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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>Do You Offer Bilingual or Multilingual Lessons?
Mary Poppins 11:11 AM 04-03-2012
Just curious if anyone incorporates other languages into their interactions with their dcks? If so, which ones?
My dd is learning Japanese and my ds (they are my helpers here) and I are learning German so we do try to throw each of these in along with some Spanish (which none of us here know but I think it's important). We do numbers, words and even the Japanese writing.
The dck's
Micky Maus Wunderhaus and I have to admit, it is helping me with the fundamentals of the language too, lol.
Anyone else doing similar stuff?
My dd is learning Japanese and my ds (they are my helpers here) and I are learning German so we do try to throw each of these in along with some Spanish (which none of us here know but I think it's important). We do numbers, words and even the Japanese writing.
The dck's
Micky Maus Wunderhaus and I have to admit, it is helping me with the fundamentals of the language too, lol. Anyone else doing similar stuff?
wdmmom 11:26 AM 04-03-2012
Nope. I've never even considered it. I am not a licensed teacher, nor do I claim to be.
Any extra would make the value of daycare even higher. I don't think any of my parents would want to pay more for anything extra. I could offer them gold plated dinnerware, a $2000 Rainbow play system and a bounce house. They aren't going to pay any more.
If it's free, it's a whole nother can of worms.
In your case, I think it would cost you money to start up...for material, books, videos, or even a speaker to teach it.
To me it wouldn't be advantageous to incorporate it for such a young group of children.
Any extra would make the value of daycare even higher. I don't think any of my parents would want to pay more for anything extra. I could offer them gold plated dinnerware, a $2000 Rainbow play system and a bounce house. They aren't going to pay any more.
If it's free, it's a whole nother can of worms.
In your case, I think it would cost you money to start up...for material, books, videos, or even a speaker to teach it.
To me it wouldn't be advantageous to incorporate it for such a young group of children.
Mary Poppins 11:31 AM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by wdmmom:
Nope. I've never even considered it. I am not a licensed teacher, nor do I claim to be.
Any extra would make the value of daycare even higher. I don't think any of my parents would want to pay more for anything extra. I could offer them gold plated dinnerware, a $2000 Rainbow play system and a bounce house. They aren't going to pay any more.
If it's free, it's a whole nother can of worms.
In your case, I think it would cost you money to start up...for material, books, videos, or even a speaker to teach it.
To me it wouldn't be advantageous to incorporate it for such a young group of children.
Wow, really. So I need to be a licensed teacher and charge extra to throw in some foreign words and extra fun and such?Nope. I've never even considered it. I am not a licensed teacher, nor do I claim to be.
Any extra would make the value of daycare even higher. I don't think any of my parents would want to pay more for anything extra. I could offer them gold plated dinnerware, a $2000 Rainbow play system and a bounce house. They aren't going to pay any more.
If it's free, it's a whole nother can of worms.
In your case, I think it would cost you money to start up...for material, books, videos, or even a speaker to teach it.
To me it wouldn't be advantageous to incorporate it for such a young group of children.
Okay then...
Thanks for opining.
Blackcat31 11:32 AM 04-03-2012
I teach them simple ASL signs. We start using some of the simple manners signs such as please and thank you from early infancy and just do them almost involuntarily duirng our normal routines.
Otherwise I know no other languages.
Otherwise I know no other languages.
Mary Poppins 11:34 AM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I teach them simple ASL signs. We start using some of the simple manners signs such as please and thank you from early infancy and just do them almost involuntarily duirng our normal routines.
Otherwise I know no other languages.
We do signing too, except I only know the alphabet so I do that as part of our "finger plays" each day. I really wish I knew how to full on sign, if I did I'd teach it (without a license even lol!) I teach them simple ASL signs. We start using some of the simple manners signs such as please and thank you from early infancy and just do them almost involuntarily duirng our normal routines.
Otherwise I know no other languages.
Blackcat31 11:37 AM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Mary Poppins:
We do signing too, except I only know the alphabet so I do that as part of our "finger plays" each day. I really wish I knew how to full on sign, if I did I'd teach it (without a license even lol!)
You can Google quite a few simple signs with automatic actions showing you exactly how to do them. I would start with a few easy and frequently used words and go from there. The kids love doing it and I find it fun too! We do signing too, except I only know the alphabet so I do that as part of our "finger plays" each day. I really wish I knew how to full on sign, if I did I'd teach it (without a license even lol!)
