Raising Bilingual Kids
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the gift of two (or more!) languages. Being bilingual is good for your child's brain, makes communication with grandparents and relatives easier, and is an advantage for finding jobs in the future. To learn more, see our resources for ideas on raising bilingual children here.
Featured Articles
- Why Reading to Your Kids in Your Home Language Will Help Them Become Better Readers
- The Seal of Biliteracy Initiative
- Second Language Acquisition
- But What If I Don't Know English?
- Learning Two Languages
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FAQs
- What else can I do to help my child become a reader and writer?
- My cousin just came to this country and doesn't speak English. How can she help her toddler learn English?
- My child seems embarrassed when I speak to him in my native language. What can I do?
- Is it OK to speak to my child in my native language?
- But will speaking to my child in my native language make it harder for him to learn English when he goes to school?
Resource Pages
Recommended Resources
SpanishglishBaby
This blog was created by two Latina moms who wanted to raise their children to be bilingual and proud of their American and Latino cultures. While the blog is no longer being updated, it offers great posts about raising bilingual families, recommended resources, expert advice, and lots of encouragement to parents.
The Importance of Home Language: Head Start Tip Sheets
School readiness and school success for children who are dual language learners are tied directly to mastery of their home language. This series of handouts is designed to provide staff and families with basic information on topics related to children learning two or more languages. They emphasize the benefits of being bilingual, the importance of maintaining home language, and the value of becoming fully bilingual. These easy-to-read resources highlight important information that every adult living or working with young dual language learners should know.
Most Popular
ELL News
- "Language Is Wealth": Children Learn Better in Their Own Language, Linguistics Professor Says University of Massachusetts – Lowell | April 26, 2019
- Look Who's Listening: New Study Shows That Babies Can Be Bilingual Starting Before BirthCBC (Canada)| September 26, 2017
- TEACHER VOICE: A little more conversation? Language and Communication Skills That Make All the Difference for KindergartenThe Hechinger Report| August 02, 2017
- Bilinguals May Recognize Voices BetterLanguage Magazine| July 21, 2017
