Research indicates that students who have a strong foundation in their first language are likely to learn English more quickly. It is difficult to build a second language if the first language foundation is not established and supported while the second language is being learned.
How can you help your child at home?
read to your child in your first language.
ask them to read you a story in English and then talk in your first language about what happened. You could also find the same book in your first language and read it together.
discuss what your child has learned in school in your first language as this will help them grasp the topics and ideas more effectively.
learning English isn’t easy. It’s important to praise your child’s efforts and build their confidence so that they take greater risks without fear of embarrassment if they make a mistake.
use the online resources that accompany the textbook we use in class. There are lots of videos and songs which model accurate pronunciation as well as a wide range of activities to practise new vocabulary.
if you feel confident, use English in the home. For example, you could practise food vocabulary when you are putting the shopping away.
watch cartoons with children in English with subtitles so that children can both read and hear the words.
