Raising bilingual kids: Sharing your family language at home

A parent and their child laying on the floor drawing together on a large peice of paper
Reading time: 3 minutes

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.

Raising bilingual children at home
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1. Start early, but don’t stress about timing

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.

2. Immersing them in the language

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.

3. Use engaging and interactive methods

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.

4. Integrate language into daily routines

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.

5. Encourage mistakes and celebrate progress

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.

6. Connect with fluent speakers

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.

7. Share cultural stories and traditions

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.

8. Set clear and achievable goals

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.

9. Lead by example

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.

10. Foster curiosity and encourage questions

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.

11. Celebrate the benefits of bilingualism

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.

Carrying on the language

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?'

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    By Sarah Hillyard
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    STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths) sounds like an overwhelming combination of subjects to teach – and only suitable for expert educators. But the reality is doing STEAM is simpler than you think. Here are 5 common STEAM myths and the truth behind them. We also outline a number of simple activities you try with your students.

    1. STEAM requires a lot of time

    STEAM projects encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration in the classroom – but they have a reputation for being preparation-heavy and for requiring a lot of teaching time and energy.

    But to get the full benefit of STEAM, there’s no need to plan out a full-blown project that lasts a whole month. In fact, you might integrate just one STEAM lesson into your syllabus. Or a lesson could contain a one-off 10-minute STEAM challenge.

    Here are some easy, low-preparation challenges your classes can take part in:

    10-minute STEAM challenges:

    • Winter unit: How tall can you build a snowman using paper cups?
    • Shapes theme: Using five toothpicks make a pentagon, two triangles, a letter of the alphabet.
    • Bug project: Can you create a symmetrical butterfly?

    2. You need fancy materials to do STEAM

    The biggest misconception is around technology. When you think of STEAM, you might imagine you need apps, computers, tablets and robots to teach it successfully. It’s true that you will certainly find STEAM challenges out there that involve extensive supply lists, expensive equipment, knowledge of programming and robotics.

    However, in reality, you probably have everything you need already. Technology doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It can refer to simple, non-electronic tools and machines, too. Think funnels, measuring cups and screwdrivers, for example. You can use low-cost regular classroom or household items and recyclable materials that learners' families can donate. Toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes are very popular items in STEAM.

    Here is a low-tech activity you can try:

    Combine engineering, art and math using cardboard and a pair of scissors

    This challenge involves creating 3D self-portrait sculptures in the using only cardboard. First, teach about parts of the face by observing and analyzing some Cubist portraits (eg, explore Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso). Then have learners cut out cardboard shapes and make slits in them to attach together. They create their self-portrait sculptures by fitting the pieces together using the slits so that the final product will stand by itself. Display the self-portraits and talk about them.

    3. STEAM is targeted to older learners

    Young children are naturally curious about the world around them, and STEAM experiences begin very early in life. They explore with their senses and test their hypotheses about the world, just like scientists do. Much of their play is based on engineering skills, such as building houses with LEGO® bricks. They learn to manipulate tools while they develop their fine motor skills and their awareness of non-electronic technology. They use dramatic play and enjoy getting their hands full of paint while engaged in art. They learn about maths concepts very early on, such as size (big and small toys), quantities of things, and even babies start using the word “more” if they’re still hungry.

    Check out this simple STEAM experiment to learn about plants and their needs.

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    Have students put water and food dye in a pot. Put a white flower in the water. Ask students to guess what will happen.

    After a few days, students should check their flowers and observe how it has changed color. They must then record their results. Extend the experiment by asking if they can make their flowers two colors.