How to Teach Your Child to Read in Two Languages

Being able to read in two languages (bilingual) has many benefits for young children. ^{[1] X Research Resources} Bilingualism is an important part of raising bilingual children; however, for bilingual families, getting a child to naturally start reading in both languages can be challenging. To avoid having to rely on tutors when your child is older, take advantage of this opportunity to teach your child to read in two languages at home. This article explains the technique to use during the early years of a child’s life, and it’s easy, fun, and free.

Table of Contents

Steps

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Let’s start early. If possible, start this technique in your child’s preschool age, as that’s the best chance, even though it’s not too late to start. The age of 6 months to 4 years is the optimal time to learn a second language. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Stick to a home language. Although this step is optional, consistency is important. If you decide to speak only in one language at home (for example, your mother tongue in another language-speaking country), stick to it. This will not hinder your child if you speak your mother tongue, as long as you start early and stick to this decision. Some families also let the mother speak her original language, and the father speak his original language. Either way, it’s important for children to see unity.

Note that the method in this article is not suitable for families with three languages (the mother uses one language, the father uses one language, and the child learns another language at school).

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Turn it into a play pointer. As with other activities, children will learn more easily if learning is turned into a game and it is “fun”. ^{[3] X Research Resources} Once your child is comfortable, talk about a “school game” or “charade” that you can play. (Avoid mentioning “study” or “translation)” because they sound like a task worth avoiding.) Assess the child’s response and don’t force it.

Play quickly without forcing children. Play for a short period of time or keep the game in sight and wait for the child to initiate.

Set the rules of the game. Once the child has actively cooperated, set rules for the game. Follow the steps below and don’t rush. As the process becomes more natural, you will find yourself improvising more.

For the first few turns: play with letters for no particular reason in mind. This will make it easier for children to get used to and create a friendly environment.

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Next, ask about a short word that your child likes. Suggest a word from your child’s favorite movie or TV show if you need help.

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Take advantage of that name. Think about how you can “take advantage” of that name. It (or a word with a similar pronunciation) should be suitable for further steps. Arrange the letters and read it aloud, word by word, a little faster each time.

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Smile while using the trick. Smile and tell your child that the “hard part” is coming. Children need to close their eyes. Children will feel curious and happy to play with (You will be surprised with the effect of this tip).

Make sure the child is not snoozing. Let’s take the first letter.

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Allow the child to look and say again “This is hard” (Tell your child what you did by repeating the word and that you removed the first letter).
Now ask the child to “read” aloud. Try it and you will be surprised because with just a little encouragement, the child will do it right away.

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Acknowledge the child’s efforts. Let children feel proud of their efforts and achievements. Repetition is the simplest and most effective reinforcement.

Now do the same with the last letter.
Make one or two more words each turn. Repeat with fun variations.

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Start the word translation game. Once you’ve both gotten into the habit of accepting the rules of the game (your child will come up with a few rules too, so be prepared to adapt), it’s time to start the word translation game. This takes a bit of planning; The words chosen should also be simple and appropriate.

Think of a word your child finds appealing that can be rearranged into a word in your language.

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Transform it. Once you’ve found the right word, follow these steps:

After the first and last letter games, rearrange them as before while the child’s eyes are closed. Tell your child that the game will be even harder now.
Read it out loud. Tell your child that it’s a word in your language and ask them what they think the word means. Then give the answer to the child. Don’t say it’s a translation, wait until it becomes more natural.

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Enhance it a little bit. Enhance this activity with more positive experiences.

Let your child choose words from the set of words you give them. Let your child watch videos in two languages. As such, children will ask to be viewed in either language to practice self-determination. You can choose the main character and talk about the difference between their names in the two languages.

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Play a block game with that name.

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Find a small playmate who speaks a second language and invites him over to play regularly. ^{[4] X Research Resources} This will benefit both children and create more fun.

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Always be creative. Don’t be fooled: children are creative, that’s how they learn. So don’t fall behind. Be creative in getting new words out of your child’s new experiences.

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Maintain the excitement of reading in two languages by investing in beautiful and interesting books written in a second language. Read books often with children.

Enjoy your summer vacation.

Many families realize that they can expose their child to another language during the summer break. So, if your child learns in another language at school, you can send them somewhere where they have access to the other language during the holidays.

Advice

Only played for a short time. The signs of boredom are expressed in fatigue, stop there and continue playing another time. You shouldn’t make it a chore.
Try repeating the previous lesson with a game before starting a new one. Put the teddy bear next to you and ask who wants to volunteer to answer. Stare at the “other students”. Kids will want answers right away!
Use objects around you to turn reading into a game that teaches ABC letters, numbers, and first words. For example, point to license plates, supermarket or street signs, and other everyday items you have around the house.
Use the internet as a learning tool by emailing family and friends so your child can practice the language. Use the internet to search for movies and stories written in both languages.
Read techniques for teaching others to read first. A good background in reading is required.
Even if you don’t speak two languages but you want your child to do so, you can still teach them, just enough dedication, focus and consistency, and you do your best to learn the basics. about what I want to teach. ^{[5] X Research Resources} Use CDs, the Internet, and other resources.
Write letters, postcards, birthday and Christmas cards to send to friends and family. This is a great way for children living in bilingual families to strengthen their writing skills and promote progress in second language learning. ^{[6] X Research Source}

Warning

This method is not suitable for trilingual families, where parents speak languages other than the primary language the child learns at school.
This method is not suitable if the two languages belong to two different alphabetic systems, for example English and Japanese.
The important point here is to keep this fun. Once your child is in school, getting them interested in reading in your language is nearly impossible. When children realize they are speaking a language that is only used in the home, they may refuse to accept it. Tell your child that you like it when he talks to you in your mother tongue; Children love to have requests that are important to you.

What you need

The word block game – much needed. Without it, teaching would be very difficult, not illustrative enough, and not fun.

Steps

Advice

Warning

What you need

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