How can I help my child learn more than one language?
Raising children to speak more than one language is not easy, but keeping in mind a few tips can help. If kids don’t hear a second language on a regular basis, it will be more difficult for them to pick it up.
It’s important to expose children to the other language frequently (every day, many times a day) and in a variety of settings when possible. Teaching basic vocabulary is a good place to start, and reading simple books in the other language is a great way to teach it.
Try not to make learning more than one language an issue with your children (e.g. scolding them for not using the language). Have fun with it! It’s also important to try to have kids see the need for the other language (to communicate with family members, for example), and make it a meaningful part of their lives so they’ll be highly motivated to learn it. It might take some extra time and effort, but the end result will be worth it!
My parents taught my siblings and I 2 languages and I learned a third in school. I find that I can easily recognize or learn words in other languages because I was bilingual from an early age.
I think it’s awesome when children are taught another language at an early age. My 3 year old understands Spanish perfectly, but doesn’t really try to speak it. I am actually putting her in Summer Spanish Camp for a few weeks in hopes of encouraging her to use her Spanish more often. They incorporate the language through songs, art, games, etc. They even serve various Spanish dishes for lunch each day. I am excited for her to be exposed and learn more about her father’s heritage.