TEN WAYS TO PROMOTE LANGUAGE LEARNING AT HOME
1. Begin reading to your children at an early age, and read as often as
possible, in your native langugae and if possible in English.
2. Visit your public library with your children. Choose books for yourself
and your children. As often as possible, read stories in your native
language and about your native culture.
3. Keep many types of reading materials (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.)
in the native language and in English in your home. Encourage your older
children to read to your younger children, and allow your children to see
that you enjoy reading.
4. Ask your children questions about what they have read, such as:
- What is happening in the story?
- What do you think will happen next?
- What did you like best about the story?
Asking these questions can help you children become excited about reading,
more responsible for their own learning, and more knowledgeable about thier
native and new cultures.
5. Take your children to places in the community that offer educational
activities and learning activities ( The Audobon Society, the library,
etc.). Talk to your children about what they are seeing. Provide them with
the names of new objects, concerns, or interests. Answer any questions they
may have. Remember, you are your child's first teacher.
6. Tell your children stories about your family, as well as stories and
songs you liked to hear when you were a child in your country. In this way,
not only are you reinforcing listening skills, but you are passing along
important cultural information.
7. Discuss things that happen in school every day. Engage your children in
conversation about their favorite subjects, teachers, and any special events
that go on. Listen closely to what they say in response.
8. Find opportunities for your children to write frequently in your native
language and in English for many reasons. Encourage them to write in a
journal or diary, leave notes for family memebers, make up shopping lists,
write down recipes, and write letters to friends and family.
9. Select television shows that you and your child can discuss. Limit the
amount of time your children can watch television, and encourage them to
read, write, listen to music, or talk with family or friends.
10. Designate a quiet place in your home for reading where your child is
comfortable and away from distractions...have a bilingual dictionary close
by.
