Help by Subject: Foreign Language

How to Host an International Student

In an earlier post, I described how hosting an international exchange student can be a benefit to a homeschooling family. Today I’d like to tell you a little more about the nuts and bolts of hosting a student in the United States. These details can help you to know what to expect when hosting an exchange student and can ease the transition for the whole family. Read More »

9 Benefits of Hosting an International Exchange Student

Hosting an international exchange student can be a great experience for homeschooling families. We hosted a student from Ecuador, and while the commitment can seem daunting, having Isaac José with us for a school year enriched our lives. What are some of the benefits of hosting an international student? Read More »

You CAN teach your children a Foreign Language

Languishing in Languages? Let me show you how to teach foreign language through the ages! Ages Birth to Five: For many children, this age range is the best time to start. Before you spend a lot of money on DVD’s, CD’s, “language learning systems” and masses of extra flash cards, take some time to think about your child and your goals for the language. Read More »

Elementary Foreign Language

Teaching a foreign language is extremely mother-friendly in the elementary years of education. You don’t need a curriculum at this age, only consistent and fun activities. The key is to do it each day, by which I mean at least 4 days a week. (For older kids, middle school age, a sit down, listen, write, read and speak curriculum is excellent. Siblings should take the same course together, even when they are different ages, so that they can talk with each other.) Read More »

Teaching a Foreign Language in the Elementary Years

It can be very intimidating to learn, much less teach, a foreign language. If you don’t know a language other than English, it can be especially difficult. However, it is increasingly important to learn additional languages in today’s global economy. Americans are alone in their arrogant assumptions that everyone else should learn English, and that everyone in foreign countries are just waiting to assist you during your visit there. In addition, learning another language is important for future jobs. It may start as communicating with fellow dishwashers in the back of a restaurant, but it could end up as negotiating ... Read More »