Counting in Spanish

[kahne9]

I thought this was amazing, maybe I am just biased because I am a mom. The other day, Cameron had his toys lined up and heard him saying stuff. I couldn't quite make it out as I was in the other room. I came into the room and listened more closely. He was counting in Spanish. He knows how to count to ten in Spanish. He also knows how to count to count in English, but I have worked with him on that. He must of picked the Spanish up from Dora the Explorer and Diego. It is amazing what little ones can pick up. Me and Jeremy were talking and niether one of us learned how to count in Spanish until we were in the Junior High.
Anyways I just had to share!!

If anybody else has stories of their children's accomplishments, don't hesitate to share them with us!

[tinidril]

I don't think you're being biased at all, picking up language is one thing little ones are wired to do naturally, but some are quicker than others! Get some of his favorite children's books published in Spanish and read them to him along side the English ones... he'll probably continue to amaze you...

Want to read about my own amazement? Here is an essay about how my son learned to read: Who Taught Whom?

P.S. and if you don't feel up to pronouncing Spanish yourself anymore, then get those books on tape or CD in Spanish and watch what happens!

[kahne9]

That's an amazing story Tin! I am working with him on the alphabet. He's trying. He knows his basic colors and his basic shapes. I just wish he would talk in short phrases. I know he will when he wants to, but it is just frustrating, when he can't tell you what is the matter.

Also, I wish potty training is as easy as teaching him to count!

I will have to look into getting him some books in Spanish.

[twyrch]

I think I'm going to work with him on teaching him to speak Gaelic.

[starkindler201]

Haha... he would be able to have fun with future teachers

[dreamer]

I used to teach Spanish in a local elementary school. I had every class from K - 5th grade. My Kindergarteners used to count so well in Spanish that they forgot how to count in English--and I only had them for 50 minutes a week!! It is amazing what a little time investing in them can do.

Tapes and CD's that teach kids how to learn in other languages are good, but traveling there is even better!! I found that out personally when I lived in Bolivia for several months for my student teaching and didn't know much Spanish when I arrived. By the time I left, I was translating for others in the market. Awesome experience!!

[dinadan]

You know they've done studies that show that children who become multilingual at young ages are more creative, tend more to artistic pursuits, and are better at coming up with "out of the box" solutions to problem solving. They also tend to be more expressive--especially when they can switch which languages they think in in their heads.

Just something to consider.

[Jenna]

Hi Tinidril,
My 2 1/2 year old is very bright and starting to recognize beginning sounds of words, for example, B-Boat. Any suggestions as to how I can help her, and where do I find the materials?

[tinidril]

ladygwen said:

Hi Tinidril,
My 2 1/2 year old is very bright and starting to recognize beginning sounds of words, for example, B-Boat. Any suggestions as to how I can help her, and where do I find the materials?

The most important thing you can do to encourage literacy in young children is to read to them every day, at least once a day, preferably more. Read everything: books, signs, cereal boxes, labels... whaterver.

As I found out from my own son, playing games is also extremely effective. Props for the games can be as simple as a set of alphabet blocks ("Can you find the B?" "Where's the A?") to as fancy as an electronic alphabet board that speaks the names of the letters or their sound when touched.

Associating the letter B with the sound (or perhaps you meant that she is able to single out the beginning sound of a word) at the age of 2 1/2 shows that she is interested in language and letters. Use that interest as much as she is willing. Share her joy when she discovers a new connection, praise and encourage new accomplishments. Just remember to keep it low-key so that she doesn't feel she must perform, keep it playful.