06 Sep Approximate time your child can learn Spanish while in language immersion

Many parents, whether bilingual or not, are often very hesitant about teaching their children another language. It’s normal to wonder, won’t it be complicated? Will I end up confusing my children? However, this will not be the case if the language immersion method is used for your child to learn to speak Spanish.

There are many countries where speaking two languages from a young age is not uncommon. It is normal to find couples of different nationalities and native languages who teach their children both languages. You don’t have to be a genius to express yourself in two languages.

Contrary to popular belief, teaching a second language to a young child does not consist of tedious classes.

The best way to teach new languages to the little ones in the house is through the immersion method. The child perceives the languages learned in this way as “natural” learning, as opposed to learning a new language mechanically, as if he or she were studying mathematics.

Teaching a young child another language in a mechanical way can lead to frustration and rejection.

How long will it take for my child to become bilingual with language immersion?

Learning a new language is a road full of difficulties. Your child’s expression may be limited, which can frustrate him and lead him to throw in the towel. However, you need to continue to encourage and stimulate learning, as these complications are overcome over time.

The most effective way to make your child bilingual is through language immersion.

Being surrounded by the second language, in this case Spanish, will make it easier for him to learn it. He will be able to develop his comprehension and expression skills in this language, as well as learn the phonetics and syntax of Spanish in a better way.

Although some parents have the possibility of moving abroad to facilitate this process, it is not the only way to practice the immersion method.

It is important to remember that everyone has a different learning pace, using language immersion, the results will be much faster. However, it is necessary to control expectations, as your child will not be fluent in Spanish in a week.

It has been proven that from a young age children are capable of the sounds of one language and another, so even if it takes them some time to express themselves in the language, they are learning it.

With continuous exposure to Spanish, starting with short and simple sentences, they will be able to start formulating their own phrases following the grammatical rules. Thus, children learn a second language in the same way that they learn their “original” language.

It may take your child a couple of years or more, but starting their learning in several languages from a young age will prove beneficial.

Tips to help your child learn Spanish faster in immersion

When it comes to learning something new, the start can be quite stimulating and satisfying. However, studying a new language, in addition to being attractive, can also be challenging. Therefore, your task as a parent is to make sure that their experience is not affected negatively by you.

Here are some recommendations for you to make a positive influence on your child’s journey to bilingualism:

#Avoid the pressure

Many times, parents put pressure on their children without even realizing it. Just stop asking him to say things in Spanish in front of visitors and your child will still feel comfortable with his learning process.

#Don’t expect immediate results

The first year of learning a new language is usually called the “silent period”. This does not mean that your child is not learning anything or that he or she is too slow. It just takes some time to internalize all the acquired notions and be able to express them.

#Show them the advantages

Somewhere along the way, your child is likely to show frustration or a desire to give up learning Spanish. However, it is your job as a parent to remind them of the advantages of knowing another language.

Show your child a cartoon, book, and even let him or her talk to a native speaker to encourage him or her to deepen their knowledge.

#Building methods

Gamification consists of learning by playing. In this way, you can reinforce the knowledge that your child acquires of Spanish, either by studying or by immersion.

Download applications and games that stimulate your child and are attractive, in this way, you will put into practice what you have learned and deepen your knowledge.

By following these tips, you can make sure your child doesn’t get bored with Spanish and throw in the towel. Similarly, if you speak the language, or someone you know does, try to speak to your child in Spanish, in specific contexts and situations.

If you don’t, consider enrolling in a course with your child to become more actively involved in his or her journey to bilingualism. This will further reinforce the process of language immersion.