Halloween is just around the corner and you have probably done many crafts, maybe some costume parties, and snuck into the chocolates, but have you had some bilingual Halloween fun?
I like to teach thematic vocabulary using actions and sounds ( in a somewhat TPR manner). By making the learning interactive, the language comes alive for kids.
This Halloween, teach your children Spanish by reinforcing vocabulary with visuals that you see everyday ( decorations at home, in stores, on tv, in books, etc). Here are some fun, easy suggestions for teaching kids Spanish.
Halloween vocabulary:
el fantasma/ ghost- make a spooky ghost noise
la bruja/ witch- cackle like a witch
la calabaza/pumpkin- hold your arms in a circle as if you are holding a big pumpkin.
el dulce/candy- rub your tummy and say 'yum'
el gato negro/ black cat- say meow!
el murcielago/bat- flap your arms like you are flying
La araña/ spider- do the 'itsy bitsy spider' movement w/ your fingers.
Teach these actions to your kids. Reinforce daily and when you see the items. First start by saying the word in Spanish and kids do the actions. After a few days of reinforcement, switch roles. You do action and kids say the word. Remember production is a developmental stage that comes later and you need to be patient with your children's absorbtion of the vocabulary. These are fun activities because you can be creative, silly, and interactive!
Encourage your kids to teach others their new Halloween words!
