Spanish for kids is very important in today’s multicultural society, but when it comes to learning, some teaching methods work much better than others.
Why Online Spanish classes for kids?
If you want to give your child a leg up in life, online Spanish classes for kids might be a perfect opportunity. Studies have shown that kids who become fluent in a second language early in life enjoy many long-term advantages over their peers. Being bilingual can boost an employee’s value to their company, plus open doors to a wider range of career paths. It also develops better communication skills, meaning bilingual speakers can wield more influence in certain situations.
Of course, the earlier your little learner gets started, the easier it will be for them. But getting started is not as simple as it seems. Some young children get shy or feel a bit scared when it comes to this idea of learning a whole new language. Meanwhile, K-6 language arts teachers don’t always have the resources necessary to give each student the individualized attention they need when learning Spanish. That’s why smart parents take the time to do a bit of research first. And what do many discover? That online Spanish classes are a more effective alternative!
Benefits of learning Spanish for kids
These days there is an albeit justified trend to focus students on STEM subjects. However, as important as science and technology courses are, communications skills are equally vital. As demographics change, students must be able to keep pace by diversifying their language skill sets. Learning Spanish is arguably one of the most crucial ways to gain such diversity, but not all schools offer Spanish to young students (or if they do, the courses aren’t sufficient).
Here are just a few of the benefits your toddler, preschooler, or kindergartner can reap if they start learning Spanish online as soon as possible!
500 million new people to communicate with
There are over half a billion Spanish speakers in the world, making it one of the most commonly-used languages on Earth (after English, Mandarin Chinese, and Hindi). Just imagine, knowing Spanish can instantly imbue your child with the power to converse with an extra 500 million people! As a result, they’ll be able to learn about new cultures and ethnic traditions, helping them become more well-rounded citizens as they grow up.
Boosted creative thinking
The very act of learning a new language forces the human brain to function differently and create new neural pathways. Young minds are more malleable and flexible, making it easier to establish those exciting new connections. Meanwhile, child language learners can benefit greatly from boosted brain function and memory. They’re able to see things from different perspectives and think more creatively or “out of the box.” That’s an invaluable skill you can’t learn from a textbook.
Academic advantages
The brain isn’t a muscle, but research shows it can be developed like one. As noted by Mindsetworks.com, when a child’s brain learns a language, “these new, stronger connections make the child’s brain stronger and smarter, just like a weightlifter’s bid muscles make them strong.” All that extra brainpower that comes from learning Spanish can be put to work in other academic subjects, too. Simply by engaging in the process of learning a new tongue, a student’s aptitude in all areas of study may increase.
Easy to learn
Though English isn’t a Latin-based language like Spanish, French, or Italian, English vocabulary is filled with words that have Latin roots. This, combined with the fact that English and Spanish utilize the same Latin alphabet, helps English speakers learn Spanish much more easily than many other languages…especially under the right conditions and with a qualified tutor! Moreover learning Latin word roots will help expand your child’s vocabulary in English too and get them more ready for standardized college entrance tests such as the SATs and ACTs.
Common questions about Spanish for kids
Parents often wonder when or if they should enroll their child in Spanish classes for kids, so we thought we’d answer a few of the most common questions.
How do toddlers learn Spanish?
A great way to teach toddlers Spanish is to start with visual learning by showing them pictures of objects or letting them watch videos. Reading out loud very slowly and calmly can also be helpful so they can hear the cadence and proper pronunciation of the language.
Can a 2-year-old learn Spanish?
Kids as young as four months can tell the difference between language and other sounds. As noted by Parent.com, “research has shown that 50% of our ability to learn is developed by age 4 and another 30% by age 8.” Thus, a child even as young as 2 can indeed begin to learn the basics of Spanish. The key is finding the right tutor with experience teaching such young learners.
What is the best age to teach a child a second language?
If you ask ten different “experts” this question, you’ll likely get ten different answers. Despite many studies, there is no consensus about the best age for a child to learn a second language. Older studies have suggested 10 as an ideal age; others offer 3 at the perfect time to start. Other studies show that if a foreign language is learned after the age of 10 or 11 then the student will invariably retain an accent when learning the language. Brainscape takes a broader view that the best age is “essentially from birth, or as early as possible.”
Is online Spanish tutoring the right option?
Small group online tutoring sessions are a fantastic option for young learners because of the flexible and non-threatening format. Skilled tutors who specialize in online teaching can create fun, immersive environments where young learners feel free to open up and start practicing aloud. This speaking practice is critical for any student who wants to really learn to communicate in Spanish. Listening, and when applicable, reading and writing are also important skills that will develop faster with the right tutor in the right setting.
Monster Education uses highly qualified native-Spanish-speaking teachers for their small group tutoring sessions. Offered once a week for eight to twelve weeks, these stimulating 40-minute conversation focused sessions are ideal for building confidence, no matter what level your child is at. From Complete Beginner to Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, Monster Education’s online curriculum incorporates vibrant cultural and historical information with Total Body Response, a proven-effective teaching methodology geared towards expedited learning. Give your child the gift of Spanish and pave the way for their entry into the international community!
