spanish phonics program--native speakers

[Marimami]

Hi all,

DD knows a lot more Spanish than I realized. I am fluent, and Spanish was her "first" language until 7 months of age so I think she just has a knack for it even though we haven't done anything formal.

But, she has started intermingling Spanish words in our English phonics and spelling work. I really would love to find programs like Ordinary Parents Guide or All About Spelling for Spanish.

I know that's a lofty goal, but does anyone have any suggestions for teaching Spanish reading and phonics skills? I imagine if I could find some materials for native speakers.

Thanks,
Holli

[JuniperBCN]

Spanish is our third household language and even though DC are too young for reading yet, I feel like Spanish is so incredibly straightforward in terms of spelling and phonics that simple exposure to the written word should naturally take care any issues. Also, as a language teacher, I firmly believe that language's first and most important purpose is communication.... It is doubtful that your daughter's communication would be severely hampered by confusion between "¿Hay/Ay?" b/v spelling etc. I think it would be much more important for her to be having fun and feeling a sense of confidence and accomplishment. Suerte!

Also, FWIW, the notion of spelling tests doesn't exist in school here.... Just watched an episode of Arthur about a spelling bee dubbed into Spanish and it was laughable!

[Marimami]

Thanks, but I wasn't clear. We are doing natural language learning, talking, singing, etc. However, I have a daughter who wants to understand rules. I am not talking about spelling lists or spelling bees. I know how much more straightforward Spanish phonics rules are but I was looking for some materials to help her learn them as she learns to read in Spanish, just as we are doing in English. Rules are fun for her--she likes understanding why/how.

I have actually tracked down some materials from Learning Resources and found some early reading books from searching books at Corte Ingles! :-) I lived in Madrid for a while.

I think I will just combine what I have found with my old Spansh lingistics books and make my own program for her. It would be a good use of my rusty skills (my PhD studies were in language development with special interest in 2nd language learning)

Sorry for not being clear!

Holli

[linguistmama]

Marimami, can you share which things you found at Corte Ingles? We have Mar de Silabas and like it. I might get some reading rods since they look fun. (DH is from Mexico and I'm fluent and we do natural learning like you.)

I've liked La Pata Pita and La Pata Pita vuelve which are available on amazon. We have some Pipo computer games that you can also play online. We also have Coquito. I haven't found anything like Ordinary Parents Guide or the Spelling resources in TWTM.

It's nice to know there are other parents on this board teaching native speakers

[Marimami]

Oh, I love your name!

Here are the things I've found:

- How is the Mar de Silabas game? That is one of the things I was going to get.

- I am going to get one of the Reading Rods sets.

Books I found:
- Ven a Leer. Reminds me of Explode the Code (which DD didn't like much but we might need the repetition more in Spanish). They have 3. I haven't found a US source yet....might just make my own. Linking to Google books because they have a good preview:
http://books.google.com/books?id=oOC...age&q=&f=false

- I want to get this for myself: MANUAL DE FONÉTICA ESPAÑOLA .still looking for a US source. http://www.elcorteingles.es/libros/p...SBN=6534144487

I found a pretty good video on Discovery Education (we recently bought a subscription) that covers all the basic phonics. DD and I watched it today. It's obviously aimed at middle school students so was a bit fast-paced for her. But, I think I'm going to use some of the material to develop my own content.

[linguistmama]

I majored in linguistics in college

With Mar de Silabas there are fish on the outside with syllables on them that you go around. You combine the syllable of the fish you land on with a syllable in the middle of your choosing. My dd can come up with the words, but we still help her with reading the syllables. She loves it! I think I might get Mezclalas for her too.

Can you post if you find us sources for those books?

[Marimami]

I will post if I find them! I forgot to post this site I found also:

http://www.uiowa.edu/~acadtech/phonetics/

Holli

[JuniperBCN]

Hmmm.... if what you are looking for is authentic materials that Spanish speakers are using to teach/help their kids read, why not try posting on the eduction section of http://www.crianzanatural.com/forum/default.asp which is sort of our answer to MDC? My kids are very little still, but I know that stores like Abacus http://www.abacus.coop/esare loaded with material. I'm sure the Spanish mamas would be able to give good concrete suggestions.