Mary Poppins 11:42 AM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
You can Google quite a few simple signs with autmatic actions showing you exactly how to do them. I would start with a few easy and frequently used words and go from there. The kids love doing it and I find it fun too!
Already working on it lol. The internet is such a great tool for learning new things to share with the kids! You can Google quite a few simple signs with autmatic actions showing you exactly how to do them. I would start with a few easy and frequently used words and go from there. The kids love doing it and I find it fun too!
permanentvacation 02:42 PM 04-03-2012
I do not teach my daycare children a foreign language mainly because I don't see the point of teaching a young child something that will not be continued to be taught to them once they start kindergarten.
I honestly believe that schools have it backwards. It has been proven that the younger a child is, the easier it is for them to learn different languages. So, why don't they teach foreign languages begining in elementary rather than in high school? If they taught foreign languages in elementary school, than it would make sense to me to teach it in daycare/preschool.
Now, I also know that if you learn a different language, it helps you to have better brain function, critical thinking skills, be better at problem solving, help to keep you from getting dementia, and more. So, to help them expand their brain function, which would help them in a variety of aspects of life throughout their entire lives, it would make sense for us to teach them a foreign language in daycare/preschool.
Hmm, after that last statement, maybe I will look into teaching them a foreign language - and learning one myself as well and maybe I won't get Alzheimers!!
I honestly believe that schools have it backwards. It has been proven that the younger a child is, the easier it is for them to learn different languages. So, why don't they teach foreign languages begining in elementary rather than in high school? If they taught foreign languages in elementary school, than it would make sense to me to teach it in daycare/preschool.
Now, I also know that if you learn a different language, it helps you to have better brain function, critical thinking skills, be better at problem solving, help to keep you from getting dementia, and more. So, to help them expand their brain function, which would help them in a variety of aspects of life throughout their entire lives, it would make sense for us to teach them a foreign language in daycare/preschool.
Hmm, after that last statement, maybe I will look into teaching them a foreign language - and learning one myself as well and maybe I won't get Alzheimers!!
wdmmom 02:57 PM 04-03-2012
Once you offer free and new, parents tend to expect is as part of what they are paying for.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.
SunshineMama 02:58 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Mary Poppins:
Just curious if anyone incorporates other languages into their interactions with their dcks? If so, which ones?
My dd is learning Japanese and my ds (they are my helpers here) and I are learning German so we do try to throw each of these in along with some Spanish (which none of us here know but I think it's important). We do numbers, words and even the Japanese writing.
The dck's Micky Maus Wunderhaus and I have to admit, it is helping me with the fundamentals of the language too, lol.
Anyone else doing similar stuff?
I do Spanish with all of my kids. It isn't something I advertise/offer officially- the daycare kids get the benefit of me teaching my own kids so it's kind of a spill over effect.Just curious if anyone incorporates other languages into their interactions with their dcks? If so, which ones?
My dd is learning Japanese and my ds (they are my helpers here) and I are learning German so we do try to throw each of these in along with some Spanish (which none of us here know but I think it's important). We do numbers, words and even the Japanese writing.
The dck's
Micky Maus Wunderhaus and I have to admit, it is helping me with the fundamentals of the language too, lol. Anyone else doing similar stuff?
sharlan 02:59 PM 04-03-2012
I haven't in the past, but will be getting a Chinese program before summer starts. My 6 yo takes a Chinese class one day a week. My almost 5 yo goes to a dual English/Chinese preschool and will be in a full day dual immersion K next year. My almost 4 yo will be in the dual preschool next year.
Country Kids 03:06 PM 04-03-2012
We do very basic sign language here and spanish here.
I think offering more is what makes me stand out among other providers and the catch is, I don't charge more. Never have, never will.
Here's what I have done in the past with my childcare and my parents loved it, loved that there children where experiencing things they might not others wise get to do.
Bible story lady came once a week
Skating time with lessons-once a week
Spanish lessons-two that were kindergarten age and my daughter was doing them also.
To many field trips to remember
Dental lady came in to discuss teeth
Learned all about fire safety at Lowes with the firemen this year.
Storytime once a week
and so much more!
I think your parents would like it. Maybe send home a sheet with what your going over with correct pronuncitation so the parents can do it also.
I think offering more is what makes me stand out among other providers and the catch is, I don't charge more. Never have, never will.
Here's what I have done in the past with my childcare and my parents loved it, loved that there children where experiencing things they might not others wise get to do.
