Lil Language Scholars

Do’s and Don'ts to get them talking!

DO:

*Keep talking in the language of your choice.

*Encourage them to use even simple words or phrases. They might be afraid to make a mistake.

*Encourage other adults in the home to learn and use single words if they don't know the language.

*Be ready with praise if your child uses any words at all.

*Set up vocabulary for the week, specific words you can all use. It is OKAY to mix the languages when they are just learning. Speaking is more difficult so allow them to speak in shorter segments than you speak to them.

*Allow the child to teach words to other adults or even stuffed animals. Let them role play teaching.

*Set up a language time when everyone in the family tries to use the new weekly vocabulary (very short time approx 15 min). Make it fun and silly not demanding. For example, say “oh no, that's not (language). Can you say it again?”

DON'T:

*Get angry.

*Demand they speak in the second language.

*Whatever you do don't stop speaking to them in the language-they are learning!

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Finding the appropriate childcare center is often difficult. Location is important but so are many other factors. If you are looking for childcare after being home with your child or going back to work after your first child we can help. We are very familiar with centers in the Lake County, IL area and can help refer you to a few to visit. If you live outside that area we can still help. We offer our Preschool/Childcare Tour Guide. Our guide has questions to ask, things to look for and other pertinent information. We also included a few pages for you to take notes so you can remember specifics after your visits. Please don't hesitate to contact us for this FREE resource. 

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Ask most students what makes Spanish hard and they will either say memorizing vocabulary (see previous post) or conjugating verbs. Verbs in most romance languages change depending upon the subject of the sentence. In English we simply say I run, she runs, they run, we run etc. There really are only two choices but in romance languages each different subject has a different form of the verb. And to top it off different verbs have different endings. So when your child says I don't understand conjugating verbs....believe them and get them some help. Because verbs have so many different forms it is imperative that students understand how to conjugate and use their verbs. There are some simple rules and games you can play to make it more fun but do not ignore the verbs! Good luck!

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If your child is having trouble memorizing vocabulary try this technique. As they learn new vocabulary make a flashcard with the English word on one side and the Spanish (or other language) on the other side. It is important that all the cards look the same. Use the same color pen or marker so there are no hints as to which cards go together. First, ask your child whether the teacher typically gives them the English or other language on their tests. Some teachers give the English and expect the student to know the Spanish. Other teachers give the Spanish and want the children to remember the English. Study the cards in the same way the teacher gives tests. If the teacher gives English (most do it this way). Then use the cards with the English side up.

Now here is the trick that makes this more acceptable to students. Study the cards every day but only go through them once! They can do it independently or with a friend, sibling or parent. If the child can remember the translation place a tally on the back of the card and continue through the entire stack. When the child earns five tallies they can rip the card up and throw it away. If they can remember the word five times it is most likely memorized. The stack will become smaller over time. But they must do the cards every day. It won't take more than a few minutes but repetition is the key. Good luck!

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We are so happy with the growth of Lil Language Scholars. We have more schools than ever before signed up with us. Thank you to all our current schools and families for their trust while we work with their children. We are very proud of our sixth grade students who have moved on to middle school and are testing out of Spanish or getting A's. You should be very proud of yourself.

With this wonderful progress Lil Language Scholars is actively looking for franchisees, especially in IL (Cook, DuPage and McHenry counties in particular). If you have the desire to be a successful business person and pass your knowledge on to young children this may the job you have been waiting for. Contact us to find out more. This is one of only a few jobs you get to play at all day long!

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