Strong first-language skills are key to learning second tongue
I have just moved my nine-year-old son from a local Cantonese-speaking school to an English-speaking international school. His English skills are a little weak. I have been speaking to him in English at home, but my own English is not very good. The new teacher said I should speak Cantonese with him at home. I am confused about how to help him.
It is not uncommon for parents to receive differing advice about how to help their children with language acquisition, so your uncertainty is understandable. More importantly, students themselves often get mixed messages that can leave them confused.
Having a strong first language is a crucial foundation for second-language skills. Also, the mother tongue embodies cultural elements that give a strong sense of personal identity and heritage and, therefore, should be nurtured.
At home, you should use the language in which you are most fluent and confident. The best course of action would probably be to converse in Cantonese for the most part, providing a good role model for your son. Create lots of opportunities to talk about topics covered in school so he is building academic and sophisticated language skills in Cantonese as well as English.
You can still help to reinforce and extend English-language skills at home. For example, provide opportunities for your son to use the language with proficient speakers in a natural environment. You can encourage play dates and other activities with English-speaking friends and watch good quality English-language television. Listening to the radio and audio books are other examples. A well-qualified tutor may be an alternative, if finances allow.
Provide as many different types of English reading materials at home as you can. Use books containing non-fiction, fiction and poetry as well as periodicals and comics. Encourage him to research areas of interest on the internet using child-friendly search engines. Discuss newspaper reports together. You may want to use one of the papers or supplements available specifically for children, as well as the adult versions. Remember to aim for reading confidence and fluency before expecting total accuracy.