More than a word or a resolution (though I do like those traditions), I take the last few weeks of the year to think and pray about what is working and what needs to change in all areas of my life.
More...
Since this isn’t a blog about finances and marriage, I’ll spare you my end-of-year-musings on those subjects.
However, if you want a peek into how our homeschool went last semester and what changes and new things we're focusing on for this semester...read on.
Here are FIVE NEW THINGS that we’re focusing on in our bilingual homeschool for 2021.
1) No Mercy Spanish-Only Screen Time
Effective immediately.
Admittedly we’re not a big screen time family. (Don’t ask me for a list of the best apps for bilingual kids). However, we do occasionally use screens on road trips or watch a show in the middle of the week just because.
I am a HUGE proponent of using screen time to strengthen the minority language AND YET I have slowly but surely slipped into letting my kid’s watch certain shows in English.
This is one of the EASIEST ways to increase minority language input in your house, especially when no one in the house is a native speaker. *ahem, yours truly*
I plan to take my own advice and go back to all screens in Spanish. Cold turkey.
Will they protest? You bet. However...they can always choose to not watch the show.
2) Writing a Phonics Curriculum for Spanish
The number one thing I hear from all you lovely people is that you want an easy to use and thorough Spanish reading program written for homeschool and complete with graded readers.
Can I get an AMEN!?
I HEAR YOU! I taught my firstborn to read in Spanish using the Nacho Silabario and principles from the All About Reading curriculum (which we use for English).
I am now taking my second born through the same paces, and writing stories for her as we go. I would like to make this available to you as I write it so you can have an open-and-go way to teach your kids to read in Spanish.
If this is of interest to you, click the button below to be notified via email when these lessons become available.
Note: I will be emailing these lessons out as I write them, which may potentially be slower than you would prefer. But hey ... being my kids’ mom is my priority.
3) Lelu STEAM + Spanish
I searched high and low for a monthly subscription box for Spanish speakers that was geared toward older kids.
A mamá in the Bilingual Together Homeschool Community FB group told me about Lelu and I couldn’t be happier.
We already opened the first box and it looks AMAZING! I’ll circle back around and let you all know how it goes after we use it for a month or two.
4) Speaking Spanish in Public
Gah! Friends, I am totally guilty of switching into English when we leave the house or have company come over.
WHY!?!?!
Truth is, I know why. I'm worried people will think I'm crazy. "What's that white lady doing speaking Spanish!?"
I am determined to get over that nonsense and SPEAK SPANISH when we are out about about.
I encourage (*require*) my children to speak and use their Spanish with me even though English is easier for them. Therefore, I MUST model to them that I will speak and use my Spanish too even when it is hard for me. Check in on me, friends. This is SO hard for me.
5) A Puppy Named Canela
The last new thing for 2021 is...we got our kids a puppy for Christmas!
Everyone who has had a puppy knows this WILL effect our bilingual homeschool this semester!
Plus, her name is Canela. So...that’s Spanish right?
Conclusion
There you have it, friends. Five NEW THINGS happening in this house for 2021.
I’d love to hear what your “new things” are for 2021.
At the same time, I want to acknowledge that 2020 was brutal for many. If you are surviving and don’t have the brain space to reflect right now, that’s okay. If you’re language journey has slowed or come to a halt, that’s okay. I pray this new year brings you peace.
Related Posts
How To Homeschool Bilingually: PreK & Kindergarten
Spanish Phonics – How I Teach My Kids To Read
How We Start Our Homeschool Year – The Spanish Immersion Soft Start
