Encantos - Stories with purpose inspired by culture

My Emotions

Let’s explore the ways we feel and show emotions!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

WHAT TO PRACTICE

Practice tracing each letter and understanding words that describe feelings while matching them to the picture that shows each emotion.

NOTE TO GROWNUPS

In Things I Do, our Canticos friends explore the ways in which we show our emotions. As they trace each word, talk to your child about their feelings and situations where they might feel happy, sad, excited, or loving.

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Ask a Bilingual Expert

Benefits of Bilingualism (FAQs):

Any advice on managing two Spanish dialects in the household? Does this cause confusion for kids?

Now that our world is more interconnected than ever, there are plenty of families where each parent could be from a different country in Latin America, with distinctive dialects, vocabulary, slang, and culture. And that’s totally ok for kids to be exposed to. Their perspectives are broadened and they learn to communicate cross-culturally, it’s a thing to be celebrated. Sometimes kids may switch vocabulary when talking to different parents, which is absolutely fine. They’re not confused; if anything this shows their flexibility. They could have as many as five words for one item, three in Spanish two in English, giving them a stronger sense of language in general. For parents that may feel the need to find a neutral ground with their native dialects, not to worry, all research says that you want to encourage and expose children to different languages.

What do you recommend if I’m not completely fluent and my child’s school doesn’t have an immersion class?

I always encourage as much Spanish exposure as possible. Don’t worry about immersion classes availability or not being completely fluent as a parent. Use the Spanish you know, even if you may need to speak Spanglish. This won’t be confusing to your child; in fact, you’re giving them more opportunities to practice Spanish. Try to find ways to fill the gaps in your language knowledge, through apps, books, and music. I recommend the Canticos Bilingual Preschool App, which gives kids so much exposure through stories, activities, and music, allowing them to learn in an authentic and engaging way.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country need to remember that children are always going to learn English; their peers speak English. It’s important to give kids as much education as possible in the home in Spanish. If you want to teach something like the solar system to kids, teach it in their second language. They will learn new, specific topic vocabulary that they wouldn’t get in everyday conversation.

We speak Spanish and English in our home but my child almost always answers or talks back in English. How can I go about encouraging her to respond and speak more in Spanish?

Many kids may be in a classroom where they hear English all day; ask your child in a low-pressure way to try again in Spanish. Try to avoid saying things like “no, say it again in Spanish.” Encourage your child to show you what they do know, and if it’s a matter of them not knowing, provide them with the info they need.

Should I set aside time or create activities for each language or is it okay to mix them both together?

It’s important to provide authentic opportunities for children to speak both languages. Authentic learning opportunities allow kids to organically find the things they really love in another language through reading, entertainment, music, or movement.

Any advice for households where one parent speaks Spanish and the other English? Can this be confusing for children?

It’s fine if there are two, or even three languages spoken in the household. The most important thing is that parents freely speak their native language around their kids. It’s not confusing; you’re actually providing kids with a foundation in each language.

How can my child learn language through play?

Play-based learning in children aged PreK/K should take the form of pretend play. When combined with learning a new language, children are eager and excited to communicate in their new vocabulary.

What are the social and cultural benefits of bilingualism?

Learning a new language goes hand in hand with learning about that language’s culture. It’s an opportunity to tap into the food, customs, stories, and other aspects of culture. Additionally, children who are bilingual can communicate with more people.

What are some of the cognitive benefits of bilingualism?

By introducing your child to a second language early, you are giving them the chance to access the cognitive benefits of being bilingual such as improved focus, mental multitasking, self-control, and working memory.