Learning, learning, learning!

One of my favorite things about being a mom is watching my daughter learn!

She is a passionate little soul in many respects, but especially when it comes to learning. Not only does she want to learn; she basks in, soaks in, and dives into every little bit of knowledge she acquires. We will spend hours recapping a tidbit of information over and over again as she tries to commit every facet of the information to memory.

For about a year she has been very focused on learning to speak Spanish. She watches Dora, asks me for words, asks anyone who will reply to teach her Spanish words, and makes up her own Spanish words. We walk into our favorite restaurant (Mexican of course) and she is greeted with sounds of "Hola Princessa!" "Buenos Dias!" and "Como Esta?" She LOVES it and speaks back in her limited ability.

I try as I can to give her words and phrases, although my memory of high school Spanish is finicky and moody, not always at the ready. We have bought book upon book of Spanish words, but I think her speaking to other people is what is most helpful. I love watching the pride on her face as she holds a two-sentence conversation with someone in Spanish. Each of these little triumphs only add to her passion to learn!

Whether she is learning Spanish, her numbers, letters, reading or...later...how to do Calculus, I don't think I will ever tire of sitting back, watching and enjoying her passion for learning.

Over the weekend, I had a wonderful conversation with a lovely woman whose first language is Spanish (she is extremely fluent in English, and knows a number of other languages as well) about learning other languages, cultures, experiences, etc. and how rewarding it can be. We also talked about ways I could help my daughter learn a second language - including books, videos, tapes, etc. One specific thing she recommended was to look up translations for English words, on a daily basis, to begin programming my brain to recall my lost words and to teach Sage new words. How easy this is to do with the internet!! The conversation reminded me of my love for this beautiful language so I am recommitting myself to re-learning Spanish to enjoy it myself and also help my daughter learn it. I'd call that a win-win situation!

What has your child inspired you to do? Take up sewing, paint a picture, learn to write poems? Tell me about it!

Sinceramente,     <------------------------my word for the day :-)

Emily A. Filmore, Author
http://www.withmychildseries.com/
blog.withmychildseries.com