Encantos - Stories with purpose inspired by culture

Learn to write the number 6! ¡Número 6!

SUPPLIES NEEDED

WHAT TO PRACTICE

Let’s write the number 6! Follow the arrow with your pencil. Then practice writing the number by following the dotted line. Do the last few by yourself. Finally, shade in only 6 piñatas and 6 candies. Included in this lesson:

NOTE TO GROWN UPS

This is a great introductory lesson to teach basic numbers to preschool and kindergarten children.

Download Activity Sheet:

\Download PDF](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60f5a89e108c2683c870592d/63dd8571542a3d3f9178f2f0_CT-Number6.pdf)

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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.

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, I sometimes only know a word in Spanish or vice versa, which is totally okay. This won’t be confusing to your child, in fact, you’re giving them more opportunities to practice Spanish.

Do you recommend teaching different subjects in different languages? For example, the solar system in English and the days of the week in Spanish?

Parents who live in an English-speaking country need to remember that children are always going to learn English; Their world is in English, their peers speak English. However, though it can feel a little counterintuitive, it’s important to give kids as much education as possible in the home in Spanish. They will inevitably learn English, and it will be even better if they learn their native language first, a strong foundation in Spanish will help kids gain a stronger mastery of English.

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

It’s very 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, whether through reading, entertainment, music, or movement. Let them pursue what they love which will in turn allow them to joyfully explore their new language.

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 new to your child. Additionally, children who are bilingual can communicate with more people, bridging a gap between their world and the world of others. Studies have shown that this increases empathy and better perspective-taking.

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 cognitive benefits to being bilingual. Research shows that bilingual brains have better executive functioning in the following areas:

  1. Focus
  2. Mental multitasking and self-control
  3. Working memory

What are some strategies for raising bilingual children?

  1. Start early: Babies’ brains are sponges; Their rapidly forming neural connections allow them to learn everything, including languages, much easier.
  2. Stick with it: If children start to speak their second language instead of their native language at home, don’t give in and start speaking to them in their native language too; keep at it, it will pay off in the end.
  3. Make it Joyful: The best antidote to resistance or lack of motivation around practicing their native language is to make it fun! Pick movies, music, books, and podcasts that they enjoy in that language.