonSpanish.com. Natalia is a former immersion elementary school teacher and she offers family yoga and music classes in Spanish, immersion summer camp and many other programs. As far as DVDs the only ones that I have seen that hold my kids' interest are the Whistlefritz DVDs There are only 5 in the series but they are fun and you can buy the musical CDs too (again play music as much as possible). My kids still like to watch the "Fritzi" DVDs from time to time despite being too old for them. There are a few Sesame Street DVDs (Plaza Sesamo) but those are longer and pretty frenetic. They may be too overwhelming for your child if he's not hearing Spanish on a regular basis. My kids also like to watch movies they've seen in English in Spanish (e.g. Madagascar, Toy Story, etc.) Most DVDS have a "select language" option. I think the most important thing is that your child see you enjoying music and other activities in Spanish too. Make it a family affair! ¡Suerte!
There are Spanish immersion programs all over the Bay Area. One that I know the name of is Viva el Espanol in Lafayette. You pay for 10 sessions. A lot of schools have Spanish Summer camps too. The best thing is to find a Spanish speaking playgroup to meet with at least once a week. Maybe try Meet-up.com