Lisa Renea Shaw

  Teaching Spanish to Young Learners: Why Early Matters and How to Start Language is more than vocabulary—it’s identity, connection, and confidence. And when it comes to teaching Spanish to young children, the earlier we begin, the deeper the roots grow. What Is a “Mother Tongue”? A child’s mother tongue is the language they learn before the age of 8. According to UNESCO and multiple linguistic studies, early exposure to a language—especially in everyday, emotionally rich contexts—can lead to native-like fluency and cultural attachment. That means if your child begins learning Spanish before age 8, it can become part of their foundational identity—not just an academic subject. This is especially powerful for families where one parent speaks Spanish and the other does not. You don’t need to be fluent to support your child’s bilingual journey—you just need to be intentional. Why Early Spanish Learning Matters Children under 8 absorb language naturally through play, repetition, and e...

  Why I Built My Other Tongue—and What It Offers Your Family When I launched My Other Tongue Language School , I wasn’t just creating a place to teach Spanish. My intent was to build a community of learners- a supportive, immersive space where students could become confident speakers of the Spanish language. As a multilingual educator, curriculum designer, and children’s author, I’ve spent years helping students understand how to access the tools they need to communicate in Spanish with confidence and clarity.  I’ve experienced the joy of seeing wonderful connections being made between people with linguistic and cultural differences. I've witness firsthand how language can empower a child to speak up, connect deeply, and feel proud of who they are. That’s why My Other Tongue exists—to make bilingual learning accessible, meaningful, and rooted in purpose. What We Offer at MyOtherTongue.com Our programs are designed for families who want more than worksheets and flashcards....

  Welcome to Lisa Renea Shaw's Blog!!  I’m so glad you’re here. This space is more than a blog—it’s a home for the stories, strategies, and resources I’ve created to help families, educators, and communities grow with purpose. Whether you’re raising bilingual learners, designing curriculum, or searching for faith-rooted tools that speak to the heart, you’ll find something here that meets you where you are. At the center of it all is MOT — My Other Tongue , My Other Thoughts , and My Other Talents —three branches of one mission: to make learning joyful, inclusive, and deeply connected. My Other Tongue This is where language comes alive. Here, I share bilingual literacy strategies,   ACTFL and CEFR standards-based Spanish instruction, and   K–5 Math and ELA tutoring resources aligned with Georgia Milestones. You’ll find stories, activities, and tools that nurture identity, empathy, and academic growth—one word at a time.   My Other Thoughts This is your educator’s...

  When I stop to think about all the roles I carry out in my daily life (wife, mom, homeschooler, christian, aspiring author, language teacher, etc), I realize that feeling a sense of community and belonging has a silent yet major impact on the way our everyday lives play out. I enjoy homeschooling because it gives us freedom, flexibility, and the gift of time together—but it also means I have to be intentional about building meaningful connections outside our home, especially for our only child. Community isn’t just a “nice to have” for us—it’s essential. It celebrates with us when a new and exciting adventure is on the horizon and builds us up when life becomes challenging. It enriches our lives in the area of faith, learning and overall well-being. I don't know about you, but when I say essential, for me it means that having and truly belonging to a community has to be a top priority when considering educational options and social engagement for my family. Here are three...

When I founded My Other Tongue Language School ,  I wasn’t just launching a language school— I was intent on creating a bridge. A bridge between cultures, between generations, and between parents and children learning side by side. MOT virtual language programs have helped families across the country connect through Spanish and English, all from the comfort of home. .........But my story doesn’t stop at verbs and vocabulary. I am a mom of a curious and highly intelligent child tasked with the responsibility of  nurturing this exceptional young minds. I have experimented with a few educational models (homeschool, hybrid, traditional, etc) , both as a professional educator and as an everyday mom. I enjoy creating and supporting learning environment where my child can thrive through the exploration of advanced topics, diving into creative projects, all while growing in confidence, character and faith.  Now, I am channeling that same heart into a new creat...