Berkeley Parents Network: Language Classes

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Language Classes

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Best way for 11-year-old to learn French

May 2004

My 11-year-old daughter wants to learn to speak French. She has been talking about this for some time, so the idea seems to be sticking. Can anyone offer advice on a low-pressure, effective way to begin learning another language? I would prefer not to engage in formal lessons, especially something that would become a weekly regimen; and I would also prefer that it not involve a computer screen. Face-to-face contact would be great, though! Thank you!

Though your daughter is still a bit young, the absolute best way to learn a language (and support any learning that has already taken place) is to spend some time where the language is spoken, among people who speak it every day. When I was fifteen I spent two months in Germany with a wonderful family who launched me on a lifetime of speaking German. Later when I was eighteen I went abroad again, lived with a family, and added another language. In both families there were members who spoke no English, and so I was forced to deal day to day in the language they spoke. It was sometimes difficult, but I don't think there's any really effective way to achieve real fluency otherwise. I would first travel with her to countries where French is spoken (Canada for one) and then think about having her go on a youth exchange if at all possible. a professor of foreign language and culture

Bonjour! http://www.early-advantage.com/ The BBC's Muzzy program. Great program for kids.

Maintaining kids' Spanish after a year in Ecuador

June 2003

We've been living in Ecuador for the last year with our two daughters, ages 5 and 8, and they are now rattling away in Spanish to each other and friends. We will be returning to Oakland this summer and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions about how to keep up their Spanish when we are back. I can't think of any obvious way to maintain their Spanish effectivley. If we lived in Berkeley we would do everything we could to get them in one of the immersion programs. But Oakland, and Chabot, (their school), has no immersion programs. I have never heard of a Spanish Bilingual private school in the East Bay. Is there one? Having them take an afternoon class a week doesn't seem like much. We have friends that they can talk with but its not the same as full day immersion in Spanish (Our Spanish is passable but not good enough to conduct our home lives in Spanish). Any thoughts? Thanks, Liz

I would try to have your children make friends with Spanish speaking children at school and invite them over for after-school play as often as possible. Try to encourage them to watch Spanish-language TV. Unfortunately there aren't many good children programs on network TV (though they do have cartoons), so you may want to check into cable-TV offerings. buena suerte! anon

We have a similar circumstance as you -- we have spent a sabbatical year living in Mexico, returning in August, and now have a 5 year old son who speaks Spanish much better then we do. (How do they get that subjunctive tense!??) Though we live in Berkeley we are sad that we didn't get into the Cragmont immersion program as it would have been a natural extension for him (grumble grumble at the school choice lottery...)

But to assure that he continues to be truly bilingual we are doing several things: 1) It may be impractical for you, but we are bringing back a Mexican student to live with us, enjoy a California adventure, and speak only Spanish with our son. At the least you might try to find an occasional babysitter who can speak spanish with your children. Also, lots of Cal students speak spanish and you might ''employ'' one to come over to talk with your kids afew times a week. 2) Before we left Berkeley, my son took a Saturday kids class at Centro Latino. Perhaps they will offer a more ''advanced spanish'' course for kids like ours if we get enough interest. Also, Habitot Children's Museum in Berkeley is starting a spanish language class -- ditto re influencing them to hold an ''advanced class'' as their classes are always great. 3) I know of at least one other child in Berkeley/Oakland who is spanish-english bilinqual -- I am sure there are MANY -- perhaps we can organize a play group when we get back?? The rule: solo hablando en espanol! Anybody interested please feel free to send me a personal email. Felicidades on giving your children the gift of two languages! Kathy

There are wonderful new spanish lessons for 1-14 year olds in both Lafayette and Piedmont put on by 1 Worldly Wise Language & Culture Organization. The classes are for beginners & those with experience and kids have a lot of fun doing what they like to do in Spanish with age-appropriate activities. Check out the website at www.1worldlc.org chris

How to teach Spanish to a 2.5 year old

April 2003

We would love to teach our children spanish. Any suggestions for books, tapes/CDs, videos or other inexpensive methods to teach a 2 1/2 year old? We looked into classes but can't believe a one hour ''spanish play group'' for $16 once a week will teach him spanish. anon

Have you checked into the Spanish TV stations and Sesame Street in Spanish? It's called Plaza del Sesamo and your child will probably pick up a lot by watching. Totally free! Elaine

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