Edinburgh’s children are being given the chance to learn new languages – thanks to globetrotting mum Giselle Dominguez.
The mum of two from Canonmills is setting up her own business to teach pre-school and primary school children Spanish classes both in schools and within the community.
Giselle, 37, who was born in Argentina and trained as a primary school teacher in Spain, has decided to set up her own Lingotot business to help children in Edinburgh to learn her native Spanish is a fun and relaxed way after seeing first-hand the benefits of learning additional languages has had on her own two small children.
She said: “I lived in Spain from the age of 11, went to University there and qualified in Primary Teaching with specialty in English as a foreign Language. I then came to the UK, not only to improve my English but to immerse myself in the culture too.”
“Scotland and especially its people made me feel very welcome so I fell in love with this place, and adopted Edinburgh as my home which I now share with my husband and two small children.”
After some time working in a bilingual admin role, Giselle longed to work as a foreign language teacher and recent changes to the school curriculum which have made additional languages compulsory in primary school, provided an ideal opportunity for her to do so.
“Education chiefs have made changes to the school curriculum and have now introduced Additional Languages in Primary School (1+2 Approach) so this is a great time to start my long awaited project!”
“I have two bilingual children, Nayra 5 and Owen 3, and they are now both enrolled in Gaelic Medium Education at Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce- Edinburgh’s only Gaelic School.
“I recognise what a great gift learning language is – as well as boosting confidence, it will open so many doors for my kids in this modern and multicultural society and I would love to give other young children the opportunity to benefit from learning an additional language too.
She added that experience had taught her that the younger a child learns languages the easier it is for them and she has plans to add Chinese lessons into offering in the near future.
Giselle has become a franchisee of award-winning language specialist Lingotot in Edinburgh.
Lingotot offers language lessons to nursery and primary schools to link the school curriculum using unique resources and lesson plans. Community sessions are also offered to help toddlers learn languages.
Giselle added: “I love Lingotot because the classes are fun and interactive, designed to introduce children to a new language through games, songs, rhymes stories and crafts. The children love to learn in this way and do so quickly.”
Lingotot founder Angela Sterling set up the business, which has now become a UK-wide success, six years ago while taking time out from teaching to look after her two young daughters.
Angela, who welcomed Giselle to Lingotot, said: “I’m delighted that Giselle has chosen to be part of Lingotot. Our resources and support will mean she has become part of the growing Lingotot family that is helping the UK’s young children get to grips with languages at a much earlier age.
“I am sure Giselle will be a great success and the toddlers and children of Edinburgh will have a lot of fun while they learn.”
For details about Giselle’s classes, visit lingotot.com or telephone 0845 680 8148
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