How It All Started...

A year ago I was really motivated to try and teach my sons Spanish. I tried on my own but we lacked real motivation. ( And I am lacking real skills.)

I was applying my " Home Preschool skills" to introduce Spanish to my family. I have a calendar with the months in Spanish, the colors, shapes, numbers, etc... But with no real reason to use the language- and no hard fast deadlines- my Spanish lessons were here and there- at best.

(My goal was to practice 10 minutes every day. I think - frequency is better than trying to get my children to focus for an hour once a week. )

And then the additional challenge that I am not fluent in Spanish.

After a month or more of floundering I thought about all the weaknesses in my well intended plan. I slowly realized

I know alot of people who Spanish is their first language or they speak Spanish for other reasons!

I shared my interest in learning Spanish with each of them. Each person I spoke to was eager to help. I organized a small Spanish Family Home Evening group. If each parent contributed their strengths, we could have a really fun program where we all learn Spanish with our families.

( For those of you, who maybe don't know what FHE means: Click HERE}

My friends and I briefly talked about it at the park. I volunteered to organize the group and we agreed to try it for three months then re-valuate how to continue.

I thought this might help other families who might want to learn a different language.These ideas and activities could be used for any other language that you would prefer to learn. (Plans for your FIRST, SECOND , THIRD , and FOURTH months.)

(Below is text from the actual email I sent out: It explains how we organized our group.)

"I am so glad I remembered to mention this idea to you guys! I am really excited now.( I mean, I was yesterday too… but then it slipped my mind… with homework, hockey, etc… )

I am thinking we each take turns hosting the group. I’ll do Septembers FHE- I don’t know what date yet- I have to talk it over with my husband and get him on board. :0)

My idea is … We meet once a month for FHE. First we work on the months words with our kids, play games, do drills, whatever it takes….. So they learn them.

Then the family that hosts that month plans an activity and refreshments- this could be dinner, or dessert , or just finger foods (nachos!) Whatever you choose. Just let families know well in advance so we know to eat dinner before or not. ( The hosting family can invite native speakers to come to- if they want.)

So we come as a family- speak in Spanish - as much as possible and just have fun while trying to learn another language. Those of you who served missions in foreign countries will really be able to share culture, customs, foods, etc… I think it will get our kids excited and motivated to practice and learn a new language."

(email ends here.)

We had a blast! We met for about 6 months then stopped. The native speaking family in our group had their mother-in-law and siblings visiting for 6 months. The siblings ended up joining the church during their visit!

We go in spurts with our Family Home Language Learning. As you know, the more exposure you have to something, the easier it is to learn. If you have ever wanted to learn a new language.. you should try this!

Our lesson plans can be found:
Lesson/Month 1- Family, Introductions & Colors
Lesson/Month 2 Opposites & Clothes
Lesson/Month 3 Body Parts & Shapes
Lesson/ Month 4 Animals