4Real Forums: Which language should I teach?

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Topic: Which language should I teach?

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kristinannie
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Posted: Feb 26 2011 at 9:51am \| IP Logged

I am wanting to start with a language in kindergarten so my kids can hopefully become fluent in a language. I am adding Latin in about 3rd or 4th grade. I will add another modern language later on if the kids are receptive to it. Here are my pros and cons:

German

I speak this language really well (conversationally)
It is a less common language to learn so that would set my kids apart
There is very little ability to use this language in the US (especially in my area)
The phonics of this language is very different from English so I would definitely delay reading German until about 2nd grade
There aren't really any great early elementary programs for this language that I can find so I would mostly design my own

Spanish

I speak this language at an advanced beginner level, but could definitely follow a purchased curricula
I would learn along with my kids
It is the most useful language to learn in the US
There would be a lot of opportunity to use this language (not in my immediate area, but on vacations)
I don't have a passion for this language
The phonics of Spanish is easier that English and I could introduce reading earlier

I appreciate you advice. I also speak a little Russian (I took some in college). I would love to do Russian later (maybe in middle school or high school).

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Angie Mc
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Posted: Feb 26 2011 at 9:58am \| IP Logged

I would go with your strength and passion, especially in the early years. What a gift you have to share!

Love,

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guitarnan
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Posted: Feb 26 2011 at 10:01am \| IP Logged

I would, too - you'll find that the languages you love and speak well "click" better with your children because you are comfortable and happy speaking them. We've studied the basics of several languages over the years, and the one that worked best for us was French, which is the foreign language I speak and read most fluently.

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kristinannie
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Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 9:23am \| IP Logged

Thanks. I feel so relieved getting "permission" to teach a language I love instead of forcing myself to teach Spanish. I will probably still do Spanish. I will just start it later. Now I need to make up my own curriculum though. I guess I better get started!!!

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JodieLyn
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Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 10:46am \| IP Logged

Definately do the language you love first. Then if there's interest or need later you can do Spanish.. Once you've learned a second foreign language it's supposed to be much easier to learn any others.. even if they're not simliar.

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setonmom
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Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 7:14pm \| IP Logged

I do not have a passion for Spanish, but attempted teaching it to my children ( because it is so useful). I got to a part where I couldn't understand how the grammar worked and became frustrated. My kids never really picked it up. We don't do Spanish anymore, just Latin.

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marianhome
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Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 8:23pm \| IP Logged

I second that, the language you love and know most is what they will pick up better, could you find a real life situation where you have to speak that language? even if you find a friend that is available to speak German with you on the phone will make a difference ( if the children are listening to you while you talk of course

)

blessings,

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Elena
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Posted: March 01 2011 at 6:58pm \| IP Logged

I agree. You should do the language you love and know first! It will be the easiest to teach and your kids will pick up on your enthusiasm.

I would make sure to get in some Latin, perhaps in jr. high just because it makes vocabulary and comprehension so much easier later on.

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stellamaris
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Posted: March 01 2011 at 7:43pm \| IP Logged

There are many native German-speaking people in the US. When I studied German in high school, I also worked with a tutor who was from Berlin. She and I spent an hour or so a week just speaking German. When I traveled in Germany, no one could guess I was American...they all thought I was Danish

. Once your children get a few basics down, you might consider hiring a native German, or even just looking for a volunteer who would speak with you once a week or so. Speaking with someone whose Muttersprache ist Deutsch is absolutely the best way to become fluent.

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pmeilaen
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Posted: March 01 2011 at 11:00pm \| IP Logged

Hello Kristin,

I'm German living in the U.S. My children are growing up bilingually. In case you are interested, I would be happy to chat about materials. I also know of one other American Catholic lady, who is teaching her children German. Her blog is here.

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