You may already remember this about our little family, but my husband was born and raised in Germany. English is actually his second language, though he has been speaking English primarily for so long that he feels like he is losing some of his native tongue.
I would really love it if our kids were bilingual already. It seems to me that they really could be if my husband and I would speak the language conversationally around the house. Unfortunately, I do not know German and, even more unfortunately, neither do our children.
But, I am about to start changing that!! I am going to start teaching these children German. I have no idea how an English-speaking person could teach another English-speaking person a completely different language, but we’ll soon find out!
I have been reading a few books about how the brain of a small child develops and it is absolutely fascinating to me. I am in awe of what God has created in just eight pounds (generally) of human flesh. The way a child’s brain grows and the astounding rate at which a child’s brain grows makes the years from newborn to age 5 categorically the best time to teach a child.
Having learning all this, I am ready to tackle the language barrier! My in-laws still live in Germany. My father-in-law is such a sweet and loving man, yet I have NEVER in nearly six years had a conversation with him because of the language barrier. My mother-in-law has taken many English classes and speaks quite well. I am determined that the next time she comes to visit, the children will be able to greet her in German! 
I can’t wait!
Here is my plan so far:
- The age-old technique, used by teachers through the ages and every new homeschooling mom: I’m going to write the German names for things on note cards and tape them simply EVERYWHERE!!! Daddy might even have one on his forehead!!
- Interactive games online. There are several websites with games and pictures to help you learn another language. I have found at least three different sites that major on German. One of which is The UK-German Connection for Kids. This site is for those speaking English in the UK, but it still works for us, too! There are some really cute interactive games that we can play to help us learn!
- Books. My mother-in-law has sent us numerous books over the years with very easy German stories in them. I would like to have my husband sit down (I suppose he could stand, too!) and record himself reading these books to the kids. Then, I would have an audio book to listen to with the kids while we look at the book.
- Music CDs. Our very gernerous German family has also sent many CDs with children’s songs in German. I would love to learn these short and sweet songs with the kids. I may have my husband help me write them down as well so we can look at the words while singing.
- Videos. There are a few German cartoons online that my husband remembers watching as a child. I’ll let the children watch a few videos on the computer to reinforce what we are learning.
I plan to use one of the above ideas each day so that they don’t get bored doing the same stuff over and over again. Also, the more senses we use, the better we will be able to take in all the learning.
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When I have children, I would love for them to speak Italian (I speak it very well and would love to teach them)! I think it is such an advantage for any child to be bilingual.