How One Mom, Jessica, Overcame Self-Doubt to Bring Language-Learning Joy to Her Family
At first, Jessica, a supermom of three kids, was hesitant to teach her children Spanish because she didn't consider herself fluent, but she has since overcome those doubts and embraced learning right alongside her children. Not only this, but she has sparked a love of language and culture among her entire family. Read on to see exactly how she has incorporated language learning into her weekly routine!
Hi, Jessica! Can you tell us a little about your family and what your homeschool week typically looks like?
I have three children, ages 11, nine, and seven. As working parents, each day looks different in our household. Our days are relaxed! Each of my kids has a chore chart and a task list that they must complete. Every morning, they know exactly what their routine looks like and what they need to accomplish. After getting ready for the day, my kids begin their schoolwork. Once schoolwork is complete, they choose between various hands-on activities to work on. By the late afternoon, we are typically headed out to one of their sports. We usually fit in a Spanish lesson during dinnertime!
What originally led you to explore teaching your children a second language, and what language(s) have you studied/are you studying?
From fourth grade through college, I studied Spanish in school. Unfortunately, school focused so much on literacy that we never really had opportunities to speak the language, and I would not consider myself a fluent speaker. I can read it way better than speak it. My absolute dream was to raise bilingual children; however, my own lack of confidence in speaking the language has truly hindered this. When I found Homeschool Languages, I knew that this was like finding gold! I wanted something relaxed, conversation-focused, and as come/go as possible. THIS was it! We are back on our Spanish journey, and the kids are loving it!
What challenges or frustrations did you run into when trying to teach a language before using Homeschool Languages?
My biggest frustration with other programs was that they required a lot of reading on a screen and “keeping the streak alive” sort of feelings. Again, lack of speaking was a huge challenge, and nothing seemed to stick with us.
What are the top things you look for or value in a curriculum?
I value quality products that engage my children. It’s important that they don’t just see the curriculum as more work. I also value the ability to use it amongst the whole family. I truly appreciate something written, tangible, and with detailed support for how it is expected to be taught.
How does Homeschool Languages actually fit into your week?
We use Homeschool Languages typically every other day or so. We leave the textbook on the counter and pick it up each time we have a free moment (typically dinnertime or right after). We are always on the go, so having the ability to pick it up at random makes a huge difference.
What does a typical lesson look like in your home?
Typical lessons include one of the kids pausing everyone to ask a question about something, my phone ringing, receiving a text message, work that pops up, and laughter! There’s never a dull moment during a typical lesson, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. We get it accomplished and have fun while doing so!
What changes have you seen in your children since starting to use Homeschool Languages?
My children have become more curious about other cultures, language in general, and wanting to learn more Spanish! I feel like this has also given them the opportunity to spend more quality time, laughing and learning together. They are also much more mindful about others around them who may not be able to speak the same language that they speak. I feel like this has increased their cultural awareness and language awareness. There’s almost more empathy that has been created because of using Homeschool Languages.
Have any small learning moments stood out to you?
One of the best “this is working“ moments that has hit me was when we went to the library one afternoon, and there was a little boy who did not speak any English. I found that all three of my kids were trying to engage him and use what little bits of Spanish that they do know. They were so excited and proud of themselves!
Has using the curriculum changed your own relationship with language learning or teaching in any way?
As a former ESL teacher and a person that absolutely loves culture and language, this curriculum has brought back a spark in me that I have missed! I love the approach of teaching the language and appreciate all of the playfulness that is included because it comes across as a fun family task versus just another workload or to-do item. Teaching is fun, and practicing my speaking has really made me happy!
What would you say to another mom who feels intimidated about teaching a foreign language at home?
It can feel really intimidating at first, but you don’t have to be fluent or have it all figured out to give your kids a really great language learning experience. That’s exactly why I love using Homeschool Languages because it walks you through everything step by step and focuses on actually speaking together. You get to learn right alongside your kids, and it takes all the pressure off. It truly turns learning a language into something really fun and doable!
If you had to describe Homeschool Languages in one sentence to a friend, what would you say?
Homeschool Languages is the sweetest, most joy-filled way to learn a new language, like opening a box of sunshine that makes speaking and teaching feel easy and fun!
You can overcome your language-teaching doubts! Learn more about how Homeschool Languages can support you, even if you don't already know the language. You can do this!!
