In which language should I read stories to my 3 yr 4 mths old son?

Question

I have read that reading stories to children helps a lot in improving listening, increase in attention and their imagination etc.
The problem is that english is not our mother tongue but the medium of instructions at school is English.At the same time the word power of my son is still not that strong.He is still not able to express what he wants even in the mother tongue.Lack of clarity of speech may be the problem.So I want read stories to him.But then what language should I choose for the stories.Should they be in English or our mother tongue or mixed language?Pls help.

Answer 1

Read, and speak, to him in both languages, but do NOT "code switch," or flip-flop back and forth between the languages. Code switching causes problems with the child separating out grammar rules, and will affect his/her writing skills negatively later on. The child needs to learn that THIS set of vocabulary goes with THIS grammar pattern, and THE OTHER set of vocabulary goes with THE OTHER grammar pattern.

In each situation you should start with one language and stick with it for the duration. Don't change languages that often, but do change them regularly. Activity changes are good, natural breaks in which to change from one language to the other.

The stories should each be in ONE language. But you should read different stories, at different times, in each language.

You do want the child to learn both languages. Knowing more than one language has been proven to increase intelligence (not to mention the number of people you can communicate with).

Answer 2

First I would like to point out that I am not an expert on this subject, so please take everything I say with a grain (or maybe spoonful) of salt:

I believe that for the next few years, your son will be in a position where learning things will be the easiest. I would suggest that you read (for the time being) in both languages. You want your son to be fluent in your native tongue, but you don't want him to feel behind the other students when he starts school. Yes, he can learn English in school, but I think that sending him to school without a good (your English is probably good enough to get him prepared for school) basis will make him feel different. It's hard for kids to feel different, it isn't until you start to grow up (and not even then for some people) that people realize that diversity is a good quality.

Now, after a couple of years, when he is doing well in school, I think that you should use your native tongue mainly around the house. This will help him, since he will be using English mainly in school and using your language at home.

Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will make the right choice. You are asking questions and trying to stay educated, and I think those are very important things. Good luck.

Answer 3

My reply to this is BOTH,,,children's formative learning ability is a capacity we cannot even fathom..... I have seen this done in countless households and it has always worked...the child will decide how they prefer it as translations often are varied a bit...I shall keep my answer short and concise smiling that you care so much to teach......a child so young.. what a wonderful nurturer you are....my eyes are filling with tears.....whatever you decide...know this..you made a difference today. When I read your question i was filled with emotion....you must be an incredible Mother ~ Your child cannot lose with you as a teacher.
I am mother of two and didn't have your particular question as Spanish was taught in school....and so were my children. My mother's first language was not of the USA...and she even taught me Latin....so you remind me sweetly of the care that anyone would take with someone so very young...believe me, as the eldest of 9.....I got the point of reading in two languages...and became bi-lingual after all.....it is wonderful your child has you for a mother.....again my recommendation is BOTH ~

Answer 4

The rule of thumb is thus - yes read to your child but keep whatever language you use separate. Meaning if you read to him in English don't explain to him in your native tongue keep it English if you are reading in your mother tongue then don't interject English.
Reading is the best way to help your child with language enhancement.

Answer 5

I would say both languages but since you say that he is having difficulties then maybe English so that he won't have more problems at school. Also you might want to consider a doctor if the problem continues, he might be dyslexic or something

Answer 6

I think Mother Language. Because he can always learn English at school, it's not that hard, my mom learned it when she was 31 and now she's really fluent.

Answer 7

i think telling stories in mother tongue is best. but as you mentioned medium of instruction in school is English, so you must start telling him stories in English too along with your mother tongue.

Answer 8

You should use both languages while your son in small and at least gets to first grade. THis will enable him to be bilingual.

Answer 9

you should read stories in ENGLISH because if you read and speak to you're child baby talk he'll have a hard time to learn how to speak the natural way... he/she'll be baby talk all his/ her life!!!!!

Answer 10

you should teach him in a language that you use, even its hard its the best thing to do!!!!!!!!!