Spanish Gemma

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2/9/2017

Taking stock

2 Comments

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Today I stopped and figured out what my youngest (3 and a half) can say in and understand of Spanish.
  • He knows that there are 2 different languages and what words belongin which linguistinc filing system. He, having aquired this power, reserves the right to ban me from using any Spanish near him at certain times.
  • He appreciates a good song in any language and his favourite today was Juan Pequeño Baila. He laughs out loud! This shows that he's equally at ease with both languages.
  • He demonstrated, while jumping up and down in an excitable fashion, being able to count to ten in Spanish in a game of hide and seek.
  • He knows and uses vocabulary including big and small, up and down, in and out, open and shut, yes and no, body parts such as hands, head, feet, shoulders, knees, shoe, coat, scarf.
  • He understands some statements and commands like Dinner's ready, where is my car?, we're going, stop, wait, careful, cross over.
Why was this important? Because, as his mum and teacher I'm always thinking about what to teach him next. Looking forward is what I do on his behalf because, unlike the adult students I meet, he can't.
Most students are pretty critical of themselves. Stressing because they can't seem to retain this week's grammar; verb endings, subjunctive; past tenses; reflexive... It's a torture he is mercilessly saved from! Unencumbered by self-doubt he is learning almost without me noticing.
Most adults also would benefit at these moments of self-doubt from taking stock. Questions like 'what could I do last year/month/week?' help us as students to feel more positive about our ability to overcome this newest obstacle.
I am often asked "Are your children fluent in Spanish too?". Learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. I can't remember what I knew at 3 and a half, or even what his big brother knew at that age 20 months ago... it doesn't matter. Every individual learns at their own pace and fluency, like time, is relative.

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2 Comments
Pam stretton
3/8/2017 10:32:17 am

I'm Pam.coming to your class at kings heath today

Your children may like to look at Postman Pat in Spanish on the internet....x

Reply
Gay Apps Illinois link
1/26/2023 05:23:00 am

Good reading yyour post

Reply



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    Spanish Gemma is a mum living in Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK.
    As a child I was taught Spanish and Catalan by my Spanish mum and as a result understand what it's like to be thought of as English by my Spanish family and Spanish by English friends and family. In fact Spanish Gemma is how some children referred to me  at school !
    As a mum I now interpret the positive asects of having a dual identity  for my children, teaching them Spanish and playing games and doing craft along the way. This blog charts that journey.

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  • Home
  • About Spanish Gemma
  • Daytime Classes
    • TPRS
  • Clubs
    • Spanish Club for Kids
    • Spanish Songs
    • Spanish Club for Adults
  • Lessons
    • School Lessons
    • Nursery Lessons
  • Contact
  • Book Classes
    • Spanish Lessons
    • Nursery booking
  • Calendar
  • Teaching Resources
  • Blog
  • Videos
  • Spanish Club emails