I was sitting in a parent conference. Two children, one 2 and one 3.5. The mom only speaks Spanish to the children the dad only speaks Arabic. We were talking about the amount of production in each language and discussing what are reasonable expectations in relation to communicating in the different languages we choose to use with our children. I asked a key question, What are your goals as a family for your children in learning these different languages. What changes need to be made to meet those goals?
Throughout the world, multiple languages can be found in single family homes. Bilingualism often times is a family necessity, especially in immigrant families, either to ensure communication between the children and both parents, or among extended family members. In bilingual families, parents have the difficult decision of whether the language goal for the child is only oral development and competency of the different languages or competency in the written word as well. Parents must consider whether the goal for the child is to become bilingual or biliterate in the languages being learned in order to determine how to best use and support the use of the different languages. Parents must also determine how to best support literacy in multiple languages at home. In some instances, parent may have the choice between a traditional English only school or a bilingual school for their child. With English being the dominant or majority language in the United States, literacy in English is taught in all schools. The non-English language or minority language is not prioritized by the American school system, yet literacy can be developed for the non-English language, not only at home, but in the school setting as well.
So what are your goals? How is your current lifestyle supporting your family goals in relation to language learning and eco-friendly living?
Throughout the world, multiple languages can be found in single family homes. Bilingualism often times is a family necessity, especially in immigrant families, either to ensure communication between the children and both parents, or among extended family members. In bilingual families, parents have the difficult decision of whether the language goal for the child is only oral development and competency of the different languages or competency in the written word as well. Parents must consider whether the goal for the child is to become bilingual or biliterate in the languages being learned in order to determine how to best use and support the use of the different languages. Parents must also determine how to best support literacy in multiple languages at home. In some instances, parent may have the choice between a traditional English only school or a bilingual school for their child. With English being the dominant or majority language in the United States, literacy in English is taught in all schools. The non-English language or minority language is not prioritized by the American school system, yet literacy can be developed for the non-English language, not only at home, but in the school setting as well.
So what are your goals? How is your current lifestyle supporting your family goals in relation to language learning and eco-friendly living?
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