Is my child too young to start learning a second language?
Studies have shown that the sooner a child starts to be consistently exposed to another language the better it is for the child's neural linguistic development. Our primary goal is to include new sounds to the sounds used in his/hers first language in order to be able to reproduce them correctly and successfully speak Spanish as his/her second language.
Why does my kid need to learn Spanish and not another language?
Spanish is already spoken by over 40 million people in the United States, and the Latino segment is the fastest growing population segment in America today. Being able to communicate in Spanish will be a valuable skill as today's children develop into adolescents and adults.
Do I have to know Spanish to participate in Little Spanish Bridge?
No. Parents and children of all fluency levels are welcome. Parents with little to no Spanish language will learn alongside their child, while parents who are fluent or native speakers will receive support in their effort to preserve the Spanish language in their home.
Can a young child really learn Spanish if we don't speak Spanish at home?
Yes! Little Spanish Bridge classes will give your child the basis for learning the language. While at home, they will continue to be exposed to Spanish through games, songs, readings, etc… giving them consistent contact with the language.
My child is not verbalizing yet, will he/she benefit from learning Spanish?
Yes. It is never too early to introduce a child to language. Even if your child is not verbalizing yet, he/she is in a very active part of language development, often called the “silent period” where children process the language and store it to eventually speak it. Also, many studies have shown that the earlier you introduce your child to a second language, the better chance they are to learn the language system in its essence and have a native accent. However, many parents still feel more comfortable introducing their child to a second language when he/she is beginning to speak. Therefore, it really depends on the comfort level of the parent.
Will learning Spanish delay my child’s acquisition of English?
No. Scientific research has shown no negative effect or delay of introducing children to more than one language at a very early age. As a matter of fact, in other parts of the world it is the norm for children to grow up with two or more languages. In general, there is a wide variation of when children will begin to talk (there are early talkers, late talkers, and those in-between). A child’s rate of language acquisition is inherent within that child from birth and will not be affected by bilingualism.
Are the Little Spanish Bridge classes conducted only in Spanish?
We strive to conduct the classes in 100% Spanish because we feel that it is important that children are immersed in the Spanish language for the 45 minutes they are in class. Children need to get familiarized to the sounds of a new language. Our primary goal is to include new sounds to the sounds used in his/hers first language in order to be able to reproduce them correctly and successfully speak Spanish as his/her second language.
What do you mean by 'full immersion'?
In our program only Spanish is spoken in the class. Learning is not by translation and the child learns naturally the same way they learn their native language.
Can my nanny or caretaker attend with my child?
Yes. Any parent, family member, or care taker can attend with a child.
