November 8, 2019
by ISB Native Language Programs
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Children of multilingual families rarely choose what languages they will learn. They receive and accumulate what is given them by the family and the outside world. However, once children begin to develop their linguistic competencies, they are compelled to make … Continue reading
February 28, 2019
by ISB Native Language Programs
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A moment of precious time with our grandchildren: pencils and paper, puzzles and activity books, scissors and glue are scattered about the table. Michelle draws an object of her imagination: a special vacuum cleaner. She draws arrows and labels different … Continue reading
October 31, 2018
by ISB Native Language Programs
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“We be of one blood, ye and I,” said Mowgli, quickly giving the Snake’s Call. “Down hoods all,” said half a dozen low voices. —Excerpt from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling My family has had a great summer and … Continue reading
June 10, 2018
by ISB Native Language Programs
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As the 2017-2018 school year comes to an end, we wish you a happy holiday! Olga Steklova sends you off with a column on translation games. Our young granddaughter Michelle, like most multilingual children, has a natural ability to switch … Continue reading
April 5, 2018
by ISB Native Language Programs
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A lot has been said here about balancing languages—and we have noted that much depends on our goals, needs, and available resources. Just as plants depend on the quality of soil and environment for their optimal growth, so children’s growth and … Continue reading
January 29, 2018
by ISB Native Language Programs
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The holidays are over—we enjoyed them tremendously! Our grandchildren, while they were acquiring swimming skills here in Thailand, were also immersed in a rich “linguistic pool”. “Tell me a story, Baba!” And I’d begin—in Russian. Breaks and pauses were not appreciated. “And then, … Continue reading
December 4, 2017
by ISB Native Language Programs
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This month we welcome columnist Olga Steklova back to the Native Language blog. A retired EAL teacher at ISB and trilingual herself, Olga shares tips for raising multilingual children—as she observes her own grandchildren! The holidays are around the corner. We are excited, as we … Continue reading
January 17, 2017
by ISB Native Language Programs
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When I read about a Korean grandpa who, for lack of face to face communication with his grandchildren, told them stories by means of virtual tools, and became a star of the internet – I realized that I could have … Continue reading
November 2, 2016
by ISB Native Language Programs
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Many events have taken place since the beginning of summer. Our little potential trilingual is at the age of three. With seemingly perfect understanding of at least two languages, Russian and French – the third language, English, is beginning to … Continue reading
March 23, 2016
by ISB Native Language Programs
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People who think seriously about raising multilingual children often worry about maintaining linguistic balance. Indeed, books, articles, blogs and parents’ pride in their mother tongue compel us to strive for balanced bi- or multilingualism. Balanced development of multiple languages is … Continue reading