If you have kids who bore easily during the summer months, I saw a great idea that might work, in fact, Tyler and I are planning to do it. The idea is to use the lazy days of summer to learn a foreign language.
This is a fun and educational activity for you to share with your kids. You can access tutorials free online or check out material from your local library. No need to invest in expensive tapes. However, the idea is not to stop there with simply learning a few words but to incorporate the culture of the language you are learning into your everyday life. If you are learning Spanish, for instance, check out some Spanish cookbooks and plan a meal once a week. Read about the Spanish explorers, take a virtual trip to Spain. Learn about Spanish festivals and traditions. Check your local paper to see if any museums or galleries in your area will be featuring exhibits or artwork by Spanish artists. Check for festivals that you may be able to attend. If you have cable or satellite TV, watch some of the programs to see if you can understand the dialogue. Initially, you probably will be able to pick up just a few words but as you progress, you should be able to get the gist of the programs.
I’m not sure if any one language is easier to learn than another. I’ve taken both Spanish and French and can read both much better than I can actually speak them. Tyler is a big Dora the Explorer fan, so it’s going to be Spanish. In fact, I’m writing this blog from the library (ah, the wonders of mobile computing) and as soon as I finish we are going in search of material to get started.
By the end of the summer, not only will you and your kids have learned a new language but you will also have gained a better understanding of a different culture.
Teaching Your Baby a Foreign Language