Family  Literacy
Times

Parents sometimes believe that teaching their child more than one language will only confuse them. They believe that it will make it more difficult when their child goes to school. Actually the opposite is true!

Learning an Aboriginal language from an early age helps a child learn at home and at school. Children who are fluent in their first language do well at school. Once they have an understanding of one language they can learn another language easily. Young children pick up languages faster and easier than adults.

Children learn a language by living the language. They need to hear it spoken and they need to see adults using the language as part of their everyday lives. Build activities around your culture and traditions and use your language often. This will give your child a strong foundation for learning and a strong sense of who they are. Language is more than a way to communicate. It is a living expression of culture, community and family ties.

What's Inside

HIPPY Comes to Yellowknife

Literacy Lunches in Inuvik

Second Stage Family Literacy Training

Family Tutoring: Reading and Writing

Family Literacy Ideas

Update on Family Literacy Programs

Book Resources

• Speak your language at home.Even if you aren't fluent, use what you know.
• If you can, borrow books, tapes and other Aboriginal language materials from the school or local language resource centre.
• Label different things in your home in your Aboriginal language and practice saying them each day.
• Learn the language with your children by going to Aboriginal language programs. You are never too old to learn!