Active Ways to Teach Cognates Cognates are words that share similar meanings, spellings, and pronunciations across languages. It is estimated that up to 40 percent of Spanish words have cognates in English. Whether children’s first language is Spanish or English, knowing cognates can help them expand their vocabulary in both languages. This strategy not only accelerates language acquisition but also builds confidence, as children can make connections between languages, reinforcing their understanding and expanding their vocabulary more effectively. Cognate Routines Cognates are best taught through preestablished instructional routines. These can help teachers organize their classroom activities and help students build a sense of familiarity with your teaching. The following routines are designed to reinforce comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, morphological awareness, and metalinguistic skills. Cognate Discovery Wall • What: Create a “Cognate Wall” in the classroom with simple visuals or pictures. Add new cognates as children discover them in books or lessons. • Why: It helps children connect words between their home language and English in a fun, visual way. • How: After reading a text, children point out words they think are cognates. Add those to the wall with drawings or photos for context. Cognate T-Chart • What: Create a T-Chart. Write a Spanish word on one side and the English word on the other. • Why: It helps students recognize similarities and differences between two languages. • How: Provide a list of simple cognates, and let students sort them into “Same Meaning” or “False Friends” categories. Fun With False Cognates This activity is well-suited for grades 3–5 and can also be adapted for younger children ready to explore more advanced concepts. • What: Teach children about false cognates (e.g., pie and pie ) through playful activities like matching games or funny examples. • Why: It prevents misunderstandings while making learning fun. • How: Share silly sentences with false cognates and ask children to spot the errors.
20 • Rising Voices: Inspiring Students en español
12 | Rising Voices: Inspiring Students en español
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