Bible story lady came once a week
Skating time with lessons-once a week
Spanish lessons-two that were kindergarten age and my daughter was doing them also.
To many field trips to remember
Dental lady came in to discuss teeth
Learned all about fire safety at Lowes with the firemen this year.
Storytime once a week
and so much more!
I think your parents would like it. Maybe send home a sheet with what your going over with correct pronuncitation so the parents can do it also.
Mary Poppins 03:07 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by permanentvacation:
I do not teach my daycare children a foreign language mainly because I don't see the point of teaching a young child something that will not be continued to be taught to them once they start kindergarten.
I honestly believe that schools have it backwards. It has been proven that the younger a child is, the easier it is for them to learn different languages. So, why don't they teach foreign languages begining in elementary rather than in high school? If they taught foreign languages in elementary school, than it would make sense to me to teach it in daycare/preschool.
Now, I also know that if you learn a different language, it helps you to have better brain function, critical thinking skills, be better at problem solving, help to keep you from getting dementia, and more. So, to help them expand their brain function, which would help them in a variety of aspects of life throughout their entire lives, it would make sense for us to teach them a foreign language in daycare/preschool.
Hmm, after that last statement, maybe I will look into teaching them a foreign language - and learning one myself as well and maybe I won't get Alzheimers!!
Schools have a lot of things wrong. This is just one of them IMO. I do not teach my daycare children a foreign language mainly because I don't see the point of teaching a young child something that will not be continued to be taught to them once they start kindergarten.
I honestly believe that schools have it backwards. It has been proven that the younger a child is, the easier it is for them to learn different languages. So, why don't they teach foreign languages begining in elementary rather than in high school? If they taught foreign languages in elementary school, than it would make sense to me to teach it in daycare/preschool.
Now, I also know that if you learn a different language, it helps you to have better brain function, critical thinking skills, be better at problem solving, help to keep you from getting dementia, and more. So, to help them expand their brain function, which would help them in a variety of aspects of life throughout their entire lives, it would make sense for us to teach them a foreign language in daycare/preschool.
Hmm, after that last statement, maybe I will look into teaching them a foreign language - and learning one myself as well and maybe I won't get Alzheimers!!
I agree that foreign language should be taught from birth on and I wish I had been given the privilege of being introduced to German much earlier in life than I was (I was introduced to it in highschool like many people who begin a new language but didn't pick it up again until my late 30's - oy!).
My daughter, OTOH, started Japanese young and hasn't just learned the language but their beautiful alphabet, too. It is like art. We brought in a foreign exchange student one year from Japan and they became buddies. It was awesome.
My philosophy is that education begins and birth and ends at death and "school" often gets in the way of learning. Or at least sucks the fun out of it.
We are homeschoolers.
Mary Poppins 03:16 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by wdmmom:
Once you offer free and new, parents tend to expect is as part of what they are paying for.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.
I get ya. Once you offer free and new, parents tend to expect is as part of what they are paying for.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.
Part of what I offer appeals to my dcp's because I am very upfront that we offer an educational based daycare environment. It isn't formal and my teaching experience comes from being a homeschooling parent and tutor to several children for over 20 years. They know this at our first interview and many prefer my approach to the alternative.
Honestly, I don't see ever NOT including sharing the knowledge I have with my dck's (not just foreign language but everything!) because it is what my daycare is, not something "extra" I offer.
Mary Poppins 03:18 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by sharlan:
I haven't in the past, but will be getting a Chinese program before summer starts. My 6 yo takes a Chinese class one day a week. My almost 5 yo goes to a dual English/Chinese preschool and will be in a full day dual immersion K next year. My almost 4 yo will be in the dual preschool next year.
That is awesome. I only want to learn enough Chinese to say something nice to the lady at our favorite Chinese restaurant and surprise her lol. I can barely handle umlauts let alone another alphabet! I haven't in the past, but will be getting a Chinese program before summer starts. My 6 yo takes a Chinese class one day a week. My almost 5 yo goes to a dual English/Chinese preschool and will be in a full day dual immersion K next year. My almost 4 yo will be in the dual preschool next year.
AmyLeigh 03:19 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Mary Poppins:
My philosophy is that education begins and birth and ends at death and "school" often gets in the way of learning. Or at least sucks the fun out of it.
We are homeschoolers.
My philosophy is that education begins and birth and ends at death and "school" often gets in the way of learning. Or at least sucks the fun out of it.
