Some families do not take advantage of the many benefits of early childhood education because they are concerned their child will stop speaking and learning their home language. Years ago, teachers would advise parents to speak to their child only in English to help their child succeed in school. This is no longer the case. 

Research has shown that all children are able to learn many languages and should be encouraged to do so! Jim Cummins, an expert in language learning, has found that any language the child already knows will help him learn English.

Cummins has also found that it takes children about two years to be able to speak English, but it takes five or more years for them to learn the reading and writing skills they need to be successful in school. Waiting until kindergarten or grade one to expose your child to formal English learning puts them years behind their English-speaking classmates. This may lead to lower results and difficulty in school. 

Families who want their child to keep learning their home language while learning English should look for a childcare center that has educators that speak multiple languages and encourage children to use their home language in class and at home. The classroom should have books, posters, music, and resources in multiple languages. Educators should support families to find language resources and continue developing their child’s home language.

Learn more about Hold On from Ryerson University (in Punjabi, Filipino, Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu) at: www.ryerson.ca/mylanguage/brochures 

Arzmund Teja
Student, MEd