Bilingual kids learning to read - which language first?

Question

Our children are growing up in a country where the dominant language (Russian) is different than that which we speak at home (English). Our 4-yr old is conversant in both languages, and we are now at home learning letters and sounds (Eng). She will be attending preschool and will be learning the same in Russian. I have been told, however, that we should focus on reading skills in her dominant language, and then, only when she understands the process of reading, add the Russian. Your experiences, opinions, please? Is it really more likely that she will have trouble decoding if she is exposed to two (at some points similar) alphabets simultaneously?

Answer 1

You need to focus in her Native Language first. Once she develops reading skills in her native language and comprehends what she is reading, it will be the time to teach her how to read in her second language. You learn how to read only once in your lifetime, once she knows the skill, she will be able to apply it in a different language. It is great that she can communicate in both languages, you should focus in English at home (since she won't get it at school) and she will practice Russian at school. A big part of this process relies on you, you need to be committed to help her practice and become fluent in both languages.

Answer 2

There are language patterns to consider as well. A young child can easily learn and adapt to many languages as well as retain the information. If a family is supportive in her efforts-she can learn both languages at the same time. It will be fun and interesting when she is fluent in the language and starts using "slang" or the local community jargon too. I am Native and am still learning my Native language and have retained my language pattern-in spite of efforts of the "Education system".

Answer 3

I've heard of some bilingual preschools and kindergartens teaching both at the same time. They key was that it be two entirely different people with the language of instruction matching the spoken language with the adult, which is what it sounds like you are doing.

Your daughter will undoubtedly be fine.

Answer 4

I wish you luck with
Bilingual education.
Having seen what it has done to our state
in the past 18 years, I still say No,
to Bilingual Education.
The child does get confuse by time they hit
middle/junior high!
I have seen it one too many time over
from Kindergarden to high school..
Once the school district places a child
in this program, it's very difficult to
get out of it..
In the long run, English should be
the primary language taught, and then,
go ahead and let the child pick his own
elective language in middle school..

Answer 5

as a preschool teacher my opinion is to have her start learning the language she will be learning in elementary school and up. it will help your child in the future greatly. teach your child english at home. it is important for your child to keep her heritage going, but more important to get a real headstart in her education.

Answer 6

teach her to read in her native language then learning to read in a second language will be successful