During our parent-connecting event, families from China, the US, and Singapore shared their strategies for creating a nurturing home environment that supports language learning. 

We selected 12 ideas from our discussion and hope they give all families some inspiration and hands-on tips.

#1: Participate in cultural events

“There is a mix of cultures here (in Singapore). So every time there are festivals for different cultures, we try to merge with that. So for example, the India Diwali, we actually, dress up like Indians. ”  said Yutong in Singapore. 

#2: Make friends

Sarah and Kris’ family from the US made friends with people who speak Chinese and Spanish “When we have gatherings or parties, they (our friends) are there too. So we have an opportunity to exchange languages and culture with them at certain events in parties and things like that. “

#3: Play music in the target language

Kris explained how music helps make his kid’s Spanish learning easy: “We listen to Spanish language music. So that’s sort of blending to the household.”

#4: Let kids seek it out

Candice from the US tries to find the balance between pushing and pulling the kids to learn, “I try to let the other half be them seeking it out. So I try and encourage but not be overbearing. I try to find ways to invite them in (language learning).“

#5: Create immersion opportunities

Kris and Sarah’s children started Spanish or Chinese immersion programs since kindergarten. Their children’s language acquisition “happens overnight before you know it. They are completely, completely immersed in language and they’re picking it up quickly.”

#6: Learn together with your kids

For Leilu and Xiao Ning from China, their children’s English already surpassed their English level. They either learn with the kids or let the kids teach them English. To be able to help their parents gives the kids a strong motivation to learn. 

#7: Do fun activities in the target language

Doris from China emphasized the element of fun: “We just do whatever that she (my daughter) likes. For example: story reading, playing some games, choosing some English songs, and sometimes we have a role play. We just do whatever that seems fun. That’s it.”

#8: Create a sense of wonder

Minji shared her experience observing how kids learn a new language “I have a magic box to help kids learn number words. The kids can discover a secret animal behind a number. This creates a sense of wonder, a sense of magic. It gives them choices and the power to discover.” 

#9: Read picture books

Cong Cong highly recommended the power of pictures and picture books as an effective way to engage kids in learning a new language.

#10: Use AI-powered tools

More than one family mentioned using ChatGPT or other AI-powered tools as a conversation partner for their kids to listen and speak in a foreign language.

#11: Let kids teach parents

#12: Watch videos in the target language

Families also encourage kids to watch TV shows, cartoon movies, and documentaries in the target language for topics that interest them.

Find out more about our community to connect kids and parents around the world: https://creativechineseclub.com/connecting/