We all understand that the best way to learn and retain a language is through consistent practice. However, when it comes to children, the concept of practice often gets linked with specific playtime moments or lessons. This can be particularly challenging when you're balancing a demanding 9 to 5 job, a family life, social life (if you still have one lol) AND the language spoken at home differs from the one you're trying to teach your child.
When I began teaching French to my daughter, finding time to immerse her in the language felt quite easy, since I was mostly home alone with her. But when I decided to return to studying, I started having concerns. The predominant language around her, went from French to German. I feared that she might prefer speaking German over French, given the limited exposure to my mother tongue.
It was during this time that I stumbled upon a book about sleep training. While it didn't work wonders for my daughter's sleep, it taught me valuable lessons about routines.
As I worked on establishing healthy bedtime routines, I unknowingly crafted language routines that ultimately bolstered my daughter's confidence in speaking French. For instance, I created a tooth brushing song that transformed a mundane task into a fun activity for both of us. No more screaming theatrics; just laughter and smiles.
We also incorporated a bath song that initially included bubbles and splashes but Honestly, I've quickly learned my lesson – now, it's just bubbles, unless I want my bathroom transformed into a giant swimming pool every night!
One of my daughter’s favorite routines involved applying body lotion as I taught her about different body parts. I was amazed at how quickly she responded to these lessons.
But if there's one personal tip I'd like for you to remember, it's this: find a bedtime story your child loves in the target language and stick to it for a while. It could be a month or even longer, depending on your child's mood. Even if they occasionally express interest in different stories, having a go-to tale that your child knows inside out will boost their confidence. In time, they'll feel empowered to recount the story to you in the target language, bridging the linguistic gap with ease.
So, don't underestimate the power of routines. Embrace them, get creative, and watch as your child's language skills flourish, one bedtime story and tooth brushing song at a time.