Should I Teach My Child My Language At Home?

Should I Teach My Child My Language At Home?

Yes, you should teach your child your native language before he/she starts school. Language is the bond or glue that keeps families and community together. Your child will be immersed in English (the language of school and society) so he/she will learn it without any issues. If the child has a learning disability then, learning two languages may be a problem.
Young children can learn many languages and will not be confused. It is very helpful for a child to have a well-developed first language because this can help him/her to acquire a second language. Some parent told me that they do not want their children to learn their language because it will be too hard for them to learn English. This is not true for many children. If you do not teach your children your native language there may be very few options for them to learn it later. Teaching your child your language can help with the following:

1. Create a sense of pride for their culture and heritage
2. Build self-esteem 
3. Create closeness between family and community
4. Be able to communicate with grandparents and other relatives who do not speak English.
5. Able to share their culture with others

Parents can have a special time for bonding with their children in their native language. Here are some ways that you can celebrate your child.

• Speak your language during mealtime
• Sing songs in your native language
• Pray with your child 
• Share your experience of growing up in a different country with them (or grandparents' experience if you are born in Canada).
• Watch movies and television shows together (you can use subtitles to help the children who can read)
• Read bilingual books to young children (the public library has bilingual books)
• Have play days with other children who speak the same language.
• Invite friends to have a meal with you and speak your language with them. 
• Show enthusiasm and pride when you speak in your language or when you tell them stories. 

Teaching Young Children to Read

Teaching Young Children to Read

Reading can be a natural and enjoyable activity for the whole family. It is very important to start reading with children very early in life. I started reading to my children in the womb and my boys (grown men) love reading. Parents can be creative when reading books - use funny voices, facial features and movements to engage their children.
Here are some helpful hints for reading:

1. Read clearly and not too fast
2. Use funny facial expressions
3. Make funny voices or male and female voices
4. Start with short colourful books
5. Ask questions as you read - what is he doing? Who is it? Do you like this? Do you like this book? How many? Can you.....?
6. Clap and do movements 
7. Make a craft about the book
8. Paint a picture about the book

Remember: If you are telling your children that reading is fun and they never see you reading they may question what you are saying. Be a role model for your children. If you are not a good reader you can turn the pages with your child and look at the pictures to give you clues of what is going on. Take your children to the library to hear others read. If you are a good reader, let children hear the rhythm of reading. Read with them daily and let them know that reading is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Helping Your Child to Read Can be a Difficult Task

Helping Your Child to Read Can be a Difficult Task
Most parents would like to read with their children but they do not know where to begin or what to do. Adults can be good readers, but they cannot help their children to read. This can be very difficult and frustrating for many parents. They must have the patience to help children and be ok with them making mistakes. Here are some things that parents need to know about their children:

1. Every child wants to learn
2. Every child learn differently and at his or her own pace
3. Some children have reading issues (disabilities) that make them see the words on a page different from the way we see them. 
4. Children must be given time to process information and new words - do not rush your child to say the word.
5. Learning is different for maturity 
6. Relax and be ok with your child when he/she makes mistakes 
7. Team-read - take turns reading - children will hear what good reading sounds like
8. Some children may struggle with memory and they need to understand how words are formed or how sounds are made.
9. Never get angry with a child who is struggling to read. This can affect his/her self-confidence.
10. Always praise or encourage your child when he/she says the correct word. 
11. When your child reaches a frustration level - stop and help him/her. 
12. Never allow your child to struggle and cry when reading. 
13. Get help for your child - get a tutor if you can afford it.
14. Talk to your child's teacher - they can be resources at school to help the child. 
15. Never compare a struggling child to his/her sibling who is a good reader.
16. Focus on the positive things that your child can do.