A shared language is central to many families, and this can carry extra meaning when your children are growing up in a country that speaks a different language. It's not just about words; it's about culture, identity and connection. If you'd like to teach your kids the language that holds a special place in your heart, here are some tips to get you started.
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Begin introducing the language as soon as possible, but remember that it’s never too late to start. The key is to consistently integrate the language into your child’s life. If they’re older, engage them with age-appropriate materials and activities to spark their interest.
Create an environment where the language is a natural part of daily life. Use it during specific times of the day – like breakfast or bedtime – and incorporate it into everyday activities. This constant exposure helps your child become comfortable with the language.
Incorporate games, songs and storytelling to make learning enjoyable. Use apps and online resources that offer interactive language exercises. The goal is to make learning dynamic and engaging so your child looks forward to it. Additionally, having TV shows or radio programs in the language can also be beneficial for them; you can find a lot of these on YouTube and other media hosting sites.Ìý
Make the language a part of your daily routines. Use it during meals, while shopping, or during playtime. Consistency is crucial, so choose specific times or activities where you always use the language.
Create a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to build your child’s confidence and motivation. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in language learning.
Arrange regular interactions with fluent speakers. This could be through family, friends or community events. Real-life conversations provide practical experience and help your child understand different accents and dialects.
Introduce your child to cultural stories, traditions and customs associated with the language. Many countries have their own folk tales, which can be a great way to expose children to the language. This not only enriches their vocabulary but also deepens their cultural understanding and appreciation.
Establish specific, realistic goals for language learning. Whether it’s mastering a set number of words each month or being able to hold a simple conversation, having clear objectives keeps your child motivated and focused.
Demonstrate your commitment to the language by using it yourself. Share your own learning experiences and challenges. Your enthusiasm and dedication will inspire your child to embrace the language with the same passion.
Encourage your child to ask questions and explore the language. Answer their queries and engage in discussions about words, phrases, and cultural nuances. This curiosity-driven approach deepens their understanding and keeps them engaged.
Highlight the advantages of being bilingual, such as enhanced cognitive skills and cultural awareness. Remind your child of the unique opportunities and perspectives that come with knowing multiple languages – it will also be helpful when they’re adults in the working world too.
By incorporating these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to successfully teaching your kids the family language, ensuring they carry forward a rich cultural legacy.
Teaching your kids your family language is a journey filled with dedication and countless rewarding moments. It’s about more than just words; it’s about connecting them to their roots and equipping them to navigate a diverse world.
Read our blog posts 'English: the best second language for your child to learn' and 'What are the most spoken languages in the world?'
Watching films can be a great way for people to learn English. We all have our favourite movie moments and, even as passive viewers, they're probably teaching you more than you realise. Here's a selection of our favourite scenes, along with the reasons why they're educational as well as entertaining.
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It's 6 AM on a Monday morning. Ms. Lopez wakes up early to prepare for the day ahead. She spends the morning reviewing lesson plans, making sure everything is ready for her students. By lunchtime, she is preparing for the afternoon, grabbing a quick bite between classes... but it doesn’t stop there. The school day finishes but Ms. Lopez stays late marking assignments. Finally, on Sunday night, she sits at her kitchen table, surrounded by papers, course books and lesson plans.
Does this sound familiar? You are not alone.
In 2024, ɫèAV research found thatÌý76% of teachers spend at least one hour of their personal time on lesson planning each week, with 43% spending more than three hours. This is a lot of time that could be spent on other important tasks. Teachers need a solution that helps them plan lessons fast, is connected to their course books and is built by learning experts.
Tom Chi is an internet veteran with quite a resumé. His roles have been many and varied – from astrophysical researcher to Fortune 500 consultant and corporate executive, developing new hardware and software products and services.
He worked on Microsoft Outlook when it was in its infancy, was a major influence in taking Yahoo Search from 0 to 90 million users and is now Head of Product Experience at Google X – Alphabet’s secretive division focused on creating technological innovations for the future. It has produced the self-driving car and Google Glass, and its Project Loon aims to provide internet to every square inch of the earth.
At Google X, Tom was in a unique position – always having to think five, ten or even more years ahead in order to conceptualize and build the technology of the future. As you might imagine, this is far from an easy task; not only do the ideas have to be original, but they have to meet people’s future needs – something that is not easy to predict.
So, how does Tom and the others at Google X deliver their vision for the future using today's materials and technology?
That’s where Rapid Prototyping comes in. It’s a concept that allows teams to experiment, learn and adjust prototypes quickly and cheaply, so that projects (and products) get off the ground. Failure is seen as a starting block and an inevitable part of the learning process. Following his workshop, we are going to look further at rapid prototyping and how it can relate to the ELT classroom.
