Bilingualism is a great tool that has a very important influence on the cognitive and emotional development of children. This is because it influences especially the left side of the brain (the one related to language) and some of the right.
The child can develop strong thinking skills, use logic, focus, remember and make decisions, think about language, and learn additional languages in the future. Additionally, becoming bilingual helps children maintain strong ties to their entire family, culture, and community.
In this blog, I will provide you with some exciting and creative strategies to introduce new words and sentences in a fun and engaging manner. These strategies will not only ignite a preschool child's interest in a new language but also enhance their vocabulary using everyday resources that are in touch with nature. This approach will have a profound impact on their emotional and social development, while also encouraging them to take a break from excessive technology usage, which can potentially hinder their growth in the long and short term.
Use Everyday Language
It is well known that during the day, boys and girls can carry out multiple activities at home, such as playing, dressing, eating, etc. During these moments, the opportunity should be taken while carrying out each activity to mention the word or sentence in the native language and the second language. It can be repeated once or twice after you to avoid the child's fatigue by continually repeating a certain word. The moments of bathing and playing are ideal since the boy or girl is more willing to participate
Use Nature's Resources
On many occasions, when walking, going to the supermarket, or any outdoor activity, we find natural resources that help us form sentences easily and entertainingly. For example, when walking through the park, being able to say "the green tree" in the native language and the second language. These situations give more opportunities to form sentences and stories like "I see the green tree" (in the native language and second language).
Games with Recycled or Wooden Materials
Many people consider eco-friendly toys to be a healthier and safer option for children. These toys do not contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and other harmful compounds found in many plastic toys. So in addition to stimulating bilingualism, you also take care of the child's health. In the table below, discover a range of exciting options for your little ones to engage with natural materials while honing their bilingual skills.
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DIY Car Materials:
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This activity can work on transportation vocabulary (wheel, car, go, stop, window, door, etc.). You can repeat in the native language and second language. |
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DIY Ring Toss Materials:
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This activity can work on spatial vocabulary (above, below, to the side, to the center, etc.) You can repeat in the native language and second language. |
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DIY "Plinko: Game Materials:
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This activity is to play with the family. You can work on the verbs (put, take out, throw, take, etc.) You can repeat in the language native and second language. |
Author: Yoselyn Karina Suares Cea, Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Asst.