We are homeschoolers.
My dd took a Spanish course last year and has lost interest in the program, but not learning the language.
I am considering getting a Spanish program designed for young ones like Muzzy or Speakee. This would be good to play for my group this summer when it's triple digits.
Mary Poppins 03:21 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Country Kids:
We do very basic sign language here and spanish here.
I think offering more is what makes me stand out among other providers and the catch is, I don't charge more. Never have, never will.
Here's what I have done in the past with my childcare and my parents loved it, loved that there children where experiencing things they might not others wise get to do.
Bible story lady came once a week
Skating time with lessons-once a week
Spanish lessons-two that were kindergarten age and my daughter was doing them also.
To many field trips to remember
Dental lady came in to discuss teeth
Learned all about fire safety at Lowes with the firemen this year.
Storytime once a week
and so much more!
I think your parents would like it. Maybe send home a sheet with what your going over with correct pronuncitation so the parents can do it also.
I We do very basic sign language here and spanish here.
I think offering more is what makes me stand out among other providers and the catch is, I don't charge more. Never have, never will.
Here's what I have done in the past with my childcare and my parents loved it, loved that there children where experiencing things they might not others wise get to do.
Bible story lady came once a week
Skating time with lessons-once a week
Spanish lessons-two that were kindergarten age and my daughter was doing them also.
To many field trips to remember
Dental lady came in to discuss teeth
Learned all about fire safety at Lowes with the firemen this year.
Storytime once a week
and so much more!
I think your parents would like it. Maybe send home a sheet with what your going over with correct pronuncitation so the parents can do it also.
your extras!!!I also like the pronunciation sheet idea. I will start doing that, thanks!
Sunchimes 03:25 PM 04-03-2012
I do Signing Time videos, and the kids love them. I've been doing them since they were about 8 months old (they are 19-20 months now.) We just watch videos when the kids are needing something new-no schedule or anything. Then, I study (!!!!) and start using the signs in every day moments and the kids just pick them up. I try to tell the parents our new words, but they are always coming to me and asking what something means. ;-)
I don't charge extra because it's just an informal, fun thing that I do.
I don't charge extra because it's just an informal, fun thing that I do.
Mary Poppins 03:27 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by AmyLeigh:
My dd took a Spanish course last year and has lost interest in the program, but not learning the language.
I am considering getting a Spanish program designed for young ones like Muzzy or Speakee. This would be good to play for my group this summer when it's triple digits.
I put the preschoolers I have on my Rosetta Stone program (which isn't for kids, really) and was SHOCKED! They did way better than I did starting out. I was a bit jealous, really! My dd took a Spanish course last year and has lost interest in the program, but not learning the language.
I am considering getting a Spanish program designed for young ones like Muzzy or Speakee. This would be good to play for my group this summer when it's triple digits.
We don't use a program, we just share what we know. When the cat walks by, I say "there goes the cat!" in German or I'll say "where is..." in English and repeat it with "wo bist..." then ask for them to point to whatever using either English or German. I switch it up. THEY REALLY CATCH ON FAST! It's awesome to witness.
A.J. Jenkins has some GREAT videos for teaching 1-10 in German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian and French. His voice is nice, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO9DAnw39do
Mary Poppins 03:30 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Sunchimes:
I do Signing Time videos, and the kids love them. I've been doing them since they were about 8 months old (they are 19-20 months now.) We just watch videos when the kids are needing something new-no schedule or anything. Then, I study (!!!!) and start using the signs in every day moments and the kids just pick them up. I try to tell the parents our new words, but they are always coming to me and asking what something means. ;-)
I don't charge extra because it's just an informal, fun thing that I do.
Wouldn't it be great if after doing this fun stuff with your dck's they were able to actually use it to communicate with a deaf child? Even if it's only "hello" and "how are you"???I do Signing Time videos, and the kids love them. I've been doing them since they were about 8 months old (they are 19-20 months now.) We just watch videos when the kids are needing something new-no schedule or anything. Then, I study (!!!!) and start using the signs in every day moments and the kids just pick them up. I try to tell the parents our new words, but they are always coming to me and asking what something means. ;-)
I don't charge extra because it's just an informal, fun thing that I do.
That is worth it's weight in gold, to me.
Now I really am set on adding more ASL. I only do the alphabet right now.
daycare 03:37 PM 04-03-2012
I have had parents ask me to teach their kids Arabic, but I ask why? Are you going to continue to teach them when they leave here? In our community there is less than .02% Arabic people here and they only speak English.
