If your child currently speaks one language and you would like them to speak a second one, then sending them to a bilingual early childhood centre is an effective way to help them learn this second language. Here are some practical things that you can do to help them with this process.
Read storybooks written in their second language to them every night
If you want to accelerate the rate at which your child adjusts to using the second language, you should not just assume that they will learn all there is to know about it whilst they're at the bilingual childcare facility; instead, you should use supplemental texts at home in the form of storybooks that are written in the second language.
The reason for this is as follows; the more exposure a child has to a specific language, the easier it will be for them to understand and adjust to using it. If your child is spoken to in this other language regularly by their carers at the childcare facility but does not hear or read a single word of it when they are outside this setting, then the chances of them struggling to improve their vocabulary or to understand that language's grammar rules will be very high.
By reading storybooks to them in this other language each night before they fall asleep, you can encourage the use of this language outside of the more formal lessons they may receive in this subject at the centre. If you don't speak this language either, don't let your own lack of knowledge deter you from doing this activity with your child. Instead, opt for very simple storybooks that use the most basic form of the second language and use this as an opportunity to learn this language with your child. This could not only benefit both of you but could also be a way for you to strengthen your bond with your child.
Get to know other parents who send their children to the same centre and meet up with them
You should also befriend a few of the other parents who send their child to the bilingual facility you child attends and start arranging for them and their children to go on outings with your family.
Aside from giving you all a chance to make new friends and have some fun days out together, this will allow your child to continue to practise the things they have learned about their second language at the facility with their peers who have received the same lessons and have a similar skill level to your daughter or son. This, too, should facilitate your child's quick and easy adoption of this additional language.
To learn more about teaching your child a second language, contact a bilingual early childhood centre in your area.
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