A downloadable handout, for parents of children in preschool to grade 3.
My child seems embarrassed when I speak to him in my native language. What can I do?
Help your child see that speaking another language is something to be proud of. You can share your pride in your language and your culture in a number of ways. Talk about family photos and events and special people in your lives.
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.