Most children in this province start their bilingual journey in their early years of development, as early as daycare or preschool. To learn a language and be accustomed to it is to be immersed in it daily. Some children take learning a new language naturally, others need more time and may even rebel against it. Here are some tips to help your child embrace the second language.

Early Years
When your child is first starting school or daycare, it is recommended by ‘most experts to encourage using the language through play.’ (Brookespublishing). Allow the child to use toys, and listen to songs or TV that are in the second language. Expose the child to the second language with playdates that are focused on the second language. For example, allow your child to play and use the second language with children who are using their second language as their primary language. This allows them to express themselves in both their primary and secondary language. Refraining them from not using their primary language will force them to rebel completely against the second language. Have fun using both!

Elementary School
Choosing a primary school for your child is often a choice made with careful consideration, usually, both parents consider their childhood education as a factor in choosing their child’s learning path, however, bilingual schools allow children to use both languages. Some parents choose a primary school focusing only on the second language not used at home so that the child has the opportunity to use the second language and master it outside of the home. At home, their primary language stays as the conversational language and the child is comfortable in both languages and can switch easily.

Older Children
Add confidence to the mix. Encourage your child to go out there and use the second language by having conversations with people who use the second language as their primary language, for example, have your older children place an order for food in the second language at a restaurant. Have them engage in conversations and pleasantries with people in the store, their dentist, etc. Shyness is a big factor in not wanting to use a second language. The more they use it, the more comfortable they will feel.

Encourage Reading
Lack of vocabulary is also a reason why children do not enjoy speaking in a second language. They often lack the vocabulary. Encourage reading, doing activity books and reading comprehension exercises often as a form of homework and review with your child. If you have a budget for tutoring, have a tutor work with your child weekly on the second language by only speaking it with them and taking time to focus on the second language activities.