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5 THE SHEPHERD • OCTOBER 2023 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO AT THE CORONADO FERRY LANDING 619.435.1225 WWW.SPIROSCAFE.COM Best Greek food in the region Draft beer varieties Imported & domestic wine Spacious indoor/outdoor seating Panoramic views of S.D. Bay Catering Available Sponsored Announcements GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL In early September, our school opened its doors again and welcomed back its new and continuing students, who are curious and adventurous to embark upon the journey of discovering the beauty and depths of the Greek Language. NATURAL ACQUISITION When young children begin acquiring their native language, they use their in- nate, instinctive strategies of language acquisition which enable them to start speaking at such an early age. It is similar with foreign languages; the younger the children, the more they will rely on these innate strategies and be more suc- cessful. For example, children whose parents speak different native languages will easily master both languages in early childhood. In contrast, as children grow up, these effective innate strategies give way to oth- er forms of learning, so they start learning languages by memorizing words and grammar rules, similar to the way they learn other school subjects, and conse- quently, the language in question is no longer a natural part of the child’s expres- sion. Nowadays, we have a number of techniques and teaching methods to master a second/foreign language - using it regularly. The key to successfully learning any foreign language is exposure and usage not only in the educational environment but at home too. FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING METHODS: 1. Learn together: If you have already mastered the basics of the foreign lan- guage your child is learning, it will certainly be much easier to help them by learning together with them. This is also an opportunity for you to learn the basics of a foreign language and spend quality time with your child by engaging in something useful and constructive. Tip: Children learn through observation and models, i.e. they imitate examples from their environment. This way, you will teach your child much more than the knowledge of language – you will imbue them with a positive attitude toward learning. 2. Play games in a foreign language: Learning through play is a proven method for the acquisition of a foreign language. For example, playing hide-and-seek with children can be a great way to teach them to count in that language. Also, the use of educational technology gives excellent results in foreign language learning. You can find a number of interesting games or applications online, such as interactive puzzles that can help your child to learn the names of colors, animals and shapes in different languages. This way, apart from adopting words of a foreign language, the child will simultaneously acquire other important knowledge about the world. 3. Watch Cartoons or TV Shows: There is a big difference between language ex- posure and language learning. When we talk about language learning, we mean learning the grammar rules and memorizing words. However, the most import- ant thing is to be exposed to the sounds, rhythm and melody of a language. And one of the best ways to do it is playing cartoons and children’s shows. We master speech by listening, repeating and associating words with certain actions. This technique is helpful with pronunciation and the meaning of words. 4. Singing songs in the foreign language: Melody helps themmemorize a num- ber of words, which is why songs are a great memorization and learning tech- nique. Singing songs in the target language is a great and efficient way to help second language acquisition, but also a great opportunity to spend some time together with your child and have fun. 5. Read books in the foreign language. 6. Include the foreign language into your daily activities: Go to the park, shop, or the playroom and play a game by first naming the objects, shapes and colors you encounter in your native language, and then in the target language. This is the best way for a child to learn words of the target language, because they 909 Prospect Avenue 858.352.6588 spiroscuisine.com Now open in the heart of La Jolla! Extensive Greek & mediterranean menu Delicious Greek desserts Fine wines, local & imported draft beer Patio for outdoor seating A fulfilling dining experience Open for lunch & dinner, 11AM to 9PM Catering for all events, big & small Online order & delivery available will associate them with the objects and phenomena in their surroundings, and thus they will be able to actually use them when necessary. This way, in addition to the foreign language, the child will also unconsciously strengthen their native lan- guage through play. 7. Label household objects in the foreign language and prac- tice identifying them. 8. Find a pen pal overseas. 9. Find videos in the foreign language with activities that re- quire you to follow along through crafts. This strategy links the process of learning through movement. Nancy Provataris, PhD Greek School Director