Talking together

Language is one of the most important gifts you give your child. But how do you give it? The answer is simple. Speak your language with your child at home every day! Click on the buttons below to find out how.

Our babies need us to talk to them, the more words they hear the better talkers they become. Here are ways you can Talk, Listen and Cuddle with your child everyday.

Home is a place where your little one is most confident and spends the majority of their day. It is the perfect place to help them learn to talk, in whatever language you speak.

Being outdoors is the perfect time to point out and name new things. View more outdoor ideas to help develop your child's vocabulary and understanding here.

Singing is one of the most simple ways to help your child remember words and sounds. Here are the most popular rhymes voted for by families in Essex.

Why is home language important?

The language you speak with your children is the first language they will learn. It is their first connection to you, to the rest of their family, and to their culture and community. It is the language they first use to learn about the world around them. It is the language that helps them get “set for life” – and you are a central part of that process! This is one of the many ways parents are their children’s first teachers.

What are the benefits of using your home language?

Using your home language connects your children to your family. It also provides a connection to your important cultural traditions, and to friends and neighbours who speak the same language. Using your home language allows you to teach your children, and to learn new things together. You can talk about new experiences and words; you can practise
letters and numbers. All of these things are an important part of your children’s early learning – and it will be easier and more fun for you if you do it in your most comfortable language.

Will my children get confused using two languages?

Young children can learn two or more languages at the same time. They learn quickly when they have lots of experiences with adults who speak with and listen to them. Sometimes children will combine words or phrases from both languages. That’s OK! It may sound as though they are confused, but they are actually learning the rules and vocabulary from both languages and sorting them out in their brains. It is a sign of good learning and thinking.

What can I do at home?

Tell stories and read to your children in your home language. Share rhymes, chants, songs, and poems you learned as a child. Look for fun activities happening in your language, such as story time at your local library, local festivals and cultural events. Look for bilingual books, wordless books, or books in your home language at your nearest public library.

Find your home language

English

Arabic

Bengali

Urdu

Bulgarian

French

Malayman

Thai

Portugese

Punjabi

Gujarati

Lithuanian

Italian

Mandarin

Romanian

Turkish

Hungarian

Latvian

Polish

Russian

Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you looking for advice about your child's learning and development? We answer your frequently asked questions here.

Get in touch

For further support or advice, please feel free to contact us on the email address below.
Email Us

A Mackman Group collaboration - market research by Mackman Research | website design by Mackman

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