A child beginning to explore language is such an exciting time and a huge milestone! I remember my baby girl’s 1st word like it was yesterday (mommy) and it is so hard to believe that was well over a year ago. Since then, she has added so many words to her vocabulary. She is now concurring phrases and putting small sentences together. Everyday she surprises us with something new!
Since she was in the womb we have read to her and have made it a point to continue to do this. She loves books! Something else that we have been doing since she was an infant is describing and telling her about her environment around her. I will drive her to daycare and explain to her what I see outside the windows and we like to sing songs on our commutes as well. (I am an awful singer, but she doesn’t seem to mind)
Her daycare Mom-mom is originally from Puerto Rico, so she speaks fluent Spanish and English and is all-together an amazing woman! She speaks Spanish to the kids and introduces them to this at such an early age (Ella was 7 weeks when she began watching her). She has even told me that Ella understands more Spanish than some of her grandchildren, haha! Not sure if this is true, but it sure made me feel good.
When children begin to figure out words, you sometimes have a hard time deciphering what they are saying. Try throwing some Spanish into the mix too. Man, she is probably saying so much more that we cannot understand.
I am so proud and thrilled that my daughter is learning both languages! In today's world, we really need to have a better understanding of Spanish. Having Ella say “beso” when she wants to give kisses, “arriba” “suve” “pipa” are just other examples of her Spanish vocabulary. Dude…she is only 20 months, this is impressive!
Mark has an understanding and can speak, but me….oh, boy! I am awful! I really need to pull out Rosetta Stone and begin learning myself. Dora and Diego will not be enough to keep up with this kiddo. : )
