As educators, we know that teaching young learners language and culture can be rewarding yet challenging.
We understand the dedication it takes to inspire young minds! There are some really good days when every puzzle piece fits perfectly and others when it may seem the complete opposite.
It’s a journey filled with unique trials and triumphs, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Common Challenges in Teaching Spanish to Elementary Students
Teaching Spanish to elementary students comes with its fair share of challenges. Here are some common ones that not only affect Spanish classes but other content areas as well:
- Keeping Students’ Attention: Maintaining young learners’ focus during language lessons is challenging.
- Encouraging Active Engagement and Participation: Motivating students to participate actively in Spanish lessons.
- Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom: Ensuring students continue practicing and using Spanish outside school.
Strategies to Overcome Teaching Spanish to Elementary Students
What are problems without solutions? Here are some ways we plan to address these common challenges proactively.
Keeping Students’ Attention
Have lessons be relevant, fun and interactive! In each Sarah’s Spanish School lesson, we include movement encouraging students to interact with each other and the content. We also know that learning is effective when it is fun! Through Spanish games, music, stories, virtual field trips, and more, we aim to make sure students enjoy learning their Spanish curriculum!
In each lesson, to keep things fresh, new, and exciting, we include a variety of visuals, props, and teaching materials for students to look forward to. (In addition to daily lesson routines, which allows for structure and effective classroom management). We also offer weekly themed weeks that are relevant and fun! Some of our past weekly themed weeks have been Super Mario Week, Pumpkins, Cozy Cooking, Penguin Palooza, and Passport to Peru!
Encouraging Active Engagement and Participation
An engaged class is a happy class! We encourage full-class participation countless times throughout each lesson of our Spanish curriculum for elementary schools. Through TPR (Total Physical Response) lessons, students demonstrate understanding through full-body movements. Whether learning a story or cooking a recipe, students are consistently encouraged and supported to show their comprehension and vocabulary throughout each lesson. In addition to this, our Spanish teachers at Sarah’s Spanish School are trained in their questioning techniques. Their consistent questioning skills allow them to receive instant feedback to help better tailor their instruction on the spot.
Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
Family involvement is essential to the success of all students, highlighting immersion in a second language. We understand how important the family-school connection is to foster education in and outside the classroom. Through consistent communication with parents through emails, newsletters, social media, informational packets, questionnaires, and lessons with materials for students to do at home, we foster a healthy relationship amongst families and support students to learn Spanish outside of class.
Elementary Spanish FAQs
Do you offer Spanish lessons that students can do at home?
Yes! We offer a complete curriculum that students can do at their own pace at their own time at home, in addition to new weekly themed lessons that include both asynchronous and synchronous (live) lessons that students can participate in!
How can I support my child in learning Spanish at home?
Outside of Sarah’s Spanish School, students can be exposed to both Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures through watching children’s shows in Spanish, reading bilingual books, listening to Spanish music, cooking and eating authentic food, and even taking “field trips” to local cultural centers and events in your area!
What if I (the parent) don’t speak Spanish?
Don’t worry! Supporting your child in learning a language is a beautiful gift you can offer without needing to speak the language! Thankfully, with Sarah’s Spanish School, we support students from many different backgrounds and languages in learning Spanish. Some students in our program are the very first in their families to start learning Spanish, and they have a blast doing it!
Elementary Level Spanish with Sarah’s Spanish School
Ready to take the next step?
For School Administrators: Ready to bring a world-class Spanish program to your school? Request more information or book a discovery call with us today.
For Parents and Families: Eager to give your child the gift of bilingualism? Sign up for our 30-day free trial and start your family’s Spanish adventure now. Join us, and let’s make learning Spanish an unforgettable experience for your young learners!
Teaching Spanish to elementary students can be challenging, but it can be an enriching journey with the right strategies. By piquing their interest, grabbing their attention, promoting engagement, and extending language learning beyond the classroom, you can ensure that your students acquire Spanish effectively and have a fantastic time. We look forward to helping you overcome these challenges while your young ones learn Spanish in the most fun way ever! Book a discovery call today.