[pugsooie]

I just got called to take a hispanic brother and sister, 3 and 4 years old. I am wanting to because I absolutely love hispanic children, but these don't speak english, which is why their other foster parents are having them moved. Also, they are headed for tpr because they already had a trial home with mom and got sent back to foster care, which is cool for us, too... The pu is supposed to call us back about them in about an hour to let me know more and see what I decided...

My husband can speak a little spanish, but how can I help these kids. DHS says that there are no other families in the area that can speak spanish so the poor children are pretty much stuck with us honkey's who don't know their language... lol

Anyone gone through this before?

[pez collector]

You might want to post on the Guatemala board and ask for their advice. I am sure that someone has adopted an older child that does not speak English. I am sure that they would give you good advice. Good luck and have fun. Keep us posted. God bless.

[pugsooie]

Oh...good idea!!! Thanks for the advice.....will do....

[leaabc123]

they will likely pick up the language pretty quickly (unless there are learning disabilities present).
i learned spanish by doing an immersion program.
If you do take them, just start with the basics.
good luck!

[roxanna425]

Get lots of video's, like for toddlers and very young children that are learning their ABC's, in English. The words No and Yes (Si) are easy. Share your head when you say it or nod and they will get it fast. Porfavor is please and No, Gracias is no thank you. There are many MANY bilingual books in the library and things like Sesame Street even if they are oldwer is also good. There should be ESL classes in the school system or some transion class for them. Aqui no, means 'not here' and you can get a basic language dictionary for next to nothing at a second hand book store. Just keep it simple. It's more important for them to learn English than for you to learn Spanish so let them watch lots of appropriate tv (this is the only time I advocate this) and make a big old deal when they practice their English with you. There are shows that are bilingual like Maya and Miguel (http://pbskids.org/mayaandmiguel/flash.html).

Get them in an age appropriate playgroup asap since interacting with other kids will be what will motivate them the most.

"En-sayn-ah-may" mans "show me" so when they ask for something and you cannot figure it out say "ensen~ame" then, when you know what it is say it in English so they have a chance to learn it. Keep doing that and always smile. Nonverbals are a LOT more important when there is a language barrier so keep conscious of your facial expressions.

Don't bend over backwards to understand every wish. Assist them to communicate their needs to you but not getting their wishes understood will encourage language aquisition and retention.

Ask if you have any more questions. Hasta luego (see you later)

[kforkids]

Also, "baby" sign language. The simple signs can make a HUGE difference!

Pugsooie,
Where do you live live that you get all these placements???? I'm a little green!

[pugsooie]

kforkids

That isn't the first time I have heard that.

We live in Arkansas. There is an epidemic of methamphetamine abuse and lack of foster parents here from what I have been told. It is really sad.

Everytime a child leaves or I get room for children I am on the phone calling the placement unit. I know our placement coordinator by name and always call and ask for her. She tells me what they have and I tell her what I want, etc.

I called this morning to see if they got any children in over the weekend and they had a FULL HOUSE!! A set of twins, a family of four, a little boy, the two hispanic children that I am taking, a NEWBORN 3 wk old baby, and another boy.

Of course I wanted the newborn, but I have a 3 mo old and I'm not allowed. Oh well, someone else will be happy to take that one I'm sure of it!!

They tried to place the hispanics with several families, but noone would take the poor babies because they were afraid that they wouldn't understand them, but I have patient's and with patient's I will prevail!!

[Kay-Ray1]

We live in a communty that has a lot of Hispanics. I don't speak Spanish but my husband does. I'd glad you are giving these kids a chance and even though it maybe difficult at first I'm sure everything will work out. And kids to learn languages fast. My daughter is 2 and can say a few Spanish phrases.

[kamamsm]

Pug- I think its great! There are cd roms which teach both- spanish to englieh & vice versa. Ebay has plenty.

[kforkids]

Thinking aobut you this morning! How is it going?? How are the kids doing? Are you communicating well?

[pugsooie]

Okay guys...

I picked up the kids last night at about 9:00 and had an hour drive back home so I didn't get to talk to them much because they fell asleep on the way home.

They are beautiful! The girl is cute as a button and missing her two front teeth (at 4, is that normal?) and the little boy is so chubby and cute!!!

BUT, I did get to talk to them a bit this morning and they speak plenty of English. I don't know what these other foster parents are saying. They said that they haven't heard an English word out of the kids the whole time they've had them (4 days), but in 2 hours I proved that to be completely inaccurate.

The kids are bilangual. They speak plenty of both. They understood what night-night was as well as potty, pee-pee, pretty, tv, baby, doggy, what is your name?, how old are you?, mine, and many many more.

We had a couple of our bilangual friends meet us at our house last night because we didn't think the kids could speak ANY English and we wanted our friends to let them know that they are going to stay with us for a while and ask them a few things and tell them that we were nice and everything was going to be fine, but they were talking perfect Spanish and almost perfect English.

Actually I might learn something from these kids. I know that they will be fine! They are very happy and transitioned wonderfully. They went to bed and woke up smiling.

Thanks for the advice, and I can always use advice so if you think of anything else keep it coming!!

[mami]

and we also talk in spanish at home. I recommended you to put them in a pre school, dvd movies sometimes in english and sometimes in spanish, and go to the library and look for bilingual books. My girls (8,5 and 3 years old) are bilingual and this the way they learned english. If you need help, I can help you. Let me know if you need some basic phrases. Have a nice day!!



Noris

[pugsooie]

Noris,

That would be wonderful! I would love some basic phrases! I have always wanted to be fluent in Spanish, but I only know very little. I do know my Spanish ABC's.

[mami]

Hi again, I just read that the kids speak english too, thats great !!
I'm not sure if you need phrases in spanish or if you're doing fine. As I told you, just ask if you need it. And maybe now you and all the family can learn more about another language. I bet you're really busy with the new additions. I can't imagine the hapiness.
We just can't wait to begin the training and finish all the paperwork to receive our son. God will tell us when...

Have a nice day



Noris