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(Unit 4) Topic 2: Spanish in the Early Childhood Classroom

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

The Myths of Learning a Second Language

​Topic 2 Page 6

Exposing a child to more than one language confuses them.

False.

​Millions of children around the world grow up as bi- or even tri-lingual and have little to no confusion differentiating the languages. The brain is capable of learning much more than we give it credit for. 

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Children will end up mixing the languages.

True.

However, this blending of languages in the early stages of learning is harmless. Children will model what they hear. Unless the language they are spoken to is blended, the languages will be categorized appropriately. ​

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Children can become bilingual with little to no work.

False.

Just as learning a first language takes years of practice and energy, learning a second language is no different. While it is easier for children to learn another language than it is adults, their efforts should still be validated. This is also why learning a second language should be enjoyable for them. ​

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There is no time in my schedule to teach another language.

False.

While it may seem that every second of your day is already planned for, there is always time to integrate Spanish into your curriculum. It may not be a formal lesson plan, but it can be during small moments of down time that every classroom has.

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In order to be considered bilingual, students must speak the language perfectly.

False.

Just as we do not penalize young children who are attempting to learn English for incorrect grammar or pronunciation, young children who are learning Spanish should not be discouraged when making mistakes. Every tidbit of Spanish they can use counts and should be celebrated. ​

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Only those that speak fluent Spanish should be teaching students.

False.

Just as your student’s Spanish skills will not be perfect, neither will yours. While it is important for every teacher to be familiar with what they are teaching, you absolutely do not need to be fluent for them to learn. You are more than welcome to use the Spanish Review Handout as a tool to brush up on your Spanish skills before teaching. ​

(Unit 4) Topic 2: Spanish in the Early Childhood Classroom * Navigation Menu