How to Help Bilingual Children Learn

With more children in the United States speaking languages other than English at home, it's important for educators as well as parents to be fully prepared and have the right skills in helping these children learn. You can be successful in this endeavor by offering a range of methods for your bilingual child that includes reading bilingual books and identifying cognates, to associating with bilingual people and using repetition with songs and rhymes.

• 1

  Identify cognates. Words in two languages that share a similar meaning, as well as pronunciation and spelling, are called cognates. Educators can teach children to become familiar with identifying cognates so they are more aware of the similarities and differences of their two languages. Word shuffles and activities with rhyming words are ways to help bilingual children comprehend more while learning.

• 2

  Associate with bilingual people. Help children learn by placing them in a bilingual environment. When educators or parents interchange languages, this will be an example for children and help them to adapt and feel more comfortable with learning. Also, look into joining local bilingual playgroups so your child can meet other kids who are bilingual.

• 3

  Read bilingual books. The ReadingOnline website states that when biliteracy is fostered, the skills learned in one language transfer to the other. There is a range of books on the market that cater to children from bilingual homes. Books can have a different language interspersed throughout the pages or be formatted to have the same text written in two different languages.

• 4

  Use repetition. By singing songs or rhymes and repeating them each week, children will be able to remember the ways words are used and apply them in their day-to-day lives. Make learning games that involve silly phrases or actions so children can enjoy the learning process.

• 5

  Mix languages at home. To make learning both languages easier at home, one method is for one parent to speak one language to the child, and the other parent to speak the second language. This can help children become fluent in both languages, and can also help avoid language confusion while learning.

• 6

  Take the child's interests into account. If your child is a fan of a particular cartoon show, dancing or a superhero, talk to him about his favorite things in different languages. The child will remain interested as well as learn new words.