I see no point in it. I just share with them my maps and show them other places in the world. What kind of animals come from there, food, clothing, toys, games and etc..
If it's something the children could use and carry on like Spanish, then maybe I would consider it, but I don't speak Spanish...
BTW my home language is one of the most difficult to learn..No thanks, I don't want to teach that. I have a hard enough time teaching them to speak English....lol
I see no point in it. I just share with them my maps and show them other places in the world. What kind of animals come from there, food, clothing, toys, games and etc..
If it's something the children could use and carry on like Spanish, then maybe I would consider it, but I don't speak Spanish...
BTW my home language is one of the most difficult to learn..No thanks, I don't want to teach that. I have a hard enough time teaching them to speak English....lol
Sunchimes 03:39 PM 04-03-2012
I don't know the alphabet, just random words. Please, thank you, eat, drink, water, thirsty, cat, dog, flower, potty, stop, yes, no, bird (for some reason, they love this one!), oh, I don't know what else. Lots of them.
I started slacking off when they started talking more, but then I picked it up again because I liked it.
I started slacking off when they started talking more, but then I picked it up again because I liked it.
Mary Poppins 03:44 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I have had parents ask me to teach their kids Arabic, but I ask why? Are you going to continue to teach them when they leave here? In our community there is less than .02% Arabic people here and they only speak English.
I see no point in it.
I understand your reasoning. We lose much of what we learn as we move through life and tend to retain the things that interest us most (or traumatize us - remembering Shakespeare lessons ugh) anyway. I have had parents ask me to teach their kids Arabic, but I ask why? Are you going to continue to teach them when they leave here? In our community there is less than .02% Arabic people here and they only speak English.
I see no point in it.
I am in love with the process of learning and believe in instilling that into children so I look at it from that perspective, not whether my dck's will go on to become fluent in a particular foreign language after leaving me. If that makes sense.
I am jealous that you speak Arabic. It has one of the most lovely writing styles I've ever seen.
MarinaVanessa 04:00 PM 04-03-2012
I'm fluent in Spanish, actually it was my first language, and I do speak to the children in Spanish. I made the mistake of not teaching my DD when she was young and now at 7 years old it's harder on her to learn it so we use it daily here and there throughout the day. My DS (16 months) understands Spanish more than my DD does and the DC kids are learning it. I don't have a curriculum per say but I use it as much as I can during our day. The other parents either love it or don't mind that I do it but by no means do I promote it as one of the benefits of my program.
We also do simple sign language and like Sunchimes I also use Signing Time videos along with some flashcards (for my benefit) and practice. The babies especially seem to really respond to it and can really get their needs across. That's another thing that the parents love. It tales no more time out of my day since we incorporate it with whatever we are doing.
We also do simple sign language and like Sunchimes I also use Signing Time videos along with some flashcards (for my benefit
) and practice. The babies especially seem to really respond to it and can really get their needs across. That's another thing that the parents love. It tales no more time out of my day since we incorporate it with whatever we are doing.
daycare 04:18 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by Mary Poppins:
I understand your reasoning. We lose much of what we learn as we move through life and tend to retain the things that interest us most (or traumatize us - remembering Shakespeare lessons ugh) anyway.
I am in love with the process of learning and believe in instilling that into children so I look at it from that perspective, not whether my dck's will go on to become fluent in a particular foreign language after leaving me. If that makes sense.
I am jealous that you speak Arabic. It has one of the most lovely writing styles I've ever seen.
I guess I don't see the point in something they won't use down the road. To me it would be like teaching them something they won't even remember by the time they leave my house. When they get home, parents won't understand and can't reinforce it, so I see it pointless....lolI understand your reasoning. We lose much of what we learn as we move through life and tend to retain the things that interest us most (or traumatize us - remembering Shakespeare lessons ugh) anyway.
I am in love with the process of learning and believe in instilling that into children so I look at it from that perspective, not whether my dck's will go on to become fluent in a particular foreign language after leaving me. If that makes sense.
I am jealous that you speak Arabic. It has one of the most lovely writing styles I've ever seen.
Don't be jealous, most Americans don't like people from my county...
