Mi hijo quiere aprender español *
Posted on May 20th, 2009 – 11:04 AMBy Kay Krhin
* My son wants to learn Spanish.
It all started with some vintage Sesame Street Treasury books I bought at a garage sale. There are a few pages of Spanish vocabulary in each book that Ben has recently become obsessed with.
blue = azul and red = rojo and dog= perro and cat = gato.
Counting uno to diez became a quick favorite.
I had a few years of Spanish in high school and college and am by no means fluent. Some basic vocabulary somehow made its way into my long term memory and can speak un poco only if it is s-l-o-w-ly and in the present tense.
But now he’s asking me what everything is in Spanish and I’m having a really hard time.
“Mama, what’s Spanish for granola bar?”
“No sé” (I don’t know)
Drinking a smoothie - “Mama, what’s Spanish for mmmmmm?”
“Well, I think mmmmm is universal, but how about delicioso!?”
“Mama, what’s Spanish for elbow?”
“Uh, no sé.”
“Mama, what’s Spanish for the inside of your nose?”
“Well, nose is nariz. But nostril? No sé!”
“No, I mean, what’s Spanish for a boogie?”
Ay yi yi! Major eye roll. He’s all boy.
This may just be a passing fancy but right now he seems to be really interested in learning the language and I’m all for it.
Strike while the iron is caliente!
So instead of me running to google translator so I can answer his many preguntas - I shall go to you.
Cribsheeters do you have any recommendations for Spanish classes for preschoolers or any good books or DVD’s?
(btw: according to google translator Spanish for “a boogie” is mocos…in case you were wondering.)
8 Responses to "Mi hijo quiere aprender español *"
Mocos - mucus. Makes total sense to me!
My older son often asks me similar questions, both with Spanish because I break into it every once in a while, and sign language now that we sign more with his younger brother.
I’m interested to see what others recommend because for now I just teach him what I remember. Colors, animals, foods, etc.
[…] Cribsheet – […]
For sign language, my daughter really loves Baby Signing Time. There are also regular Signing Time DVDs geared to older kids.
My sons’ daycare offers Spanish class, but you may be able to find one at your local community school or through ECFE.
hmmm… what a bright little guy! The only thing I can recommend is Dora. My 3 (almost 4) year old likes it and enjoys the Spanish.
My girls like Dora too. They shout out in unison at the screen. The word they usually shout though is “Backpack!”
We have found that sending our kids to a Spanish-speaking daycare has definitely helped them to learn Spanish. The daycare is in South mpls really close to downtown. Let me know if you want more info. There is also Joyce bi-lingual preschool in uptown.
My girls take an preschool “extension” class with Rose Mingo via “Mis Amigos” Spanish school. She’s great (and also speaks and teaches French, too). My parents live in Mexico so I want them to know the language when the day comes that they can spend summers with their abuela y abuelo.
