Learning Two Languages as a Child
Q: My husband and I come from Spanish-speaking countries. Now that we live in America, we want our daughter to be able to speak both languages fluently. How do we do this without getting her mixed-up?
— Two Languages
A: Being able to speak both languages will definitely benefit your child in the future. If your daughter has been hearing both languages, she is well on the way to learning each one. When children pick up two languages before they are 3, one language may dominate at times. Research shows, however, that early regular exposure to two languages allows most children to become successfully bilingual. There is some disagreement about whether or not bilingual children develop vocabulary slower than those who speak just one language.
To help your child learn both languages, she will need to hear each one frequently in order to acquire sufficient vocabulary to speak them well. Use both languages in a natural way in your home. It’s also a good idea to read books to your daughter in both languages to expand her listening vocabulary in each one.
Unhappy Child in Preschool
Q: My 3-year-old son is not doing well at his current preschool. Two of his teachers are very stern and strict – not too friendly either. (I’ve visited the classroom.) My son is afraid of them and is always crying and unhappy. The lead teacher doesn’t think he is afraid of them specifically – but of everything. She has suggested counseling. I wanted my son moved to another class, but the director refused. At a different preschool last year, the teachers were gentle and he had no problems. Unfortunately, there is no room for him at that school.
Should I keep him in this school or look for another where he’d have to adjust to a new environment? And how can I tell what kind of teachers he’ll get?
— Unhappy Child
A: You’ve been to this school and seen it is not right for your son. It doesn’t make any sense for him to stay and have a miserable experience. Put his name on the wait list at the previous preschool and start looking for a new preschool. Visit to make sure the teachers at a school are right for your child before enrolling him. If you like them, chances are that he will, too.
The Dear Teacher column is written by Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts. Send your questions to them at DearTeacher@excite.com.