Blog Post #2 Target Language Challenge!!!

Introduction

Parenting is hard. Language learning in this country can be tricky. Finding quality ideas to support your children in language learning is complex as there are so many resources out there, yet so little time and effort at the end of the day. So, how do we make it stick? 

The Problem

I struggle with various aspects of this problem. My two little ones were fluent primarily in Spanish until they began socializing more in daycare. Then, they suddenly flopped and were not mainly English speakers, with a few words in Spanish here and there, if I am lucky. I know this problem is complex. My children increasingly understand everything I say, yet respond entirely in English. I have also found that my daughter has been trying to say something in Spanish a few times. I can't understand her and don't even get that she's talking to me in Spanish until she tells me. 

Eg: This morning, when talking about breakfast she kept saying “quiero huevito,” which I heard as different variations of the nonsensical phrase “kind of wellie toe”. Finally,, after a few “hhuhs?” from me she exasperatedly said “Mom, I said I want eggs in Spanish. Huevito, eggs?!?” I felt so happy she had persisted and said something spontaneously in Spanish, for the first time in weeks, and so bad on my part for my reaction which was less than encouraging.

So here is how I see my problem. 

1. I am the main person in my children’s lives who speak Spanish to them.  

1. Most of their family speaks English to them only, with a few key words or phrases inconsistently stated in Spanish. 

2. All our Spanish-speaking friends speak English fluently so the kids don't have to use Spanish.

3. I often default to English when they speak to me in English.

4. I default to English when I am serious or having a complicated conversation. I don't want them to think English is a language of complexity, emotions, rules, and expectations.

5. When I am tired or frustrated, I default to speaking the quickest and simplest way and have no patience for the whining that sometimes accompanies my talking to them in Spanish.

My challenge

Since I am trying to address the issue, I have created a New Spring challenge. The challenge's goal is to increase my Spanish language usage in conversation with my children, increase their exposure to Spanish, improve their comfort and usage, and encourage intentional habit building to support us in reaching our goals.

Our challenge will start on my Birthday, the 16th, as we begin a whole new year in my life, I will kickstart this plan. 

I am taking what I know about goals and myself and combining them into my child-rearing. 

1. I am most successful at integrating goals when I have accountability (here the blog counts)

1. I also need to make clear to my children that I am aware of my need to be more consistent in this area and how it's an area of growth in which I am investing effort into attempting to change.

2. When I have routines, they make it easier for me to incorporate new practices into my life and make it more accessible. 

1. I will create a clear calendar for my children, which I can use to guide us on Spanish, primarily days and times.

1. In the morning, if we watch TV, it must be in Spanish

2. For example, m/w/f are Spanish TV/Music days

2. When reading books at bedtime or anytime, we first read a book in Spanish. If we have time, we reread it in English or read a second book in English.

3. On certain days of the week, we listen to Spanish music on our way to and from daycare.

3. Buy-in “Why”: For this to be successful, I need the children's buy-in and accountability. 

1. My perspective: Before starting the plan next week, we had a family meeting to discuss this topic. I discussed the importance of our heritage and the benefits of being bilingual. 

2. we brainstormed what days and times worked best for us and created ways to help us succeed in this challenge.

3. Make the calendar together, she loves arts and crafts!

4. We should work towards earning something enjoyable we all like, like baking rainbow desserts after two successful weeks of the challenge. Once we have completed a month of the challenge, we should work towards rewarding ourselves with a trip to Scramble, an indoor playground. 

5. Brainstorm ways they can help me when I forget or don't follow the routine. I am excited to see what ideas she has!

4. I will post updates regarding our success and pitfalls throughout this journey! I am concerned most with my stamina/fidelity and will

Wish me luck!