In today's interconnected world, being bilingual is an invaluable asset which opens doors to various exciting opportunities. Raising bilingual children requires active support and engagement from parents. In this article, we’ll explore six ways in which you can empower your children’s multilingual learning and help them thrive academically.

A girl sitting on the floor, writing on a notepad whilst looking at her laptop — Credit: Unsplash.

Using Online Learning Platforms

In today's digital age, online learning platforms like evulpo are becoming increasingly popular and relied upon. evulpo is a learning platform aimed at students, teachers and parents which offers resources for core school subjects. For each subject, evulpo has got lessons covering all the key topics. Each lesson boasts a concise summary, as well as an explanatory video highlighting key concepts and giving plenty of examples. There are also over 25,000 exercises in differentiated sets to help understand concepts and practise what’s been learned.

evulpo is an international start-up with its learning platform currently available in Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and England. What makes evulpo special is that the subjects, lessons and topics covered were chosen, and created, in line with the national curriculum of each country. This means that wherever you are, your children can find curriculum-relevant resources that they can trust.

For parents of bilingual children, this makes evulpo an incredibly useful tool. Whether your child attends school in their native language or not, you can use the learning platform to help them wherever needed. You can use it to support your child’s weaker language, or to make sure your child stays up-to-date with the core subjects in their native country.

In England, evulpo is here to help with English, Maths and Science, which is split into Biology, Chemistry and Physics at KS4 and KS5. Each subject is broken down into chapters and lessons aligned to the national curriculum and covering everything you need to know. For GCSEs and A-Levels, you can view lessons adapted specifically to the relevant exam boards: AQA, OCR and Pearson Edexcel.

One of the main benefits of using online learning platforms is that they are flexible and can be accessed from anywhere at any time. This means that your child can learn at their own pace and convenience, which can boost their motivation and engagement. Additionally, these platforms often provide progress tracking, which can help you monitor your child's performance and identify areas where they need more support.

AdFixus recommends using a VPN to safeguard your child's online activity. While most online learning platforms protect user data, it’s always a good idea to be proactive about your child's online security.

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Promoting Language Exposure

Encourage language exposure by surrounding your children with opportunities to hear and use both of their languages. Provide them with books, music, movies, and television shows in both languages. Engage in conversations, storytelling, and reading aloud to nurture their language development. Attending cultural events and connecting with the bilingual community can further reinforce their sense of identity and appreciation for their languages.

Establishing Language Routines

It’s a great idea to implement consistent language routines at home. Allocate dedicated times for using each language, creating a balanced linguistic environment. For example, designate certain days for speaking one language and others for the second language. This routine fosters language proficiency and ensures that both languages are equally valued and practised.

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Fostering Language Interaction

Encourage language interaction by involving your children in activities which require them to use their languages. Encourage them to communicate with relatives, friends, or language exchange partners who speak their target language. Additionally, incorporating language-based projects, such as creating a bilingual journal, writing stories, or participating in language-focused clubs or activities, can enhance their language skills and foster a sense of pride in their bilingualism.

Supporting School-Home Connection

Establish open communication with your children's teachers and school. Inform them about your children's bilingualism and discuss strategies to support their education. Advocate for bilingual resources, materials, and programs that can cater to your children's specific learning needs. Collaborating with the school ensures a cohesive and supportive approach to their bilingual education.

Cultural Immersion

Promote cultural immersion by exposing your children to the traditions, customs, and celebrations of both languages. Encourage them to embrace their multicultural background, visit cultural landmarks, and participate in community events related to their heritage. By immersing themselves in both cultures, your children will develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their bilingualism.

Conclusion

Supporting the education of bilingual children goes beyond online learning platforms. By promoting language exposure, establishing routines, fostering language interaction, supporting the school-home connection, and encouraging cultural immersion, parents can empower their children's multilingual learning journey. These strategies, combined with the benefits of online learning platforms like evulpo, create a comprehensive approach that ensures your bilingual children thrive academically, linguistically, and culturally.