You Can Read to Your Child in Any Language
For very good reasons, reading is usually first on a parent's list of educational goals and concerns for their children. Parents are well aware of how crucial reading is to further learning and that fostering a love for reading will open up a world of enjoyment and education.
Numerous researchers have found early reading to be at the heart of future academic success. In fact, even the simple fact of having books around can be connected to greater achievement; the presence of many books in one's home is statistically a better indicator of future academic success than parental occupation, education or wealth. According to one Princeton University study, "scholarly culture, as indicated by home library size… gives children a significant, and generally substantial, edge in academic performance… Having a large home library is important on its own."
So it stands to reason that incorporating reading as a vital part of learning a second language can also bring considerable benefits down the road for your child. The same benefits which children get from learning to read in their first language are just as available—and just as important—in a second language.
Fortunately, parents can be of considerable help to their children in realising these benefits in a second language. And they can do so using the same methods and much of the same advice that has worked for so many parents helping their child read in his first language.
Not only that, but parents are also quite able to help their children even if their own foreign language skills are rusty or modest. You can do many things that will help your child learn and grow in their new language, and they're probably things that you're already doing—or have already done—in introducing their first language. With a bit of adaptation and imagination, you and your child can begin exploring the literature of another language.
The More the Merrier
Just as is the case with your child's first language, the sheer number of foreign language books which you have in your home can make a world of difference. Author and researcher Carey Myles advises in her book that "[i]n one language or two, the best way to foster your child's literacy is to provide an environment rich in language and print, and to make sure they have positive experiences relating to texts and the printed word. The effect of the family environment on children's later experiences with literacy has been researched extensively, and it is clear that these early years are very important."
These books and other printed material let your children feel your support, enthusiasm and interest in their language learning, and demonstrate that you hope to share the experience with them. Whether you speak the language, are conversational in it, or simply wish to enjoy and participate in your kid's discoveries with it, your child will know that you care about the language, and about them. This will work wonders for your child's interest and desire to learn.
Libraries and Laps
Many experts recommend frequent trips to the library, stating that they are tremendously important in fostering your child's interest in and love for reading. Libraries are special places, particularly for children. Librarians connect them to new worlds—including the world of a new language.
Aside from the stacks of books they offer you and your child, a large number of libraries also put on programmes—puppet shows, story hours and many other exciting and engaging activities—and increasingly many offer these programmes in languages other than English. You should also remember to think of librarians as fantastic resources; they can assist you in seeking out new reading material for your child in their new language, and to gauge which books your child will prefer. And even if your library does not itself hold many language learning resources, it will likely be more than happy to help you find some through inter-library loans.
One of the most effective ways to convey your enthusiasm, though, doesn't require any particular location. By simply putting your child in your lap as you read to them and encouraging them to read to you, you show tremendous interest and care. Putting your child on your lap allows them to focus by directing their attention to you and the book. And it encourages them to show off their language skills, as they feel more comfortable with you so close. It creates a naturally interactive environment for reading, keeping old stories fresh and making them memorable.
Rhymes and Ridiculousness
As we spoke about in our newsletter article last month, some parents are concerned that their pronunciation may not sound much like that of a "native." Parents may worry that this will make them a bad model for their children's own pronunciation, but they need not be so anxious. The interaction and enthusiasm you can provide—no matter the roughness of your accent—is really the greatest factor for your child's language learning success.
Which books you choose to read to your child can build this enthusiasm naturally—for you and your child. Selecting books that have repetitive phrases or that rhyme can make reading a more participatory experience for your child, as they begin to memorize the text and will join in, shouting out words they know. As Carey Myles advises in Raising Bilingual Children, "Stories that have repeated phrases are easier for children to remember, enabling them to pretend to read while looking at the book on their own. This kind of pretending gives a child confidence, in addition to being fun."
Myles also points out an additional effect of rhyming on your child's linguistic awareness: "Playing rhyming games can help children recognise that words can be broken down in smaller parts, and that the word is changed when a sound changes." This kind of awareness is vital both for learning a new language and for building a bigger vocabulary—in either language. Rhyming out loud will also help you and your child to work on pronunciation—since you know the words are supposed to sound alike, you have a ready-made guide to making the right sounds consistently.
Experts from the University of Michigan Medical School also recommend choosing books for children that encourage you to "ham it up by changing the tempo, volume, and expression of your voice for different characters." The more ridiculous, the better—your child loves a performance of a book, and not just a reading. And if you are still a bit anxious about your accent, speaking in silly voices will allow you to concentrate on the fun you and your child are having, and to worry less about the "right" way to say something.
A Picture Is Worth a Thousand (Vocab) Words
Selecting books with many detail-filled, bright and engaging illustrations can turn story time into a much richer experience and can encourage your child to practise her new words. KidsHealth.org says, "Talk about the illustrations with your child. Point to items and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and offer enthusiastic praise as he or she does so." You can even offer the names in English and urge your child to provide their equivalents in the other language. In this way you can each participate in practising the names of animals, colours, fruits or vegetables in both languages together.
There are numerous ways of making reading with your child a rewarding and effective part of learning a new language. All parents can read with their children in a new language. Seeing your enthusiasm and participation, your child will know that her new language is fun and valuable. Reading with your child in a new language presents a unique opportunity to learn together and grow together—and to grow closer as well.
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