The best time to learn a second language is as a child. During childhood, the brain is more receptive to language learning than at any other time in life. Aware that a second language can enrich their child's understanding of other cultures and bring future job opportunities in a world drawn ever closer by globalization, many parents today are motivated to raise their children bilingual. This book helps parents in both monolingual and multilingual families determine and achieve their bilingual goals for their child, whether those goals are understanding others, the ability to speak a second language, reading and/or writing in two languages, or some combination of all of these. The authors explain how the brain learns more than one language, explode common myths, address frequently asked questions, and reveal an array of resources available to families. Packed with insightful anecdotes and powerful strategies, this is a one-of-a-kind guidebook for those seeking to provide their children with a uniquely valuable experience.
By:
Naomi Steiner
With:
Susan Hayes
Imprint: AMACOM
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 12mm
Weight: 240g
ISBN: 9780814400463
ISBN 10: 0814400469
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 01 November 2008
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
CONTENTS Foreword Introduction Step 1: Building the Foundation for Your Child’s Bilingualism What Does It Mean to Be a Bilingual Family What Does It Mean to Be Bilingual? 7 Common Myths about Bilingualism The Bilingual Advantage Step 2: Making It Happen: Defining Your Goals Decide Which Languages Are Important to You and Why Identify Your Motivations for—and Your Reservations about—Bilingualism Worksheet 1 Language Questionnaire Choose Which Language(s) You and Your Partner Are Going to Speak to Your Child Set a Start Date Determine How Proficient You Hope Your Child Will Be in a Second Language Do a Reality Check. Are Your Proficiency Goals Realistic for Your Family? Take into Account That One Language Will Be Dominant Worksheet 2 My Bilingual Goals and Choices Step 3: Becoming a Bilingual Coach Part One: Taking Charge Part Two: Who Speaks Which Language When? Step 4: Creating Your Bilingual Action Plan Part One: Maximizing Language Input at Home Part Two: Making The Most of Community and Family Resources Part Three: FindingSchool Support Part Four: How Three Families Are Raising Bilingual Children Part Five: Create Your Own Bilingual Action Plan Worksheet 3 What Are the Key Components to My Bilingual Action Plan? Worksheet 4 Our Family’s Weekly Bilingual Schedule Step 5: Leaping over Predictable Obstacles Predictable Obstacle 1: I’m Not Sure That I’m Speaking to My Child in a Way That Will Help Him Become Bilingual Predictable Obstacle 2: My Child Does Not Want to Speak My Language Anymore—She Only Wants to Speak English Predictable Obstacle 3: My Child Keeps Mixing Languages Predictable Obstacle 4: I’m Self-Conscious about Speaking My Language to My Child in Public Predictable Obstacle 5: Because I’m the One Who Speaks a Second Language, I Feel Like I’m the One Doing All the Work to Raise Our Child Bilingual Predictable Obstacle 6: My Work Schedule Has Become Really Hectic, and There’s Little Time for My Child’s Bilingualism Step 6: The “Two Rs”: Reading and Writing in Two Languages Reading in a Second Language The Write Stuff Step 7: Adapting to School: The Bilingual Child Goes to School Part One: Public Bilingual Education Programs: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re at, and Where We’re Going Part Two: Results May Vary: How to Handle Special Situations That Can Affect Your Child’s Bilingual Academic Progress Conclusion Bilingual Resource List
Naomi Steiner, M.D. is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who works with bilingual families at Tufts Medical Center Boston. Susan L. Hayes is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Parent & Child, Parenting, Woman's Day, and other publications.
Reviews for 7 Steps to Raising a Bilingual Child
Recommended for large public libraries and libraries serving diverse cultures. -- Library Journal
