Back to School Tip #1

It’s that time again.  Summer is winding down and school is almost back in session.  Whether they’ve been away for the entire summer or only a week or two, it can be hard for your little ones -and for you- to readjust to the school year.  Most Pine Village locations open on September 6.  We’ll be posting one tip here every day until then to help get you and yours ready to go.

Today's Tip: Get a jump on routines.

•  If bedtime has slid from 7:30 to 8:30 lately, and you’ve been sleeping in, slowly adjust your rhythms back to where you want them to be for the first day of school.  That will eliminate a lot of tears that morning and ensure your child is ready to jump right back into learning and playing with his friends.  
• Try to keep meal times, snack times, nap times and other routines as close as possible to your school year schedule. This will facilitate your child’s comfort in the first days and weeks.

Stay tuned tomorrow for Tip #2: Talking to your child about what to expect.

Encouraging bilingualism at home

   We are proud to report that last week’s workshop “Encouraging Bilingualism: How children learn language” was a great success!  It is always inspiring to meet other people who are passionate about raising bilingual children!

                We find that we are asked one question over and over again: “What is the best way to ensure that my children will be bilingual?” It is a tough question and there is lots of confusing, and sometimes conflicting information out there.  Some sources say only native speakers should teach children a second language.  Others say the more exposure the better, regardless of who is speaking.  Still others say that the “one-language, one-parent” method is the best way to limit confusion.  So how is a family to know what is the best way to encourage bilingualism at home?

                At Pine Village, we fully believe there is never “one right way” to do anything.  The “best way” to help your child or children become bilingual will vary based on your own goals, needs, experiences, and personal preferences.  Whatever makes you and your family most comfortable and happy will work best for you.  No two homes are identical.  When you are deciding what strategies are right for you, consider the following…

• What are my goals for my child(ren)’s language learning?
• Which language or combination of languages is most comfortable for me and the other adults in my home?
• What schedules and routines can I set up around language learning?  
•  Can we speak only Arabic at meal-time, only English in the car, only Mandarin at bedtime, only Spanish on Saturdays, etc.?
•  What resources can I draw on from friends, extended family, and the greater community? 
• Do family members speak another language? 
• Can I find a bilingual nanny or babysitter?
• What languages are spoken at local restaurants, grocery stores, or other gathering places
• Do I have friends or neighbors interested in bilingual play dates?

Again, you know your family better than anyone else.  Don’t let anyone (even us) deter you from implementing language strategies you know work in your home.   The most important thing to remember is that your children learn best when they (and their adult caregivers) are relaxed and having fun. 

Aprendemos en casa: We learn at home

Language learning tip of the week…

Whether your child is in a Spanish Immersion school or not, you may want to continue language learning at home during weekends, vacations, and other out-of-school time.  One great way to encourage your child (and yourself) to use Spanish at home is to label household objects with their Spanish names.  The labels could even include a photo of the object with the word beneath it to help children associate a word's meaning with the print.  Here is a simple list to get you started.

Español	English
La nevera	Refrigerator
El fregadero	Sink (kitchen)
La mesa	Table
La silla	Chair
La cama	Bed
El lavamanos	Sink (bathroom)
El inodoro	Toilet
La ventana	Window
La puerta	Door

Let us know how it goes and stay tuned for more language learning tips from Pine Village Preschool!