Language Learning for Children As a former languages teacher, language learning has always been a passion in addition to a profession, and my love of other languages and cultures has shaped my life, including living abroad and having enriching friendships with wonderful people from different parts of the world. I have always hoped to share this passion with my children but have struggled to find opportunities for children to learn languages locally. My son had a fantastic, French-speaking childminder when he was one, and he came to understand what she said to him and spoke several French words himself, which was exciting! However, the childminder moved on to other work, and my son became half-hearted about speaking French after that. In researching this article I spoke to several families in the Thames Valley West area, two of whom had a parent whose first language was not English. These families were bringing their children up to be bilingual (Japanese / English and Russian / English), but they were also really positive about other languages for their children: Tatiana said that her sons were learning French as well, and James said he thought children in the UK should be taught another language. Unfortunately, my son, now nine, has lost interest in learning another language, and another mum I spoke to said of her nine-yearold, “Sadly, my daughter hasn’t been interested in learning another language.” Perhaps children just don’t see this as an interesting activity? Nevertheless, several parents mentioned language clubs at their children’s schools
(French and Italian were cited), which were enjoyed for their fun elements, for example “an annual ‘French café’ when the teacher brings in (French) food and the pupils have to ask for it in French”. It seems therefore that many local parents are keen for their children to learn a foreign language before secondary school but that this has to be fun and lively in order to catch the interest of children. I spoke to Cari Weston of BilinguaSing, who runs bilingual music classes from ages 0-11 in French, Spanish and Italian in the Wokingham and Bracknell area. Cari’s classes are part of a holistic, multisensory experience, where babies and children can start to learn foreign languages in a fun and engaging way. The focus is firmly on being positive about learning languages, and she states, “As someone who studied languages, I'd always said that I didn't want to be a teacher. However, the BilinguaSing classes are such a fun and innovative way to teach, I could see how engaged the children were and I felt I would be able to do this. I've also always loved music, singing and dancing, so this is a perfect combination for me!” As well as the uplifting feelings experienced during the classes, Cari is enthusiastic about the wider benefits of learning languages: “It also opens children's minds up to the fact that other people are different - they eat different food, have different traditions, even celebrate Christmas differently! It gives them another perspective on the world, which I think can only benefit
Speech and Language Therapy or EAL support By Camilla Crystal Many of you will be reflecting on recent years and wondering whether we will be waving goodbye to COVID-19 this year as well as recovering from the impact of Brexit. I sincerely hope so! In the context of health and education, Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and educators have adapted tremendously during the pandemic via video-conferencing platforms. Nevertheless, I CAN, a reputable charity, has reported that ‘up to 1.5 million children face being left behind in their speaking and understanding due to disruption caused by Covid.’ (Source: Speaking up for the Covid Generation)
• being able to say sounds in speech (except /th/ and /r/ and three-consonant combinations e.g. str)
How do you know if your child needs Speech and Language Therapy? Once your child is in school, if they are struggling with forming friendships and understanding what is expected of them, they may be experiencing a developmental delay/disorder. Contact your SENCO, particularly if your child has problems with: • abstract ideas e.g. time • understanding or remembering instructions • organising ideas in order • understanding stories • missing out words in sentences e.g. “bird garden” instead of “a bird is in the garden”
English as an Additional Language (EAL) A pre-schooler by the age of four will be exposed to both their home language (if they’re bilingual) and their second language (at the educational setting). If your child is not acquiring vocabulary typical for their age in their first language, one needs to consider if there is a delay.
Visit the ‘progress checker’ via talkingpoint.org.uk and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for milestones: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/mileston es/index.html
Camilla Crystal is an Independent Speech and Language Therapist and Teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Contact: camilla@ccsandl.onmicrosoft.com or call 07581 067 499.
10 • Bracknell • Henley • Reading • West Berkshire • Wokingham
By Lesley Chambers, editor children in terms of developing their curiosity and empathy.” Ricardo Barreto, who teaches Spanish and Portuguese locally, agrees: “Learning foreign languages has a very particular impact on one’s brain. It is also a powerful key that can open valuable doors in the real world, allowing purposeful interactions with other people and cultures, as well as widening one’s professional prospects.” The message is that these skills are still relevant, still fun and still incredibly beneficial on many levels: language learning in the UK is very much alive and necessary! If you would like to find out more about Cari’s classes, contact cari@bilinguasing.com or 07729 261018. To enquire about private Spanish or Portuguese lessons, contact Ricardo at ricardobarreto.mflteacher@gmail.com.
Help for my child Mental Health Time to Talk Kooth Emotional Health Triage service (servicesguide.reading.gov.uk and directory.westberks.gov.uk) Legal advice and support IPSEA (ipsea.org.uk) Contact (Contact.org.uk) SaLTNHScypf.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk. ASLTIP (helpwithtalking.com). ICAN (ican.org.uk/i-cans-talking-point) afasic.org.uk Tuition Tutor Doctor (tutordoctor.co.uk)
Help for me Workingmums.co.uk climbingout.org.uk Mentalhealth.org. Ukfrontline19.com Resources Twinkl.co.uk Chatterpack.net
familiesonline.co.uk
