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Often, for busy EAL teachers, the focus is on the child, however it is important to remember that for some parents, the transition period can be just as difficult. Some parents worry about bringing up their child with two languages and question whether it would be more beneficial for the child if they speak the language of the new country to help them become more competent in the new language and learn it faster. We need to discourage this approach, supporting parents in understanding the value of using their mother tongue. Parents need to appreciate that language is as much about communication as it is about identity (Baker, 2007), that language is fragile and easily lost (Cummins, 2001) and that to continue to support and teach a child’s mother tongue actually provides a better platform for developing a second or third language. 

That said, it’s essential to provide parents with the right information about how to successfully support their learners at home. Some books to assist both teachers and parents in understanding more about bringing up a bilingual child include:

  • A Parents’ and Teachers’ Guide to Bilingualism by Colin Baker (2007). An excellent book written entirely in question and answer format. 
  • The Bilingual Family: A handbook for parents by Edith Harding-Esch, Philip Riley (2003). Written by two linguists who bring up their children bilingually, includes many case studies. 
  • Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?: A Parent's Guide To Raising Multiracial Children by Donna Jackson Nakazawa (2004).  The focus is not on bilingualism but on raising biracial children. 
  • Growing Up with Two Languages by Una Cunningham-Anderson. A down -to-earth guide written by a bilingual couple raising their children to speak English and Swedish (2011).
  • Language Strategies for Bilingual Families: The One-Parent - One-Language Approach (Parents' and Teachers' Guides) by Suzanne Barron-Hauwaert (2004).
  • Raising Bilingual-Biliterate Children in Monolingual Cultures by  Stephen J. Caldas (2006).
  • Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds by David C. Pollock and Ruth van Reken (2009).

It is crucial that families are encouraged to maintain their mother tongue to remain connected to their parents and extended family. As Joseph Shaules points out, "a positive and encouraging attitude to a child's home language is motivating and can only have favourable repercussions." (Shaules, 2007).

See below for your free parent information card!

References:

Shaules, J (2007) Deep Culture: The Hidden Challenges of Global Living

Cummins, J (2001) Bilingual Children's Mother Tongue: Why Is It Important for Education? 

Further learning - Blog

Created: Tue 25th Apr 2017

Play is a crucial part of language development and ideas for play and games are an essential part of any teacher’s toolkit. One of the most informal and obvious contexts for language development takes place in the playground for any child (Pinter, 2006). Children will often pick up every day language from their peers and this can be an essential part of their learning. Pinter (2006) explains that when a child moves to a new country, after the initial silent phase, children will then start to pick up phrases, conversation language and so-called playground language fairly fast.

An EAL teacher holding up letter cards to a learner
Created: Wed 31st May 2023

What is the role of an EAL teacher?

An EAL teacher is a professional specialising in working with learners for whom English is an additional language, such as refugees, asylum seekers or children of migrant families.

Created: Mon 13th Nov 2023

Learners may have difficulties expressing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Tip or Idea: Name the emotions. Use puppets, flashcards or simply hide and uncover your own face. Who can be first to name the emotion? Extend by giving a reason why e.g. He is happy because…

Learning Village resource: Feelings Snakes & Ladders game - land on a picture. Describe it and move forward 1 space! (I am happy when…/I am sad when…/I am shocked when…)