What happens if English is not my child’s first language?

As Mandy Smerkovitz, Grade R teacher says, “We welcome non-English speaking children with open arms!”

Preschool children learn new languages quickly. They socialise easily and learn language through play, specifically, and classroom interaction, in general.

Mandy helps these children by showing them what to do practically and working with them as they copy both her and their peers. She reminds us, “that a young brain works so well, sometimes better than our adult brains, so children learn and memorise quickly and easily.”

Children are sponges, eager to learn and be a part of new experiences. Our diversity (acceptance) and inclusivity (patience) form the ideal setting for them to learn and master a new language.

Parents can also get outside help to speed the process along, especially if they are not English speakers themselves, but this is not always an option. Still, children often manage successfully without specialized input.

Parents can assist children themselves by introducing and reinforcing basic English terms — like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ — as well as greetings. This helps kids connect with their English-speaking peers on a daily level

That kids feel welcome and included is usually a strong motivating factor to help them learn a new language, and possibly treasure it for life.