HOW TO TEACH SPANISH GRAMMAR TO KIDS
When it comes to learning Spanish, Grammar seems such a bore. It’s a tedious chore in the minds of those of us who remember studying grammar in school. We all know, however, that grammar is intrinsic to language-learning! So, how can we best teach Spanish grammar to kids?
The Benefits of Learning Spanish
First of all, we need to recognize the benefits of leaning Spanish. Bilingual kids have been shown to outperform monolingual children in areas such as memory, attention span, self discipline, perseverance, multitasking, conflict resolution, and have reduced cognitive decline as they get older. Additionally, learning Spanish, which is one of the most widely spoken langugaes in the world, opens many doors to jobs, travel and relationships across a wide variety of cultures.
Why It's Important To Teach Spanish Grammar To Kids
In any language, grammar is an essential component. Grammar will help children communicate more effectively with Spanish speakers. Although you may be understood with imperfect grammar, it’s essential to at least learn the basics. Grammar rules in Spanish are pretty structured, and can get complicated, but any child or adult its capable of learning it.
When it comes to teaching young children, however, the approach to grammar needs to be a little different. You can’t just teach them a bunch of rules and give out worksheets. They may not even understand what a noun, a verb, or gender agreement mean. The best way to teach grammar to young children is by modeling proper language use in a fun and interactive way!
How To Make Learning Spanish Grammar Fun for Children
Kids will always be engraved in anything that screams “fun” in them. To make learning Spanish grammar fun for them thus, make it as engaging as possible, actively involve both their parents and teachers or tutors along with their peers, let there be maximum outdoor socializing activities as possible, and most importantly, let play be at the core! Here are a few activities and tools:
Model Proper Conversations
Language is social and the best way to learn it is through social interactions and conversations. If you speak spanish, constantly use proper language with children. If it’s not you, than make sure they have access to teachers, friends, family or tutors that will model proper conversation.
Read
And then read, read and read to them some more! Reading in the target language is one of the best tools you have at your disposal to expose children to proper grammar! If you don’t feel confortable enough reading yourself, turn to audiobooks or even read-alouds on podcasts and youtube.
Use Apps
As children get older, worksheets and grammar games become a lot more useful! Children learn best by using a lot of different modalities. While worksheets should not be the end-all and be-all of learning, making them another tool in a big arsenal of tools for learning Spanish grammar will be important! We share this Free Workbook at Learn Safari. You can also find some great worksheets at Spanish4kiddos, so be sure to check it out!
Workbooks
As children get older, worksheets and grammar games become a lot more useful! Children learn best by using a lot of different modalities. While worksheets should not be the end-all and be-all of learning, making them another tool in a big arsenal of tools for learning Spanish grammar will be important! We share this Free Workbook at Learn Safari. You can also find some great worksheets at Spanish4kiddos, so be sure to check it out!
Learning Spanish grammar is crucial for children. It’s just as important as learning the grammar in their native language is! Learning Spanish and its proper grammar can not only bring academic advantages, but it can also bring cognitive and social advantages for your child now and as they become adults. Learning it young, while they learn through play, will make it easier for them to master it in the future.
About the Author
Keli Garcia Allen is a certified Spanish teacher and currently works as a Preschool teacher in a bilingual classroom. She is the Head of Content for Learn Safari and is currently working on Spanish Safari, a Spanish Learning game for children 3-9 years old. You can follow her and the rest of the team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.