Raising Bilingual Children: It’s the Little Things
Not long ago we celebrated a big milestone in our home. Our daughter learned to roll her R’s.
In bilingual homes this is often a big deal, because rolling r’s doesn’t come naturally to everyone and as any Spanish learner knows, it can take quite some time before double r’s roll off the tongue comfortably.
I hadn’t spent much time with Lily on rolling r’s because I know it’s a sensitive topic, it’s hard for some to do and if you push it, you just might leave a negative taste in their mouth about learning a second language. So I’ve basically just rolled my r’s like normal hoping that she would follow my example in time.
On Sunday, January 22nd, I got a special surprise…Lily followed suit…all on her own. :)
I didn’t have to prompt her and we hadn’t studied the double r’s, but she heard me and naturally repeated. I think that just goes to show that children pick up more than we are aware of and also that they learn a lot by example. Speaking Spanish more often around her is an obvious necessity and beyond that, lately I’ve been trying to bring more Spanish media into the house through movies, music, books, etc.
Here’s a little clip of Lily saying Perro and telling her favorite knock, knock joke. :)
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Congratulations! We also have a bi-quasi trilingual household, and for our (almost) 4 year old daughter, rolling the Rs like her dad (I come in with Portuguese) is definitely a big deal… The day she was able to say ‘mi nombre es MaRcela’, we almost cry with joy… Thank you for sharing! Greetings from our English/Portuguese/Spanish home! http://3rdculturechildren.com 3rdculturechild
@Raquel Miranda 3rdculturechild Thanks for your comment Raquel! I’ll definitely come check you out on your blog. :) Rolling their R’s is definitely something special! Great to meet you! =)
Can you actually learn to roll your R’s? I’ve been speaking Spanish off and on for over 20 years and I’ve never ever been able to do it, yet my child who speaks very little Spanish can do it with no problem. I’ve had Spanish speakers from different countries try to help me, and I just cannot do it. If there’s a way to learn, I want to master it!
Susan, I’ve heard that it’s nearly impossible for some. There are some people who can never do it, but I’ve also heard of exercises that you can do to learn to roll your R’s. I saw this video and I don’t know if you would find it helpful, but maybe there is another video on YouTube that might help. :) How to Trill Your R’s – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKRQMCHlONU
We have committed to raising our boy bilingually since he was born. It is not easy, but along with speaking Spanish at home with him, he also goes to a bilingual academy. One of his favorite Spanish things to do is watch El Chavo del Ocho. He started watching him at a VERY young age, maybe 2 or 3, and now is REALLY enjoying El Chapulin Colorado too at 8 years old.
@Andres412 That is so funny that you mention El Chapulin Colorado! That was my husband’s favorite show growing up and he hasn’t seen it in forever. I will definitely be searching that on YouTube tonight! LOL!Spanish programs on TV are such a big help in the bilingual learning process, aren’t they? My daughter loves El Perro y El Gato and that has made a huge impact on her interest in Spanish. So glad to meet another mom raising a little one bilingual. It definitely isn’t easy. ;)
@biculturalmom El Perro Y Gato is awesome! He has enjoyed that since he was about 3 also. He thinks it’s hilarious and we often still act it out at home. And BTW, I’m a dad :) No harm though :)
@Andres412 Hey, that’s even better! I should have looked at your handle instead of assuming. Sorry about that. ;) lol. Anyway, glad you stopped by and yes, El Perro y El Gato is awesome! Lily’s favorite is Gato, of course. ;)
nice post. i’m still waiting for the double-rr / erre’s to take off in my daughter’s speech. but she’s still confusing p’s and m’s so i think we have a ways to go. i’m sure when it happens i will be just as elated!
Haha…Awww, little ones are so cute! Yes, it’s definitely a treat when it happens. Wishing you the best! I’m sure she will surprise you. ;)