Hola Bebe! Teaching your tot a new language

You may have been forced to study French, Spanish or German back in junior high or high school. It was a right of passage but you couldn't help but ask yourself, "Am I ever going to need to identify classroom objects should I have the chance to travel the world?"

Times have changed and so has our world. We all know that we need to think globally, and that means understanding and appreciating the need for our children to study foreign languages. Starting in fifth grade, as we did when I was a child, is no longer recommended. Experts agree that introducing our younger children to a second language fosters healthy brain development and that the earlier you begin-- the better!

So when can you begin to introduce your child to a foreign language? Maria Salazar offers Spanish, French and Chinese instruction for babies starting at just six months of age at The Language Workshop for Children at The Kids' Club in Overland Park though the average age that her students begin is closer to age two. Using games, songs and stories, language teachers who specialize in working with young tots make learning a new language so much fun that the kids don't realize they're learning something that used to frustrate their parents. Intimidated parents need not worry. She emphasizes that "Parents don't need to know the language to assist their children in class. They learn right alongside their children."

Another way to foster a second language with your baby is through books, CDs, and DVDs. There are many products available for parents to introduce their children to a foreign language at home. Most award-winning series are available in a variety of languages although we have focused on the Spanish editions here.

Teach Me Spanish: A Musical Journey through the Day

Teach Me More Spanish: A Musical Journey through the Year

By Judy Mahoney

Children ages 2-12 learn languages with ease and humor using these innovative books and audio sets. Teaches numbers, the alphabet, days of the week, everyday phrases and more! $15.95 Scholastic.com

Kids Love Spanish

Introducing your children to the value and benefit of developing a second language has never been easier thanks to this award-winning DVD series. $17.99 each, or as a box set for $99.99 KidsLoveSpanish.com