Home language and learning English 

Speaking to your child in your home langauge is best. 

We all want our children to be strong and effective communicators. Language is an important part of communication, and research tells us that language development is a key predictor of social and emotional development. Our staff have been researching, attending conferences and engaged in professional development and reflection on how to best support each child's language development, and adding new knowledge to our practice.

We know that it is at home, with adult family members where children learn the most language. We also know from research that speaking to your child in your home language is the best way for children to develop rich vocabulary and language. Many children who are learning English from being at kinder can appear to be very quiet while at the kinder, not speaking at all, or only in their home language with other children who also speak that language. This is part of their learning and is not to be discouraged. It is so important that children feel connected to the kinder, and to their peers. Just by being in kinder, where the common language is English, where the staff all speak English, and the songs, stories and learning conversations are in English, children will learn and develop their understanding of and eventually be able to speak English. A quiet or mostly silent period is often part of the way children process learning a new language, it can be a time where a lot of learning is taking place, just not a lot of talking! 

Remember too that if your child is learning English at kinder,  they will be very tired when they go home, speaking with them in your home language will allow them time to rest, relax and process what they have been learning at kinder. 

Beginning to learn to speak English can take time, but research shows that your child will not be at a disadvantage if they do not speak English at home. Family are the child's first and most important educator and children strongly benefit from language rich interactions with their family. So below are a few ways to ensure there is a lot of language and vocabulary rich interactions at home. 

Singing, chatting, playing games and reading to your child in your home language

Reading favourite books over and over... 

Use everyday activities such as shopping, cooking, meal times as opportunities to talk with your child.

Don't be afraid to use complex or large words in correct context

Have serve and return conversations with your child - a bit like a tennis match where each person talks, listens and talks again, responding to what the child has said, adding to the conversation. 

More information can be found on the benefits of language education are available on the Department of Education and Training website here.