6 Ways to Help Your Bilingual Learner (when you don’t speak the language!)

Families that are new to language immersion learning often worry about how they will help their child with homework if they don’t speak the language. How are they supposed to help with subjects like mathematics, history, and social studies if they can’t even read the instructions? Fortunately, there are benefits to this situation; it encourages parents to be more “hands off!” Homework that is in a language that parents don’t understand helps to encourage children to work independently, and to take ownership of their learning.

Below are some helpful tips to help your child with homework:

1. Create a good space for homework.

As with English-language homework, a parent’s primary responsibility is to provide a time and place for it. Make sure that your child has dedicated time in their schedule, and a quiet, distraction-free spot where they can sit down and work.

2. Remember the true purpose of homework.

Homework should not be regarded as a “test” that your child must pass. It is ok if your child gets things wrong! Teachers use homework as a means by which to assess classroom learning overall, and to identify ways in which individual children may need to be supported. If your teacher sees that your child – or many children – is struggling around a concept, her or she may need to revisit ways to re-teach it during class.

3. Encourage good research skills.

Does your child have questions about a word, concept, or phrase? Keep resources like bilingual dictionaries and thesauruses on hand that can support their learning. Model how to use these tools to your children, and they will learn how to use them on their own.

4. Don’t translate word-for word.

As many dual language speakers will tell you, phrases in one language may not translate exactly into another. If your child has questions about a part of their homework, have your child read the whole sentence and explain the concepts that they do understand to you – in English. In doing so, they may be able to establish connections between concepts so that they can continue working.

5. Support your child’s role as an independent learner.

If your child still has questions or confusion, help them to establish a plan for how to get assistance. They can call a classmate to discuss it. Help them to make a list of items to talk to their teacher about. Finally, many language immersion schools have after school homework clubs, where students can get assistance from teachers and peers. Take advantage of those!

6. Be patient.

In general, homework is not “fun” for most children, regardless of the language! As a parent, please be positive and encouraging. Try not to feed your child’s impatience and frustrations by adding some of your own to the situation. Believe in your child!

If your child is still struggling on a regular basis, set up a time to speak with your child’s teacher. They can work with you and your child to set up a plan to improve the situation.

Language immersion education provides some unique challenges, but you are giving your children a priceless gift. Bilingualism positively impacts language production and problem-solving skills, and helps to make children more adaptable to change. Job prospects also increase significantly. You are opening up your child to a whole new world!
For over 26 years, The International School has provided a true immersion experience in Chinese, Japanese or Spanish. Their global faculty, small classes and inquiry based, International Baccalaureate approach enable children to acquire language and culture as they learn to pursue knowledge beyond the classroom and throughout life. They educate children aged 3 through 5th grade.