Tips to encourage bilingual children
As you may or may not know, My granddaughter is bilingual! And I am in awe of her learning two languages side by side. She isn’t even 2 years old and she can speak both Dutch and English. Like most bilingual children her age, she does get a little mixed up. But the more you encourage bilingual children, the more confident they get.
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to teach our children about the world around them. We take them to after-school clubs, join sporting teams, and even watch football matches in the rain. We read to them, sing songs with them and join baby groups. So we do all of this to aid our children’s development; to morph them into capable, intelligent human beings. It’s been proven that another way to help your children to become more focused is to teach them a second language.
According to scientific studies, bilingual children are better at decision making, planning, focusing, and prioritising tasks compared to children who speak only their native language. Bringing up a bilingual child isn’t as nerve-racking as it sounds. It can actually become part of your daily routine extremely quickly. If you’re looking for tips on how to help your child to learn another language, keep reading.
- Don’t be afraid of judgment.
As with every part of a parent’s journey, there will undoubtedly be people out there who will share their unwanted opinion with you. Inevitably, there will be those who will disagree with your choice to raise a bilingual child. By stating that, “you’re confusing your child by talking in two different languages”. Remember that you are the parent, so it is your choice whether you choose to speak one, or two languages at home. You might speak even more! Remember that babies and small children soak up languages like a sponge. So if you feel that you are happy and comfortable talking to your child in a second language. Don’t let anyone else’s opinion stop you.
- It’s easier to start when the child is a baby, but you don’t have to.
The ideal age to teach your child a second language is between birth and three years of age. It’s during this developmental period that children soak up languages exceptionally well. However, that doesn’t mean it’s the only time you can teach your child a second language. The next best period of time in which to teach your child a second language is between four and seven. Finally, it is between age 8 and puberty.
- Sometimes children will mix their languages – this is normal.
When speaking in another language, I’ve often found that I mix languages and get confused sometimes. The same can happen with children and this is completely normal. Mixing languages in bilingual children is usually a temporary thing that will sort itself out as your child continues to develop their language skills.
- Add more books to your library.
Never underestimate the power of reading to your children. We know that reading with your child can build self-esteem, imagination, confidence, and so many other brilliant qualities. Adding books that are written and read in your child’s second language is a great way to introduce new vocabulary to them. Try looking for dual language books that contain the story in English on one side, and your chosen language on the other side.
- Sing songs together.
Singing is good for the soul, and no matter if you have a newborn baby or a toddler, singing songs in the minority language will help strengthen their understanding of the language and encourage them to practice pronunciation.
- Find bilingual playgroups
Immersing yourself in the minority language with others is a brilliant way to expose your children to more of the language. It’s likely that by joining in with groups like that, your children will pick up new words that they’re unlikely to hear often at home, as well as enabling them to better judge the context of words being spoken. This is a sure-fire way to encourage bilingual children as well as help yourself.
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