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The Las Lengüitas Curriculum
Are classes taught by native Spanish speakers?
It depends. At Las Lengüitas, we know that the location a teacher is from doesn't determine whether or not they are good at teaching language. Whether it is their first language or their fourth language, the most important factors in finding a great language teacher are an excellent command of the language, a thorough understanding of language acquisition processes in the brain (and how they change through different developmental levels), and an ability to connect with his/her students on a personal level. While native speakers tend to have a more native accent & a better command of colloquial language, non-native speakers tend to be more aware of typical pitfalls and difficulties for the learner allowing them to provide extra support & reduce the struggle.
How will my child understand? Won't they be confused?
Absolutely not! It's common for children to come into their first class nervous and unsure. Most times, these same kids are begging for more by the end of that first class. Our activities are age appropriate, highly engaging and quite often the kids are so engaged that they don't even realize how much Spanish they're picking up. THIS is when language is most easily acquired and THIS is our goal for your child.
Childrens' brains are designed to acquire whatever combination of languages they are exposed to on a regular basis. Research shows that even children living with 5 languages simultaneously don't get confused! There is always room for one more.
Childrens' brains are designed to acquire whatever combination of languages they are exposed to on a regular basis. Research shows that even children living with 5 languages simultaneously don't get confused! There is always room for one more.
How will they learn grammar if they don't learn the rules?
Your child will acquire Spanish grammar in the same way he/she acquired the grammar of their native language. Children don't study textbooks and complete grammar drills to learn the grammar of their native language. They listen a lot, practice when they are ready and make a lot of mistakes along the way.
When children are developmentally ready, we begin formally introducing grammar in a way that makes sense to them, using examples, repetition, practice & play.
By spending time listening to many, many spoken words arranged in a variety of different sentence structures, and developmentally appropriate explanations of the 'hard' parts, the brain is able to sort it all out like pieces of a grand puzzle. Children are masters of acquiring language without using textbooks or grammar drills, which is a good thing because otherwise, they likely wouldn't know their first language!
When children are developmentally ready, we begin formally introducing grammar in a way that makes sense to them, using examples, repetition, practice & play.
By spending time listening to many, many spoken words arranged in a variety of different sentence structures, and developmentally appropriate explanations of the 'hard' parts, the brain is able to sort it all out like pieces of a grand puzzle. Children are masters of acquiring language without using textbooks or grammar drills, which is a good thing because otherwise, they likely wouldn't know their first language!
Are these classes right for beginners?
Yes! All of our classes focus on comprehension, communication & community. They are always 'acquisition driven', which means that we are focused on making sure that your child not only learns the language but can also actually use the language for real communication! Children of all levels are able to learn at their own level and pace. Our lessons are carefully tailored to the needs of the students enrolled.
What is the best age to learn a language?
Is my child too young or too old to learn a new language?
Is my child too young or too old to learn a new language?
There are many schools of thought on this but at Las Lengüitas, we operate under the belief that the best time for a new language is right NOW! Each stage in life has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to acquiring new languages, and depending on the methods you choose, it can be easy or hard no matter what your age. We aim to use methods that make Spanish easy for our students and the parents that accompany them.
Too young? Nope! Research shows us that toddlers can learn 5+ languages simultaneously and not be confused.
Too old? No! In fact, we teach Spanish not only to the students enrolled in our classes, but also the parents that accompany them to class! You're never too old to learn a new language and never too old to reap the many benefits of acquiring such an important skill.
Too young? Nope! Research shows us that toddlers can learn 5+ languages simultaneously and not be confused.
Too old? No! In fact, we teach Spanish not only to the students enrolled in our classes, but also the parents that accompany them to class! You're never too old to learn a new language and never too old to reap the many benefits of acquiring such an important skill.
What if my child starts mixing up languages?
This is absolutely normal. In fact, it is so normal that almost every child raised with multiple languages mixes them at some point. This mixing of languages is how the child’s brain sorts out which words go together and how to use the languages separately.