The preschool years are very important in children’s literacy development. Spanish speaking parents can support their children’s development of Spanish and English vocabulary in many ways in the home environment; three are below.

1. Put Sight Words Up at Home: There are many common English and Spanish words, especially nouns, which can be taught to the children of Spanish speaking parents early on through the use of sight word labeling. Sight words are words that can be generally recognized on sight, and linking them directly to their meaning can help. Words like “door” and “table” can be labelled in the home with a simple slip of paper. Naming the items throughout the day can be a game that builds children’s confidence. For Spanish speaking parents, this is a vocabulary activity that does not require them to be fluent in English and can boost their own English skills as well.

2. Read Bilingual Books: Bilingual books that are written in both Spanish and English are designed with Spanish and English speaking parents in mind. They are meant to introduce multiple generations of the family to English and Spanish terminology and to facilitate dual learning with the parent and child. Bilingual books are created to celebrate cultural diversity, empower parents and children, and build their confidence in using English and Spanish in the home and broader community.

3. Incorporate English and Spanish Into Conversations with Children: Preschool aged children are constantly absorbing linguistic information, and it is important that Spanish speaking parents take opportunities to include some English vocabulary in their oral language experience and English-speaking parents can do the same in Spanish. This can tie into the two previous suggestions; sight words that are displayed in the home and words that are learned in bilingual books can be integrated into conversations and referenced throughout the evening or day when children are at home. A Bilingual Education report shares that, “oral proficiency in English is critical as well—but student performance suggests that it is often overlooked in instruction.” Parents can challenge themselves and their children to have a short conversation in English and Spanish while reading a bilingual book. Singing simple songs and rhymes that are easy to remember is also a fun form of oral communication that parents can try at home. Colorin Colorado points out that “rhymes, songs, and chants can develop oral language skills such as intonation and word stress.” Conversations with children in either language is always valuable at home as well. Spanish speaking parent’s language and culture of origin are vital to their children’s identity, and as the Handbook of Early Literacy Research points out, “use of the home language fosters relationships between parents and their children.”

The adventure of becoming bilingual is one that parents and children can and often must take together. Spanish speaking parents can use these tips to help their children (and themselves) develop stronger English vocabulary skills.

The Latino Family Literacy Project are experts in working with Spanish speaking parents and can train your staff to work with parents at your school to support parents in first language and second language.