Mary Poppins 04:20 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by MarinaVanessa:
I'm fluent in Spanish, actually it was my first language, and I do speak to the children in Spanish. I made the mistake of not teaching my DD when she was young and now at 7 years old it's harder on her to learn it so we use it daily here and there throughout the day. My DS (16 months) understands Spanish more than my DD does and the DC kids are learning it. I don't have a curriculum per say but I use it as much as I can during our day. The other parents either love it or don't mind that I do it but by no means do I promote it as one of the benefits of my program.
We also do simple sign language and like Sunchimes I also use Signing Time videos along with some flashcards (for my benefit) and practice. The babies especially seem to really respond to it and can really get their needs across. That's another thing that the parents love. It tales no more time out of my day since we incorporate it with whatever we are doing.
I'm fluent in Spanish, actually it was my first language, and I do speak to the children in Spanish. I made the mistake of not teaching my DD when she was young and now at 7 years old it's harder on her to learn it so we use it daily here and there throughout the day. My DS (16 months) understands Spanish more than my DD does and the DC kids are learning it. I don't have a curriculum per say but I use it as much as I can during our day. The other parents either love it or don't mind that I do it but by no means do I promote it as one of the benefits of my program.
We also do simple sign language and like Sunchimes I also use Signing Time videos along with some flashcards (for my benefit
) and practice. The babies especially seem to really respond to it and can really get their needs across. That's another thing that the parents love. It tales no more time out of my day since we incorporate it with whatever we are doing.
I am so happy for your dck's. They are lucky to have a native speaking teacher.
Spanish is really the important one since it is obvious we are heading toward a fully bilingual nation, which is why I do my best to introduce them to the basics. Here, our schools continue with Spanish beginning in K and we have a huge Spanish speaking population they will be exposed to so it is the most likely one they would become fluent in, if any.
The more I expose myself to it with the dck's the more I realize how similar Spanish is to German in the sentence structure, gender based words, etc. so I think learning one would definitely lend itself to helping learn the other more easily.
Mary Poppins 04:24 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by daycare:
I guess I don't see the point in something they won't use down the road.
Hehehe you sound like my kids when it came time to learn algebra. I guess I don't see the point in something they won't use down the road.
I totally understand your POV.
nannyde 04:38 PM 04-03-2012
No I don't speak a second language and have never employed anyone who does.
We don't do sign language either. I've had a number of little ones who have been taught infant sign but it's not something that impacts the child's care in my environment.
We don't do sign language either. I've had a number of little ones who have been taught infant sign but it's not something that impacts the child's care in my environment.
Heidi 05:08 PM 04-03-2012
English is actually my 2nd language. I moved here from Germany at 3, and we always spoke it at home. I did not teach my children, except my oldest when he was little, and he's forgotten it all.
I do say some things in German and have some German books, but honestly, in this area, most people sort of frown on foreign languages. It's a little redneck here sometimes.
BTW, Daycare, it I remember being teased for being a "Nazi" as a little girl, so I can relate to your statement. You can count me out of the the haters, baby!
I do say some things in German and have some German books, but honestly, in this area, most people sort of frown on foreign languages. It's a little redneck here sometimes.
BTW, Daycare, it I remember being teased for being a "Nazi" as a little girl, so I can relate to your statement. You can count me out of the the haters, baby!
Heidi 05:13 PM 04-03-2012
Originally Posted by wdmmom:
Once you offer free and new, parents tend to expect is as part of what they are paying for.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.
I do understand your reasoning. Daycare rates in this area are about $110 per week. That's the same amount of money I got 22 years ago in Madison! In one way, it's nice to offer extras that set you apart. But, there is only so much one can do, and it's not right that we keep adding more and more and more and more special things, yet it does not reflect our income. It used to be $110 got you decent childcare. Now it's supposed to get you exceptional childcare, developmentally appropriate practices, preschool, organic meals, foreign languages, music, phy-ed, and the lastest; a FCCER"s rated environment. Meanwhile, 3 people in our direct area run illegal daycares that answer to no one (accept the parents), and have been for up to 20 years.Once you offer free and new, parents tend to expect is as part of what they are paying for.
Example: You charge $150 a week for daycare. You add in foreign language and sign language into your routine without charging. If you stop these extras, the parents tend to ask what you are going to offer in place of these programs.
The great thing about your business is that you can do what you want. I know my group of children better than you and based on that, my opinion was that it wouldn't be fun or interesting to them. Most are 3 and under. If I tried to sit them down and toss funny sounding words at them, they would give me the stink eye and go about playing.
That was all I was trying to say.