My child insists on talking to me in English. How can I help her maintain her native language?
It requires time, persistence, and creativity. Some parents speak to their child only in their native language, even if their child responds in English.
My child is learning English as a second language. What should I do if he makes mistakes?
Avoid correcting your child or you might discourage him. A good way to help your child learn the "right" way to say something is to affirm what he says, using the correct pronunciation, sentence structure, or grammar.
Is it OK to read books to my child in my native language?
Making a habit of reading together is important, no matter what language you read in. Reading to your child daily will increase her vocabulary, knowledge of the world, and understanding of story structure.
If I only read to my child in my native language, will he ever learn to read in English?
Yes, if he receives instruction. But reading aloud to your child in your native language will lay the foundation for learning to read in English. By building reading into your daily routine, your child will explore new concepts and ideas.
Should my child learn to read in English or our native language?
Learning to read is a complex process. Therefore, learning to read will be an easier task if your child is taught in the language she knows best.
My cousin just came to this country and doesn't speak English. How can she help her toddler learn English?
Even if your cousin doesn't speak English, she can build connections with English-language speakers. She can take her toddler to story hour at her local public library.
What else can I do to help my child become a reader and writer?
Regardless of the language you use with your child, you can extend his literacy skills by reading, writing, and talking together as much as possible. Make shopping lists and write letters to special people together.
How can educators and other stakeholders become more effective advocates for language-minority students?
But will speaking to my child in my native language make it harder for him to learn English when he goes to school?
Before children start school, they may be exposed to English on TV, in the playground, and in the print they see on cereal boxes and street signs. Children will learn a lot about English from the environment around them.