The earlier you introduce your child to a foreign language the better; it seems that before the age of 10 is ideal, or even before the age of 5, if possible.
As a parent, you can take advantage of the critical time in early development when acquiring language skills comes naturally and easily. A child’s capacity to pronounce unfamiliar, foreign sounds and to absorb new grammar rules is highly enhanced before age six.
However, not many schools offer preschool Spanish curriculum and there is no standard curriculum for schools to begin with. Fortunately, there are many series of Spanish preschool curriculum that promote language development in kids.
Benefits of Spanish Curriculum Lessons for Preschoolers
Children introduced to basic Spanish curriculum levels at a young age are in a better position to grasp and understand the language faster than teenagers. But perhaps you’re wondering why is it so important for your child to learn the Spanish curriculum.
Here’s why, and what your child stands to gain even in maturity.
Learn and Appreciate a Different Culture
One thing a child stands to gain by learning Spanish — whether learning a second language or trying to perfect Spanish as their first language, is the ability to have an in-depth cultural understanding of Spanish, at a much faster pace.
Develop Critical Thinking Skills
Preschool Spanish curriculum can help to develop and improve your child’s critical thinking skills. Children who get the opportunity to study languages are sharper according to studies.
Some of the sub-set skills a child will learn are the ability to understand quickly, apply new information or concept, analyzing, evaluating and creating something new. Languages make your child’s brain to be active because it requires more attention.
Communication skills are also improved since your child can fluently speak two languages, meaning more grammar and language comprehension.
Introducing Spanish Curriculum to Your Children
1.Nursery songs and rhymes
For their first 8 years, children are naturally acquiring language skills. They learn primarily through imitation, repetition, songs and games. Even with a limited understanding of words, children can still find it easy if the language is packaged in things they like, such as nursery songs and rhymes.
2. Story tapes
Another way to expose your child to the Spanish language is through interesting children audiobooks such as “Pinocchio”. Most of these children Spanish storybooks are translated into English, so your child can relate the words and understand them in Spanish.
This is particularly a good way to help your child build in the pronunciation.
3. Picture and word cards
Children are visual and they tend to understand things through observation. Therefore, pictures and words can be a great way to introduce children to the Spanish language and help them develop their vocabulary faster. You can also buy the word cards and help your child learn at home, complementing the teacher’s effort.
The Preschool Spanish curriculum is enriching, and it offers many advantages to children in addition to learning a new culture and improve critical thinking skills. It’s been proven that bilingual employees earn, on average, 20 percent more per hour than monolingual employees.
So, celebrate the small strides your child makes to learn the Spanish language, and uplift them when they feel discouraged. It’s not easy to learn a new language and so tame your expectations as a parent.
