teaching a second language at home

[wrong way fish]

I have three children and am trying to teach them Spanish. My husband is a native speaker and I am fluent, however our children don't seem to be picking it up. All of them have a few words here and there, but nothing compared to their cousins (I realize comparing isn't quite fair as both of their parent are native speakers).
I have labeled everything in their playroom in both languages, even though my son is the only one reading just yet. I have also had them watch cartoons in Spanish on Saturday morning (they aren't interested in the least bit! HAHA)
Aside from buying a home language curriculum (muzzy ect..) does anyone have any tips for augmenting their learning?
This is important to our family because the older generation in my husbands family does not speak English, and they have a lot of culture/experiences to pass to my children. Any ideas would be helpful.
Thank you!

[Unregistered]

You may of already tried this, but have you considered having a spanish only hour each evening. Only spanish would be allowed for one hour each night. I've no idea if that would work-but it could be fun trying.

[wrong way fish]

That's a good idea...I haven't tried that! This is why I like to get other ideas from places like this!
Thanks!

[edelight]

I think the idea of speaking Spanish only for a set time is indeed useful. In learning a foreign language in classrooms, teachers tend to start by speaking a mix of English and another language at the same time. Gradually, they shift to using the foreign language all the time in the classroom as students understand more. Maybe you can apply something like that with your kids.

Though the cartoons in Spanish did not work, try to list what your kids like, in terms of shows, topics, etc. and find movies or what not in Spanish that fit their taste. Watching movies/tv shows/programs is a great way to learn a language. I know its helped me speak my parents native tongue a lot better. It also expanded my vocabulary and understanding of the culture my parents came from.

Songs can also be played in Spanish while you are driving the kids around in the car or even at home. Get some fun beats they can easily sing along with that are simple (depending on their age) or get Spanish versions of English songs they like.

Since you also speak the language well and your husband is a native speaker, why not just speak to each other in Spanish most of the time then? Maybe that might get them interested in learning it, as they will wonder what you are trying to say..mention their names within the context of the conversation and they'll even be more curious. :) Also, it shows that you too are practicing what you want them to do.

Speak to them often in the language too, using your hands or facial expressions to help them try to make sense of what you are saying, instead of simply translating it into English. They'll pick up the words to what you are expressing easier.

Play game boards in Spanish. Family fun and increased exposure to the language.
Go to "Spanish" places, such as a "Spanish" grocery store or restaurant so they can practice using what they are learning at home in a realistic situation.

Just some random ideas off the top of my head. Hope that it helps.

[Melanielyn]

Teaching a second language at home is a good idea because there are wide variety of foreign language textbooks, foreign language DVD's, foreign language study guides (for the DVD's) and a lot more.