other languages?

[mommy68]

I would love for my children to learn Spanish at some point but it's not a huge big thing to me. Foreign languages do not appeal to me as much as core subjects or other subjects. We live in the south and we live in the country. There is a need for Spanish moreso than anything else and the kids know a little of it - like numbers and simple words, not anything major. I just don't care about it at this point. Should I?

My oldest is 13 and has had Spanish in school in the past but I wouldn't know where to start with him, plus I have absolutely no desire to learn it myself and I'm afraid that would show. I'm "hoping" to get him in to a Spanish class in town that someone might offer. I know people offer it but I just haven't felt like searching one out.

And FWIW, this post was started because I went to our first HS co-op earlier this week. They are offering a Latin class this year and there are also so many parents that already seem to be teaching their very young children various languages, even kids as young as 5. I just don't see the need to do that nor do I want to. Is that bad?? I always feel this way after going around other HS parents that seem to have it "all together" so to speak.

Should we be teaching our children a foreign language? Is it something that is going to be necessary once they reach high school age? We hope our son will get in to the local comm college for middle college at age 15 and I just figured he could take classes there that we don't do at home.

Anyone else not doing any foreign languages?

[LilyGrace]

We're very multilingual here. But we have to be, so it's important to us. We don't do other things that other families consider important - faith study, etc., so it balances out.

You know, your 13yo might get a kick out of www.livemocha.com It's free and he can go at his own pace if he wanted to take up Spanish again.

[elizawill]

My dd takes spanish, and I'm doing the online lessons at www.thehomeschoolmom.com we love it though! if it wasn't an interest, i guess we wouldn't pursue it.

[Momma Aimee]

just a thought -- a language doesn't have to be Spanish.

We are already starting ASL with our two boys -- and learning as a family -- and ASL will be our 2nd langauge when we start school.

Just a thought.

Spanish doesn't really intrest me either. MAybe look for a differnt option.

Aimee

[cloudswinger]

The reason people start teaching their kids at a young ages is that research shows that young children have an easier time learning languages since their brains are in the language learning mode, so to speak. But, it's work, and if it's not a priority to you, then it's not going to be a priority to your kids, and they probably won't retain much. Language learning needs constant practice, and you're going to have to provide it somehow. Doesn't have to be you personally, but you'll be the one looking for classes and other opportunities for them to use whatever language you teach them. So, if it doesn't interest you, you don't have to do it. Once your kids are past about 7-8, you've already passed that early language learning phase anyway, so language learning is more in the adult mode, and should be up to their interests anyway.