The following sections from Developing Authentic Partnerships with Families of Dual Language Learners: A Toolkit for Educators of Children Ages Birth to Five provide information, videos, and activities for families with concrete ideas for supporting their child’s multilingualism. Topics include:

1.  How your family’s language goals and practices support multilingualism
2. How play supports your child’s home language
3. How reading supports your child’s home language

Developing Authentic Partnerships with Families of Dual Language Learners: A Toolkit for Educators of Children Ages Birth to Five was developed in partnership with the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools.

1. How Your Family’s Language Goals and Practices Support Multilingualism

This handout and accompanying videos offer a way for you and your family to share your ideas about the language goals you hold for your child. After watching short videos of families, you can reflect on what you saw and how it relates to your own family’s approach to multilingualism. Communicating in your home language is critical to children’s language development. A strong start in the home language can help children become multilingual and can foster socio-emotional well-being through stronger family ties, positive multilingual self-identity, and cultural connections.