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Hispanic Kids are Learning English Faster than Their Parents
It’s no surprise that mostly due to schooling, Hispanic kids are learning English faster than their parents. An article on Learning Community, a website for Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers, tells parents to not be alarmed by their kids learning English quicker than they do.
To get everyone on the same track, there is some confusing information out there advising Hispanic parents to stop speaking their native language in the home as it might cause some sort of language disorder or delay. However, the actual research on the topic says the exact opposite. It states that a family’s native language is equally important and that it won’t cause any developmental issues. In fact, many children around the world are learning two languages or more, and it’s no problem. Having this information often comes as a big relief to Latino parents, as most want their kids to embrace and know their home language.
The Multilingual Living website states that even if parents pick up English, their grammar, vocabulary and overall communication will almost definitely still be stronger in their native language. In fact, experts encourage parents to assist their kids with projects, homework, like giving explanations and clarifying questions, and other school-related activities in the family language. Basically, Multilingual Living says, all verbal interaction regarding school work can be communicated in the home language. Alternating between two languages, called code switching, is a normal aspect for those who are bilingual and doesn’t cause any developmental issues, states the website.
NCSL, a government-run organization for immigrant families, recommends family literacy programs and parent support groups so that parents can feel more comfortable assisting their kids with after school activities and tasks. Finding educational programs that support ELL students’ first language, such as The Latino Family Literacy Project, can make an enormous difference on their overall academic and language acquisition success.