Teens and Tweens – Goal setting – a tool for success in language acquisition

In my experience teaching world languages, I have taught children, teenagers and adults. I began teaching world languages, by default, as a young adult. Sharing my passion for languages has always been a rewarding experience for me. I have enjoyed teaching adults because they are always motivated and dedicated.  I believe that their motivation and dedication stems from having a goal, such as a business trip, a promotion, a dream to work abroad, etc. It appears to me that learning a second language is “easier” when there is a goal or purpose.

I have noticed that children starting at about the age of 10 and 11 are more similar to adult language learners as opposed to younger children who are usually excited about learning a second language simply because it is fun and different. Tweens and teens, typically need to have a personal goal in order to be motivated.  They do not relate to a generic goal, such as: “if you speak a second language, you will have more opportunities” or “you will be successful if you are bilingual.” Tweens and teens need to make a personal connection with the language they are learning or mastering in order to find the motivation that will enable them to follow through and become fluent or proficient.

I will share four examples in this blog post of how teens and tweens can turn their passions into the motivation needed to master a second language.

The artistic child – a child who expresses an interest in the performing arts would benefit greatly from recognizing the relevance of mastering a second language.  This realization will aid the child in developing the  motivation and dedication that I have seen in adults with language learning goals. Universal musical terms are mainly in Italian, opera libretti have been translated, but reading and confidently singing an opera in its original language (typically German and  Italian) is an astounding achievement. Choirs or choral groups typically sing in languages other than their official language such as Ukrainian, Latin, Russian, French, etc. Learning a second language will most likely help a child’s musical experience by perfecting his pronunciation, facilitating the ease in picking up the new vocabulary, boosting their self confidence, and improving their ability to read music more naturally. What artistic child wouldn’t want to have this advantage?  Learning and mastering a second language becomes more relevant to children in this context.

Children’s Cathedral Choir

 

The international or exchange student – A teen or tween who is interested in studying abroad either in high school or college can work towards fluency in a second language in order to enrich his experience while studying abroad. A world language is not just another school subject or a “chore” to practice at home in this context. A world language becomes the key to a more fruitful and enjoyable future experience. A world language becomes relevant when the child understands why he is trying to become proficient in the second language. The child with a goal to study abroad, will develop the motivation necessary to help him reach his goal.

This child was me. In hindsight, I strongly believe that both of my study abroad experiences were priceless and shaped me into the person I am today. Having had the goals really paid off. It was a true  adventure in self-discovery! This Forbes.com article highlights how studying abroad makes better leaders.

The international Formula-1 driver – I have used this scenario jokingly but successfully with my 8 year old. He wants to be a race car driver when he grows up. This goal is what motivates him at this stage of his life.  “Well, if you plan to travel around the world racing fast cars,” I said to him, “don’t you think it would be wise to speak some of the languages of some of the exciting countries you will be visiting?” He looked at me skeptically, smirked and said, “Yes – you are right, it would be good to know the language to communicate with people at the race.” Gotcha!

The international chef/restauranteur – my older son, who loves to cook, believes there is a future for him in the realm of international restaurants. He loves food, he loves resorts and he loves world languages. Why not combine all three of his passions and pursue his dream of being a chef at a luxury resort?  My son is only 10, and it may be too soon to tell what path he will ultimately take, but if this is what motivates him to keep up with his world languages, we support him and his goal.

My childhood friend and world-renowned restauranteur, winemaker, author, and television personality, Joseph Bastianich, is a more concrete example of this scenario. Joseph and I were classmates during our tween and teen years. We shared a few commonalities. We were two American children who grew up hearing, speaking and learning the heritage language of our family, Italian. During our tween and teen years, we practiced our Italian by speaking to one another. We were proud of our language skills at that early age and I would venture to say, that we still feel that same pride, respectively.  At first, he pursued a career in finance, with little to no need to speak a second language. Over time, Joseph followed in his parents’ footsteps and became a highly successful restauranteur. Most recently, he has displayed his eloquent language skills on Italian television on MasterChef Italia (the Italian version of a culinary talent show) as a regular judge on the show. It is fun to think back to our childhood conversations in Italian and then watch him speak so confidently, in his second language on Italian national TV. His love of the Italian language has helped him in his current career although, not necessarily in his first career.

As parents, we should help our children make a personal connection between their passions and the target language. We should help them see how mastering the target language will help them achieve what they might want for themselves in their future. Their personal goal could be as whimsical as being a Formula-1  driver or as specific as being an opera singer.  In the end, whatever route they take, their languages will always be with them. If you would like to read a fellow blogger’s Tips on Motivating Pre-Teens click here for some additional advice and creative tips. Enjoy!

What are some of your children’s career goals and how can you help your children relate their goals to a world language or second language?

 

 

 

Exploring Spain With Kids

Many of us are planning our summer holiday around this time of year. So, I am featuring Spain in this blog post as well as information and tips that will complement your children’s language acquisition as well as make your family’s language endeavor a bit more fun and memorable.

When I think of Spain, I think variety. Variety of scenery, language, ancestors, architecture, food and the arts.

Scenery: Spain is perhaps Europe’s most geographically diverse country ranging from the near deserts of Andalucía to the green countryside and deep coastal inlets of Galicia. From the sun-baked uplands of Castilla-La Mancha to the rugged, snow-covered Pyrenees. From the Balearic Islands to the Canary Islands. Spain is made up of 17 Comunidades autónomas (autonomous regions) that are divided into provinces. Spain is the second biggest country in Western Europe.

