Learning through the Senses
Children use their senses to make sense of the world around them. When they use their senses, connections are being made in the brain. The more senses they use when learning a language, the more likely the information is to stick. When designing your lessons, think about what senses your students will use. If you are learning about food, allow students to sample the word they are practicing. If you are teaching numbers, don’t just have the visual of the numeral. Take it one step further and let your students actively count various items in Spanish.
Children use their senses to make sense of the world around them. When they use their senses, connections are being made in the brain. The more senses they use when learning a language, the more likely the information is to stick. When designing your lessons, think about what senses your students will use. If you are learning about food, allow students to sample the word they are practicing. If you are teaching numbers, don’t just have the visual of the numeral. Take it one step further and let your students actively count various items in Spanish.
Using what Children Already Know
It is key that students feel comfortable and safe when learning another language. With all of the new information they are being given, it is easy for them to feel overwhelmed. Learning a foreign language should not be stressful or worrisome for young children. One way to make students feel more at ease is to use Spanish versions of the stories they already know and love. Students will be familiar with aspects of the story such as the plot and characters, and this will be helpful for them in vocabulary learning. Using these already known stories can motivate children to want to learn more.
It is key that students feel comfortable and safe when learning another language. With all of the new information they are being given, it is easy for them to feel overwhelmed. Learning a foreign language should not be stressful or worrisome for young children. One way to make students feel more at ease is to use Spanish versions of the stories they already know and love. Students will be familiar with aspects of the story such as the plot and characters, and this will be helpful for them in vocabulary learning. Using these already known stories can motivate children to want to learn more.
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Music and Movement
Song is one of the most commonly used tools for second language instruction, and for good reason! Music activates more parts of the brain than language alone. In fact, music stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain, making whatever you are learning more likely to be remembered. Just as it does in English, incorporating song can aid in grammar, pronunciation, and learning new vocabulary. Moving the body supports language acquisition as well. Encouraging students to move during learning times increases the amount of oxygen going to the brain, resulting in actively engaged students. Try creating a short song, dance or body movement to accompany your classroom’s weekly Spanish vocabulary words. |
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Outside Play
Play is the most natural and effective way for children to learn. In terms of language acquisition, the freedom to play with language helps students work ideas and problems out. It also gives them a safe space to take risks with language. There are a variety of games that develop gross motor skills that can be adapted to encourage Spanish language skills. Red Light, Green Light, I Spy, and Simon Says can easily be converted into Spanish practice. By incorporating activities that are relevant and meaningful to children, educators can set students up for second language success.
Play is the most natural and effective way for children to learn. In terms of language acquisition, the freedom to play with language helps students work ideas and problems out. It also gives them a safe space to take risks with language. There are a variety of games that develop gross motor skills that can be adapted to encourage Spanish language skills. Red Light, Green Light, I Spy, and Simon Says can easily be converted into Spanish practice. By incorporating activities that are relevant and meaningful to children, educators can set students up for second language success.