Using Your Child's Daily Routine to Practice a Second Language
For families introducing a second language to their little ones, ingraining language learning into day-to-day routines is a powerful, and quite simple, way to help them learn the target language. Using routines and daily activities to practice language helps children make a connection between new words being learned and their own lives. It enables them to hear new target words over and over again in similar situations – and this repetition is key for learning and retaining their second language!
Offer choices (in the target language) when dressing your child.
Allowing your child to pick between two articles of clothing is a great technique to avoid power struggles, and is also helpful for language practice! When you ask a child to pick between two pieces, they are automatically exposed to the words that describe both options. This then encourages them to repeat one back to you. Stating their decision back to you out loud helps them remember the new words. For example, if you’re heading to the beach, you can ask your child whether they prefer to wear Gerber Childrenswear’s turtle rash guard swimsuit or shark rash guard & swim trunks set!
Hand your child a book as you dress them or get them ready.
We can all use a little help in keeping our children calm and in place as we try to get them ready! Offering children entertaining books as you dress them is such a simple and educational way to sneak in additional language learning while also getting the job done. For families introducing Spanish at home, Binibi’s bilingual sound books that play music and animal sounds will keep your little ones smiling and dancing as you tidy them up. Let them press the fun buttons as you dress them, brush their hair or even brush their teeth. We can’t promise they won’t want to take them wherever you go, but you’ll thank us later!
Talk about designs on their clothing.
The good thing about children’s clothing is that it’s way more fun than adult clothing. You can typically find cute designs printed on children’s clothing that open the door for conversations and learning opportunities. As you dress your child, take the time to discuss their clothing using new words in the target language, especially if it’s a design that interests your child. Ask your child what they see and point out the colors, shapes and elements printed on the clothing. Getting dressed doesn’t have to be boring, and neither does language learning! When you designate routines for language practice, you incorporate your target language into your child’s day. So, the next time you’re rushing to get your child ready for school or bedtime, be sure to use the opportunity to practice their second language in a fun way!
Binibi makes bilingual sound books for children ages 0-5. Our collection of interactive musical and sound books are made with high-quality sounds and imagery designed for parents to have an easy way to introduce Spanish at home. Binibi was founded by two latina moms in 2020, seeking to fill the gap in bilingual products for children and provide parents with resources to support their bilingual parenting journey.
