Many of us use goal charts and calendars as a way to gage and motivate positive behaviors as well as keep record of our childrens activities. Recently, I decided to make calendars for each of my children as a way to track the approach of Santa's visit in our second language. It worked so well, I decided to continue this approach, and the children have memorized the days of the week along with the numbers really well. So, I decided to continue this method of motivation, and incorporated a goal chart along with each new month.
In a nutshell, I am exposing and reinforcing the children's knowledge of the days and month, as well as specific desired behaviors in Greek (or whatever second language is being taught). So far, it has been a very easy and fun way of interactive learning.
Looking for tips on helping pass on your bilingual background to your children?....Well you're in the right place. As a teacher of Greek as a second language, and mom of three, I've got useful and fun tips for you. Studies show children benefit greatly from being bilingual both intellectually and in effect, academically. So I hope that I satisfy a niche out there trying to pass on the beauty of speaking the language of your grandparents. Happy travels.
Quick ideas for keeping children motivated..
*Do something different, like a "pajama party", where the children get to sleep in sleeping bags in the den with you, and play games that require them to speak in (insert second language here). For some detailed ideas, feel free to read the 1/22/10 post.
*Decorate a coffee can of small trinkets as a treasure box (keep it varied) and let children pick from it, if they learn a new phrase and use it at least 5 times in one day.
You can keep a log of the weekdays-if each day they practice numbers 1-10, or colors for example in the foreign language, they get to pick a movie.
(Remember, your own motivation and attitude are contagious)...keep it fun and reward yourself for the hard work.
"I know I'm intelligent because the more I learn, I realize I know nothing" - Socrates