Children have a natural ability to learn a language. They are capable of mastering sounds and structures in a way that is unique to the young. Children tend to learn Spanish when they encounter words in context.

As Ira Riklis knows, teachers at the lowest elementary levels in school programs focus on the physical world using sight and hearing to cue the students understanding of the language. Time spent in studying the language can reinforce concepts in the entire school curriculum thereby not taking away time from studying the basics that need to be mastered. Social skills of greeting each other, shaking hands, saying please and thank you, etc. can compare and contrast these skills using both English and Spanish.

Ira Riklis wishes he had had this type of experience early in his education because of the ease in which children learn to count, recognize calendar elements (days of the week, months of the year, important dates to remember). Information about cultures of countries that are Spanish-speaking is learned very naturally in the native language and besides is more fun for the students. Games, music, food-tasting, sports talk, as well as calculations in mathematics and science experiments also enhance the learning experience.

Children have an opportunity in the above ways to build a foundation for further study and use of Spanish.