If you speak more than one language, there are resources to help you understand how to teach your child languages at home. The ability to speak more than one language helps your child's brain development, build their self-confidence and improve wellbeing. It will also enable your child to communicate with relatives, friends and other community members and help them feel secure in their cultural identity.
Did you know that a child who develops good use of their home language is more likely to develop good English?
Do not worry if you do not speak English. Talk to your child in a language you understand so that they learn it correctly.
Three top tips on how children learn languages
If talking to your child in different languages is the goal, here are a list of things that you can do to teach your child a second language.
- We'd recommend speaking in the language you feel most comfortable with.
- Ask family and friends to join in speaking the language so they can understand and speak confidently.
- Spend time together playing and practising.
The BBC's Tiny Happy People website has further guidance on:
- Why speaking different languages is good for your child
- Advice on how to develop language in a bilingual household
- Balancing talking two different languages at home
- Learning languages through play and games
Resources to help teach your child a second language
We've pulled together a list of the best materials to help you start talking to your child in different languages.
- Bilingual quick tips on the National Literacy Trust website
- Bilingualism guidance on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Children's Health website
- Speaking more than one language - a guide for parents (opens PDF on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust website)
What to do if you have concerns about your child's speech and language development?
Visit our webpage on how to get help if you're worried about your child's speech and language development. You can find out about signs and symptoms of issues plus organisations and charities that can help you.