Preschooler only speaks Spanish...I don't!

Question

I'm a preschool teacher for a 2 year old classroom. One of my kiddos only speaks Spanish and understands almost no English. Needless to say, it's very hard to communicate with her. I'm learning Spanish but I was wondering what are some things I should learn just for everyday at school with my Spanish speaking tot?

I paid attention to what we say to her in English today and these are the recurring things "no more crying" "it's all better now" "we don't throw our toys, go pick them up" clean up time" "do you want more (food/milk)" "mommy will come pick you up soon" - acooper3022, Sep 11, 2013

Answer 1

Are you serious? You mean a teacher should learn? No, the student should learn. Keep on speaking English aided with body language, pointing, etc. The student will learn. And that's what should happen!

Answer 2

Tell us what things do you usually say to your English speaking kids and we'll be able to help you translate them in order to talk to the one that only understands Spanish.

I know hello and good morning. But she has separation anxiety so that's why I want to know some Spanish to help her transition. "Are you hurt or what hurts" "what do you want to play with? Blocks? Dolls? Etc" "do you need to go potty" "are you hungry" - acooper3022, Sep 9, 2013

Answer 3

"I'm learning Spanish but I was wondering what are some things I should learn just for everyday at school with my Spanish speaking tot?"

That is a great question. If I were in your shoes I would carry around a little memo pad, write down the spanish survival phrases you find you need as they pop into your head throughout the day, try to translate them, and post your results here so we can check them over for you.

Answer 4

• Don't hit him. No le pegues.
• Are you hungry? ¿Tienes hambre?
• Are you thirsty? ¿Tienes sed?
• Do you need to use the bathroom? ¿Tienes que usar al baño?

Just a few to get us started. You know better than us the 50 things you say ten times every day. Give them to us in English and we will help.

Answer 5

You have a unique opportunity to help this young girl become bilingual in the truest sense of the word. A few phrases in Spanish might help related to basic needs, food, drink, bathroom etc. Everything else you should be teaching her English.

Exactly! That's what I need just some phrases to ease the transition until she picks up English a littler better. My goal is not to hinder her understanding of English but to improve it - acooper3022, Sep 9, 2013

So like MrSoprano said give us, in English, the things you need to communicate to her in Spanish and we will help. - gringojrf, Sep 10, 2013