What if my child switches between languages?
Today's Frequently Asked Question is from a listener: What if my child switches between langauges? I'm back with another Frequently Asked Questions episode - a quick, bite-sized episode focusing on…
What’s the best way to raise a multilingual child?
Today's Frequently Asked Question is: What’s the best way to raise a multilingual child? I'm back with another Frequently Asked Questions episode - a quick, bite-sized episode focusing on one…
What are the stages of second language acquisition?
Today's Frequently Asked Question is: What are the stages of second language acquisition?I'm back with another Frequently Asked Questions episode - a quick, bite-sized episode focusing on one frequently asked…
Can I Teach My Child a Language That Isn’t My Native Language?
Today's Frequently Asked Question is: Can I Teach My Child a Language That Isn’t My Native Language?I'm back with another Frequently Asked Questions episode - a quick, bite-sized episode focusing…
Should Bilingual Children Know the Same Words in Both Languages?
According to the “complementarity principle,” no! The linguist François Grosjean found that bilingual children tend to acquire and use their languages differently: in different contexts, for different purposes, with different…
What is a Heritage Language Learner?
A heritage language learner is anyone who is learning their family or ancestral language. This might be a person who was exposed to their family language as a child. They…
What are the three types of bilingualism?
Researchers have identified three ways that people acquire a second language: simultaneous bilingualism, successive bilingualism, and receptive bilingualism. Simultaneous bilingualism is when you learn two languages at the same time,…
Why do we recite poetry with children?
Poems are a wonderful way to enrich children’s language skills and teach them about their culture, routine, and the world around them. Poems can also be useful to expose children…
5 Ways to Support Literacy During the Summer
1. Visit the Library Create a library ritual: go to the library on the same day each week, or attend a weekly storytime with a friend. Many public libraries have…
What are different models of bilingual education?
Not all bilingual education programs are structured the same! When searching for a bilingual education program for your child, here are some things to keep in mind. The Enrichment Model…
Does bilingualism cause language delays in children?
NO! Bilingual children’s language development does not lag behind that of their monolingual peers. In fact, bilingualism has many positive effects on language acquisition and development. Bilingual children might appear…
What is the Sandwich Technique?
The Sandwich Technique is a method used in foreign language teaching, and can be used with our young children when introducing new vocabulary in the target language. For example, if…
Methods for Raising Bilingual Children
OPOL: One Parent One Language When parents speak two different languages, they can each speak to the child exclusively in their own language. (This is usually their native language, but…
What is “Total Reading”?
In order to help children become fluent readers with a love for the written word, we can guide them through the Montessori progression of Total Reading. In the Montessori classroom,…
Is it too late to raise my child bilingual?
A question I hear all the time is: Is it too late to raise my child bilingual? NO! It’s never too late for a child to learn to speak another…
Can I Teach My Child a Language That Isn’t My Native Language?
Yes! We can absolutely teach our children languages even if we aren't native speakers. It takes a little extra effort and dedication, but it's well worth it. Learn Together Make…