Language: Although castellano (Spanish or Castilian) is spoken throughout Spain, three other regional languages are widely spoken in Spain. Catalán is spoken in Cataluña, the Balearic Islands and Valencia. Gallego (Galician) is spoken in Galicia, and euskera (Basque) is spoken in Pais Vasco and Navarra.

Ancestors: Spain’s various inhabitants over the centuries have influenced the art, architecture, music and so much more throughout the country. When you travel around the different regions, you can not help but be transported to the period in which the particular peoples were inhabiting the location you find yourself in and can not help but wonder what it was like when… The various Spanish ancestors include Phoenicians, Jews and Arabs from the Middle East, tribes from Morocco and Visigoths from the Balkans.

Roman aqueduct in Segovia

Architectural styles throughout the country represent the various historic inhabitants and their influence. Magnificent old buildings dot the entire county and remind you of the rich multicultural history of Spain. You will observe the variety of architectural styles as you visit Roman aqueducts, Islamic edifices, Gothic cathedrals, medieval castles and Gaudi’s buildings and structures in the style known as Modernismo Catalán mostly located in Barcelona.  Click here to see one of my favorite Gaudi Buildings that always attracts children’s attention.

Gaudi’s modernist architecture in Barcelona

Food. Spanish cooking reflects the Roman, Arabic, Jewish and French influences in Spain. The Spanish are known for cooking with spices such as saffron and cumin and they also use fruits and almonds in their dishes, as well as enjoy honeyed sweets and pastries – all of which are Arabic contributions and hail back to the Muslim era. You will savor a variety of the typical Spanish foods as as you travel around Spain. You will quickly discover that the same dishes are prepared differently in different regions. For example, paella, gazpacho, tortilla de patatas (a.k.a tortilla española), pinchos (a.k.a. Moroccan style kebabs) will taste and possibly look different depending on your geographic location. So, my advice is to “go for the gusto” and compare and contrast these dishes as you travel around Spain and enjoy the food with your children!

“Spanish Food For Kids” in Family Travel Scoop.com provides an acurrate list and description of Spanish foods that kids typically will try and may enjoy – (depending on their palate, of course)!! Some of my children’s favorites are: empanadas, albondigas, sautéed squid, tortilla de patatas, paella, and one of Spain’s best kept secrets –fideuà. Fideuà originated in Valencia and is similar to paella, but is made with short strands noodles (instead of rice) and seafood.  It is a colorful and flavorful dish and it is an ideal seaside meal to enjoy  as a family while on summer holiday on a Mediterranean beach.

Preparing Spanish dishes at home such as paella and tortilla de patatas has become a fun-filled and regular event in our family and has contributed to the broadening of their palate as they discover new flavors and textures.

Preparing Paella at Home

Tortilla Española For Everyone!

 

Now, that you have enough general background, let me take you on a quick tour of a few of our favorite places in Spain:

Madrid is the capital city of Spain. If you find yourself in Madrid you will want to visit Museo del Prado where you and your your children will enjoy viewing the works of Spain’s greatest masters: Velazquez, Goya and El Greco as well as other Spanish artists. The museum offers Family Programs throughout the year (in Spanish). If and you and your children are comfortable speaking Spanish, plan ahead and sign up for one of their many family programs that include children’s theater, gallery visits and seasonal events.

If modern (1900 – 1960s) art  interests you, then a stop at Centro de Arte Reina Sofia is warranted. There are plenty of works by Miró, Solana, Gris, and Dalí to see on your way to Picasso’s Guernica.   Children’s Weekend Workshops are offered throughout the year for children to explore different ways to interpret and interact with the museum’s works of art.

A third museum worth visiting in Madrid , if you have time, is the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza which houses a prestigious collection in the former Palacio de Villahermosa. Family activities are offered in English on alternate Saturdays and Sunday. Click here for more information.

If your children enjoy music, theatre and history, then consider adding the Opera House (Teatro Real) and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) onto your list of places to visit in Madrid. Teatro Real is located directly across the street from the Royal Palace and it offers programs such as operas, puppet shows and workshops tailored for children of all ages. Click here for Teatro Real 2017 schedule. Walk across the street and take a tour of Palacio Real and walk through the Palace Gardens (Campo del Moro) for a relaxing stroll.

Madrid can be an excellent launching pad from which to take day trips to nearby locations such as: El Escorial, Toledo and Segovia.

A trip to Spain or other country where your family’s target language is spoken is a sure way to reinforce your children’s language learning! Click here for more immersion tips from a fellow blogger at Kid World Citizen. However, if you are not traveling abroad any time soon with your children, remember you could take your children on a vicarious trip to a far away place any time you are in any big city. The Metropolitan Opera House, for example, offers a rendition of a different opera tailored for children once a year.  The Barber of Seville was a fantastic and fun way to infuse a little of Spain without boarding a plane!

A taste of old world Spain at The Barber of Seville, Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center

Spain is a family-friendly, stimulating, yet relaxing place for families to explore and make memories. A word to the wise: seasoned travelers have been known to say: “The more you travel in Spain, the bigger it seems to get.”

Tell us which places you and your children have enjoyed in Spain.

Hasta la próxima, amigos!