Do this at home - Tip 1 - Enjoy!

Does your family have silly songs you sing together? Sometimes it's a jingle from a commercial you can't get out of your head, or a nursery rhyme everyone loves, or a popular song tied to a meaningful family event.
Think of how these kinds of fun songs can make work go faster, or help a child fall asleep at naptime, or keep everyone entertained on a long car trip. One family member might know all the words, another has figured out harmony, another can't keep a tune but manages to add some interesting percussion by tapping the rhythm on whatever household objects are at hand.

That's the way I'm suggesting you think about language practice. Just make sure you are relaxed and having fun, even when you and your child are feeling challenged or confused -- it's just part of the process!

For the next few weeks I'll be posting one tip at a time, techniques to use at home to help your child practice their new language. These tips apply whether your child learns from you at home, or studies the language in school, or participates in after-school language classes or tutoring. Whether you are fluent, familiar, or just learning the language along with your child, does not really matter.

What matters is that your child sees that you ENJOY speaking and thinking in a new language, and because you enjoy it, your efforts produce results and lead to even more fun and enjoyment. This is not a "sit back and be entertained" activity. It's a "roll up your sleeves and make it happen" activity, like painting the house, baking a cake, or any of the other fun or crazy adventures you and your child have enjoyed together.

I approach language learning as a very meaningful way we can build community, explore creative possibilities, strengthen our families and friendships, and expand each person's power of self-expression.

You never know where this journey will take you and your family. But I can guarantee you, it will be a lot more enjoyable if you just think of language practice as one more song the family can sing together.