Want to raise bilingual kids? Here’s a quick guide to ALL the strategies!
1. OPOL (One Parent, One Language):
Mom speaks one language (e.g., Spanish), and Dad speaks another (e.g., English).
Helps kids naturally associate a language with each parent!
2. Minority Language at Home (MLAH):
Speak the minority language at home, while kids learn the community language outside.
Great for creating an immersion environment!
3. Time and Place Approach:
Assign times or places for each language.
Example: Spanish mornings, English evenings, or language-specific rooms.
4. Mixed Language Approach:
Use both languages freely throughout the day.
Example: “Do you want milk? ¿Quieres leche?”
5. Outsourced Exposure:
Hire a tutor, join language classes, or find immersion programs.
Recorded videos or live classes work, too!
Which strategy works best for your family? We have tried all of them but currently doing number 3 and 5.