{"id":36552,"date":"2019-10-25T15:56:09","date_gmt":"2019-10-25T12:56:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learning-mind.com\/?p=36552"},"modified":"2020-10-09T14:40:33","modified_gmt":"2020-10-09T11:40:33","slug":"bilingual-child-raising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learning-mind.com\/bilingual-child-raising\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Raise a Bilingual Child to Help Them Thrive Later in Life"},"content":{"rendered":"
Raising a child to be bilingual provides many lasting benefits that will impact all areas of his\/her life. Some of the benefits of bilingualism include broadening a child\u2019s perspective of the world, opening up career opportunities later in life, and having a positive impact<\/strong> on their cognitive development.<\/p>\n According to experts<\/a>, being bilingual can help individuals be better in many different aspects of life. From learning new words, acquiring new reading skills, categorizing words, listening to others, problem-solving, to connecting with others.<\/p>\n Bilingual children are more likely to have mental flexibility<\/strong> which helps with creativity and outside the box thinking<\/a>. Young children are programmed to absorb language naturally. However, that doesn\u2019t mean that raising them to be bilingual will be effortless.<\/p>\n There are many benefits to raising bilingual children and it will help them succeed in school. Here are some tips on how you can raise a bilingual child and help them thrive.<\/p>\n Constant exposure to language<\/a> is important whether learning one or multiple languages. This is why parents are encouraged to read, talk, and sing to their children. This helps to develop their language skills as they grow. If you want your child to be bilingual, talk to them, read to them, sing to them in both languages. But start at an early age if possible.<\/p>\n \u201cFor everybody trying to raise a bilingual child, whatever your background and reason, it\u2019s very important to realize that acquiring a language requires massive exposure to that language.\u201d Erica Hoff – Developmental Psychologist at Florida University<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Children learn through repetition and active engagement<\/strong>. Teach them the names of items around the house. Point to objects in books and repeat the names with them.<\/p>\n As they get older, create engaging activities<\/a> to reinforce word use around particular subject areas. For example, to learn food-related words, you could have your child follow a recipe and cook with you.\u00a0 Using the language in daily activities helps build their vocabulary.<\/p>\n According to the Linguistic Society of America, children use language to communicate with people<\/strong> around them. Having a need for language is what helps them to learn and use the language. So if you want your child to learn two languages, create a need for using both languages.<\/p>\n For example, some parents will choose to speak one language at home. As a result, the child is forced to use this language inside the home to communicate with their family. However, they need to use the other language outside the home where that language may be prominent.<\/p>\n There are many ways and different strategies for creating this need; find the one that works for your child.<\/p>\n One of the most important things you can do is choose a strategy for helping your child learn both languages<\/a>. Then, stick to that plan. There are many strategies for raising a bilingual child. Do some research and commit to a strategy that makes the most sense for your family and your goals. Changing strategies or not following one at all, will be confusing for your child.<\/p>\n Some popular strategies include the following:<\/p>\n All of these languages require a child to regularly use both languages<\/strong> in order to communicate with others. This helps them regularly engage in the language.<\/p>\n Your child should have the opportunity to communicate with others that speak the chosen languages. These interactions<\/a> with other family members or friends can help boost their proficiency. This is because it provides variability in the use of the language.<\/p>\n Other people may use different vocabulary or speak in a different manner. Not only will that will help your child grow their own vocabulary, but it will help them learn to distinguish the language<\/strong> when spoken by others.<\/p>\n Consider helping your child succeed by enrolling him\/her in language courses or bilingual education programs. Many schools offer two-way immersion programs that place students of two different native languages in the same classroom. The aim is to teach them academic subjects in both languages. This is very beneficial when trying to achieve fluency in both languages.<\/p>\n These may not be an option for everyone, but there are many after-school and weekend enrichment courses available as well. Look for summer camps or special programs offered in your area. Private instruction or tutoring are options as well.<\/p>\n The structured nature<\/strong> of this type of learning can help further your child\u2019s need to use the language. Ultimately it will help them become fluent in both languages.<\/p>\n There is no doubt it is beneficial to introduce children to both languages at an early age<\/a>. Although it\u2019s not crucial in order for them to become bilingual. With effort and a willingness to learn, a child of any age can learn a second language. Don\u2019t be afraid to introduce a second language at any age.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe Benefits of Raising a Bilingual Child<\/h2>\n
How to Raise a Bilingual Child<\/h3>\n
Early & Constant Language Exposure<\/h4>\n
Create a Need for the Language<\/h4>\n
Choose a Strategy and Be Consistent<\/h4>\n
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Communicate with Different Speakers of Each Language<\/h4>\n
Add Bilingual Education<\/h4>\n
Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Introduce a Language Later<\/h4>\n
Keep Children Motivated to Learn Languages<\/h4>\n