Holidays are often synonymous with relaxation and rest, but they can also be a valuable opportunity to maintain and reinforce language skills, especially when you speak two languages. For children enrolled in bilingual schools, this is the time of year when you can help your children maintain their language skills!
Creating an immersive environment
One of the most effective ways of getting regular practice is to create an immersive environment at home. It's not just a question of having children practise a language every day, but of integrating it into their daily activities in a natural way. For example, parents can designate certain activities related to a specific language:
- In the morning, speak English for everyday tasks such as breakfast and tidying up.
- Use French for leisure activities such as reading books, playing board games or watching films or cartoons in French.
Fun activities: games and creations
Children learn best when they're having fun. Make the most of the holidays by organising activities that involve English in a fun way. Here are a few ideas:
- Bilingual treasure hunts : Create clues in French and English for a treasure hunt around the house or garden.
- Role-playing : Encourage children to play role-playing games in which they have to use a specific language for each character.
- Creative workshops : During craft activities, ask your child to follow the instructions in English or French (for example, when making an object or cooking).
Exchanges with friends or family
If possible, use the holidays to organise informal language exchanges. This could be a video call with a friend or family member who speaks one of the languages, or a stay with a family who speaks one of the languages. These real-life interactions are an opportunity for children to practise their oral skills in a natural setting.
Reading books in English
Reading remains one of the most effective ways of keeping both languages up to date. Choosing bilingual books, where each page has a text in French and English, is ideal. This allows children to become familiar with words and phrases in both languages, while having a visual aid to help them understand.
Establish a flexible but regular routine
Finally, even during the holidays, it's important to establish a small routine that allows both languages to be practised without overload. Just a few minutes a day is enough to prevent children losing their linguistic bearings. This can include :
- Read a book in English every night before going to bed.
- Listen to a song or watch an educational video every morning.
- Devote 15 to 20 minutes a day to a language game (word game, puzzle, etc.).
Conclusion: make the holidays a time for learning without pressure
Holidays are an excellent opportunity to maintain language learning while allowing the child to relax. It's essential not to put any pressure, but to make learning fun and natural!