Hablo Espanol? Never too young to start!

As she was making the transition from Spanish teacher to full-time Mom, Jennifer Manriquez inadvertently fell into the perfect business opportunity for her. Knowing that Jennifer and her husband, Mark, were raising their child in a bilingual household, friends would constantly ask for an informal ‘Spanish playgroup.’ After enough requests, Jennifer figured she had the makings of a nice business that would enable her to stay home with her children and keep one foot in the educational world.

So Jennifer founded The Bilingual Fun Company, initially starting in her living room with 5 classes a week and a curriculum she designed for children age 18 months to 3 years. The classes proved so popular and word of mouth spread so quickly that she had to find rented space to accommodate demand. Jennifer has since had to hire a second instructor to keep up. Classes have expanded to include Bilingual Toddlers and Bilingual Kids 1 and 2 and Jennifer and Mark created a Spanish for Children DVD that has won several National Awards. The company’s success has also been noted by Redbook magazine which selected The Bilingual Fun Company as a creative mom owned business.

Clever Parents: What are the key benefits of teaching a child an additional language when they are in the 0-60 months age range?

Jennifer Manriquez: The key benefits of beginning language instruction: There is much research on the many benefits of early language learning. Children are able to absorb languages at this young age because their brains are pliable, allowing them to easily acquire a second language. Young children learn languages without inhibitions and prejudices, thus the learning happens in a natural manner. Exposure to multiple languages at a young age has a positive effect on their speaking and cognitive skills, and often enhances the facility with their first language.

CP: How do you respond to some people who are afraid that introducing a second language during the first years of life may slow language development (in the first language)?

JM: Parent’s questions about confusion or language delay: According to researchers, it has been determined that bilingual children exposed to two languages early in life are not language delayed, nor are they language confused. When children are beginning their language development, they have what is called a ’silent period’ where they are listening and absorbing the sounds of the language. Sometimes bilingual children may have a longer ’silent period’, but overall exposing children to a second language early in life does not have negative effect in their development of their first language. Brain research is so fascinating, and incredibly the way the young child’s brain is wired allows them to absorb the languages without confusion. I tell parents to be patient and allow the children to absorb the language, and I have heard wonderful stories of children easily speaking both languages at home weeks after our class is done.CP: What class length and frequency do you recommend for young children?

JM: Class length and frequency: Second language instruction is most beneficial when there is a significant amount of reinforcement and exposure offered. The philosophy of our program is to educate the parents as well, so that they have the tools to practice at home and continue reinforcement. I offer classes that meet once a week for 45 minutes. Ideally I would like to have a twice a week meeting; however with toddlers once a week is often best. Parents are encouraged to use our practice materials at home in order to enhance the language development.

What’s it like having her own business? In Jennifer’s words: “As an educator and a mom, this business is allowing me to do experience the best of both worlds. I am able to keep my foot in the door of the education world, be at home with my children,do something I am passion about, and use my skills and experience to educate families of the benefits of early language instruction. My children have been my inspiration, as they are true examples of what we are all about. It has been an enlightening experience as I have learned the business side of things, from web designers, CPA’s, to juggling mom duties and completing outstanding business tasks ( often a challenge for me, since my toddler’s favorite activity is to turn the CPU off!).I love my status as a mompreneur and I am so glad I followed through with my business idea.I am motivated by the continual interest I receive from parents about their children learning Spanish, and I plan to continue to brainstorm educational materials, and expand my parent/child classes.”

For more information about The Bilingual Fun Company or second language acquisition visit www.bilingualfun.com.
Help your children learn the language through music, chants, movement, and familiar objects with this interactive and upbeat DVD. $14.99 from Bilingual Fun.