A child’s mother language
. . . an important part of a much bigger picture
“A Mother’s Touch” by Christine Lawrence
Reading to Your Child in his Mother Language A Parent Workshop offered by
The American School of Kosova February 27, 2018
Advantages of strong mother language and literacy skills: Better foreign language learning Greater chance of learning a third or
fourth language Stronger academic success even in foreign language instruction schools ( Whitmore & Crowell)
What are some disadvantages?
http://media.thestar.topscms.com/images/60/54/9ccf454941dbbac0f6791a71ae9f.jpeg
Why read to my child in his first language(s)? Encourages cognitive development Builds strong language foundation
necessary for success in other languages from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
More good reasons . . . • Print awareness essential for school success • More likely to be a strong reader and good student than a child who is not read to. from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
How often should I read to my child?
Everyday! Reading should be as much a part of your family’s routine as eating, sleeping and bath time. from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
More than one language at home? Read in the language most
comfortable for you “Read” stories in a dialect if it will help engage your child in the story from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
As they become fluent readers, children will learn: There is a difference between words and
pictures. Words on a page have meaning, and these are what we learn to read. Words go across the page from left to right (or right to left or up and down in some languages). Words on a page are made up of letters and are separated by spaces. from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
How should I read to my child? Read with excitement and animation. Ask the child to predict what will happen next. Talk about how closely the predictions matched
the story. Ask simple questions from time to time to be sure he understands what is happening in the story. After reading, ask the child what he liked most about the story. Have fun! from Colorin Colorado – AFT Tookit for Teachers, WETA 2005
Strong reader habits! Visit the library with your child regularly. Develop a library at home. Make buying a
new book a special treat. Help make connections. Talk to your teacher about topics, concepts and stories your child is learning at school.
Next Steps at ASK Parents workshops in April & May: Nurturing a Growth Mindset
Reading Resources for Parents Reading Rockets, tips for parents “Why We Should All Be Reading Aloud to Children” TedTalk 5 Tips for Reading to Your Child How to Read Out Loud with Your Preschooler How to Read with Your Children