Teachable Moments

5 Tips for Promoting Bilingualism at Home

Speaking multiple languages at home provides a benefit to young children. It has positive effects on the brain, and can mean a better attention span and multitasking skills than monolinguals. Here are some ways to promote bilingualism at home:

1. If you don’t speak a second language, find a native speaker and have them engage in fun conversations with your child. The exposure to a second language is an advantage.
2. Use your native language at home. Many parents worry about introducing more than one language at a time,  but children can easily learn several languages at hte same time. 
3. Share stories, songs or poems from your childhood with your little ones. Not only are they peeking into your culture and heritage, but also strengthening their vocabulary. 
4. Talk about your traditions, food and culture. Help your child learn that your family’s language and culture are something to treasure and to b e proud of.
5. Look for activities in your community. Meet other families who speak your home language at cultural festivals, libraries or concerts. Sometimes, it takes a village.