Friday, January 31, 2020

Hello Ranchlands School Community!

 English as Another Language

Research has shown that knowing more than one language has many cognitive benefits. For instance, people who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, greater concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills. The importance of keeping one's home language while learning English is imperative for students for this reason as well as many others. Over time, students learning English may begin to forget their native language or use it less often as their English vocabulary increases. There are many benefits to continuing to use one's home language:

  1. Your child will develop stronger English skills if you continue to use and develop your home language.
  2. Your home language will help your child to learn. When a child knows about things in the home language, he or she will learn about things in the second language more easily.
  1. Your home language supports your child’s sense of identity.
  2.  Knowing the home language helps children to communicate easily within the family and the community. (adapted from Coelho, E. Adding English 2004 Pippin Publishing)

For practical suggestions and ways in which you can support your child at home in doing so visit: 
https://portal.cbe.ab.ca/staffinsite/teaching/inclusive/ell/Documents/keep-home-language-alive.pdf

The CBE and the Calgary Public Library will be holding a session for parents and caregivers on keeping the home language alive. Details are given below.



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