Introducing a second language to your child has many benefits. Sometimes, though, it’s difficult to know where to begin, especially with young children. These tips will help get you started. A young girl walked over and told me, “I can count in Mandarin!” She counted all the way to 15, and her mother smiled as …
Any parent raising bilingual kids knows what a struggle it is to make using the minority language fun and engaging when “all the other kids” get to speak the language of power. At our house, we use Minority Language at Home (ML@H). As our kids get older, though, more English creeps into our lives, whether it …
In the last decade, the U.S. has embraced the Day of the Dead with enthusiasm. Brightly colored calaveras grin from T-shirts and coffee mugs. Day of the Dead festivals announce events ranging from 10k runs to concerts to art fairs. Children, however, do not always see that behind the beautiful icons and festive atmosphere the …
As foreign language teachers, learners, and speakers we know that language and culture are interwoven together, creating a tapestry allowing a vibrant view into other people and perspective. Our goal as language teachers is to bring this tapestry to life in a meaningful and tangible manner to all our students. At the elementary level, this …