My child understands a lot of the target language but s/he isn speaking it?
This is a perfectly normal part of the process for kids who are learning a second language, especially in immersion environments. They are processing all of the new information they are receiving. The fact that they understand the language is extremely positive. In time, they will move from the “silent phase” into one where they experiment with the new sounds they have been hearing. It is important during this time not to place too much pressure on the young student to speak otherwise it might actually inhibit the normal process. The best way to advance a child’s development is to increase the exposure to the target language – through a variety of sources. There are many strategies for this, such as interactive story telling, listening together to music in the target language and allowing your child to meet others from the target culture.
Related Questions
- My child speaks Spanish, our first language, very well and is starting English kindergarten soon. Should I start speaking to him in English at home?
- My child is three and a half years old, but is still not speaking. What is the normal age of acquiring speech and language?
- My child understands a lot of the target language but s/he isn speaking it?
