Kiidu Advice on Dual-Language Programs
Once your child reaches school ages, it is up to you as parents to find the right type of school. We all know that it is not an easy task. The location, as well as the type of the school, can be very decisive and trendsetting for the future of your child.
This is aggravated by the fact that there are dual-language programs and international schools that are rapidly gaining popularity.
Should one follow the trend? Or is this concept condemned to failure? Is it maybe better to stick to the classical system? The opinions about growing up bilingually differ tremendously.
Some people consider that it might be too much for the children who would lose their childhood due to an increasing pressure to perform.
Others say that early life stages provide the best opportunity to learn a second language with least effort. In fact, it would even benefit their further growing up.
We at Kiidu believe that bilingualism is a big chance when facing a world of increasing globalization and cultural diversity. If applied and integrated correctly, you can even promote the well-being of your children. For that reason, we would like to give you the following tips that make you succeed.
First of all, you as parents have to be aware that if your children attend a dual language program or school, they do not do this alone.
Raising a child bilingually demands a close collaboration between parents, teachers, schools and the students. Only by acting jointly you can create a learning environment that is favorable and not stressful.
Learning the second language must be integrated into each part of your lives. Trying to keep the program a school program is toxic. Accept that you are enrolled in the program, too.
There are many ways to integrate the language in your everyday life. You could try to use some of the kid’s learned vocabulary for instance.
Frequent application and repetition is a useful tool to consolidate the already known. Many expat families that come to Bangkok to have a helper like a nanny or a maid. You could also try to hire someone who speaks the language you want your children to learn.
Involving these helpers might create additional incentives. Another approach of course – is to spend time in a region where speaking the second language is required. It is obvious that this method has the best preconditions to learn.
Make it Fun
Today’s world is full of technology. There are smartphones and tablets, a variety of TV and Radio stations, and computers and Notebooks of course.
Make use of them. Numerous apps and mobile games help to master languages playfully. These are available for each age group and level of knowledge.
You could also watch your favorite TV-show or movie in foreign tongues. With this, you are able to facilitate learning processes and make fun of learning.
Certainly, there are many more things that might help your children to master a second language. But we believe that one thing appears to be most essential to them to understand and appreciate the benefits of bilingualism.
Finding opportunities to reinforce what they are learning is key. When they first realize that speaking two languages fluently enables them to help someone in public or make friends with other children, they will back your decision themselves. We think that this is the most powerful factor of all.
