Blogging A to Z: Native Language
I live in a community where on any given day I can hear a handful of languages in the library. We have a large population of families from India in our area, plus Spanish, French, Chinese, some Eastern European languages, and more! Children in our school district speak 40 different languages!
Many parents come into the library worried that their kids might start school behind their peers because English is not their child’s first language. They’re worried their kids might be confused by speaking multiple languages at home. When in actuality, studies show that teaching kids to read in the native language at home actually helps them to learn how to read in English or a second language.
Native Language
Even if the words are different, there are new sounds, and new letters, children will understand the process of reading which is an early literacy skill that kids should go to school knowing. They know that the squiggles on the page match up to vocabulary and by putting it all together you can create a story. By not only speaking their native language at home but by reading it, kids can strengthen their cognitive foundation and can more easily begin reading in a second language.
I’ve mentioned before that brain development in infants and toddlers is astronomical and exposing children to multiple languages early will actually wire their brains to learn additional languages in the future more easily. I think that parents who speak and read in their native language are most likely more comfortable and fluent and can add inflection and rhythm to their reading, which helps to teach kids those early literacy skills. Because even if the language changes, all stories benefit from inflection and rhythm.
Finding Books
It’s not always easy to find books in different languages. If you’re lucky enough to travel, I’d suggest checking out bookstores when you visit an area that speaks the same language as you do. You can always try a simple Google or Amazon search for titles in a specific language. If you have a larger library in your area, you might find some bilingual titles. Although a different focus, this article offers a couple of suggestions for searching for books in different languages.
I wanted to share a bunch of books in different languages, but I didn’t want to leave anyone feeling left out, so rather I chose some great books that I really enjoy reading. Check out this post from Bookroo for some great suggestions that are bilingual or written in different languages!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Book List #15 – Native Language
- Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua
A little girl is learning to make bao, but her small hands are having trouble! - Bebé Goes Shopping by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Steven Salerno
Go shopping with a baby and mama with Spanish language words sprinkled throughout. - Giraffe Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith
Giraffe is embarrassed by his really long neck? Why does it have to be sooooo long? - Jump! by Tatsuhide Matsuoka
Animals are jumping all over and your little one will want to as well! - Me & Mama by Cozbi A. Cabrera
A beautiful story of the bond between mother and daughter. - The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
Sometimes things don’t always go as planned, but if you keep trying, you might just make the most magnificent thing! - No Pants! by Jacob Grant
Dad has his hands full when his son does NOT want to put on any pants. - The Old Truck by Jerome Pumphrey, illustrated by Jarrett Pumphrey
Resilience is at the core of this story of an old truck that is brought back to life. - Round by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo
Inspire your curiosity to find all the round things in your world! - ¡Vamos!: Let’s Go Eat by Raúl the Third, colors by Elaine Bay
Take a tour of all the delicious food trucks in Little Lobo’s hometown! - What’s Up, Maloo? by Geneviève Godbout
Maloo has lost his hop, can his friends help him find it? - You Are Light by Aaron Becker
Hold this book up to the light to discover how light changes and morphs.
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.
For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!
