Helping Your Expat Children to Learn a Foreign Language

Linguistic shock – The kid doesn’t speak at all (not even his native language)

Telegraphic speech – The kid will use only 2-3 words to describe what they want e.g. – I go school

The kid speaks the local language fluently with his teacher and classmates.

Full acquisition of the second language.

It is important to remember that even if your kids are not speaking the local language, in most cases they understands it, but feel insecure to speak it. Your job is to encourage them and to provide supportive surrounding.
 
When they are ready – They will speak
 
There is a story about a five years old kid, lets call him Sam, who was living in the new country for 10 months but wouldn’t speak the local language. His birthday was approaching and his parents, who wanted to make him happy, were going to throw him a birthday party. They were planning to invite to the party only friends that speaks Sam’s native language.
 
Their intentions were good – Sam’s parents wanted him to be happy on his birthday, and thought that inviting to the party kids who speak the local language will make Sam feel uncomfortable.
 
But Sam wanted to celebrate his birthday with kids from his kindergarten; therefore he promised his parents that until his birthday he will speak the local language. And indeed on his birthday Sam returned from kindergarten speaking fluently the local language.
 

How To Encourage Your Expat Kids 

to Use and Speak the Second Language?

 
Kindergarten Kids – Let them watch DVD’S of their favorite’s movie in the foreign language. Read them a story they like in the local language. Learn and sing songs in the new language.

 
Primary School Kids – Initiate play dates with kids from their class. Take them to after school activities. Accompany them to social gathering,and translate for them whatever they don’t understand.
 
Junior-High and High-School Kids – In many cases older kids are afraid to speak. They fear of making mistakes and being laughed at. So, request them to do tasks that will force them to speak the second language – Ask them to order a Pizza, call a Taxi etc’. Moreover, be their raw model – Dare to speak the foreign language and to make mistakes. This will give your kids the courage to speak.
 

What Language Should You Speak in The House?

 
Most professionals agree that you should speak only one language in the house, and usually it should be your native language.
 
Why?

• 
  It is important that the conversation between you and your kids will be real and authentic, as it satisfies your kids’ emotional needs. It is difficult to reach this level of authenticity and spontaneity when speaking a second language
  
• 
  It is important that your kids will learn to speak properly the second language. In many cases parents makes many mistakes while speaking the second language.
  
• 
  The house should be your kid’s shelter. They should come back to a cozy and comfortable place, where they can relax and have fun. Speaking the second language in your house will not help to reduce their anxiety level.
  

The opportunity to learn a foreign language when relocating overseas is a great benefit, for you and your kids. However it requires patience, calmness, and optimism.

 
Try to enjoy the process and have fun while you and your kids learn a foreign language.