If my child is having trouble with speech and language should I stop using our first language at home?
No. Learning more than one language can be good for a child’s overall language and learning abilities at school. A child raised with more than one language will possibly:
- Develop a larger vocabulary
- Have a better understanding of how words sound and rhyme, an important skill for reading and writing.
Is there a best way to teach two languages?
Several equally valid ways can be considered:
- A child can learn two languages right from birth where both parents use a lot of both languages in all daily situations
- A child can learn the heritage language at home and then English at day-care or preschool
- The “one person – one language approach” can be used where each person speaks a different language with the child.
- Children learn language best from people who are fluent in that language, so parents are encouraged to use the language that feels most comfortable. This way, the children will be exposed to a richer variety of words and well formed sentences.
Handout:
Click here to read the handout How Parents Can Help Children Learn More Than One Language
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