Written By: Zahra Mahamud

Parents play a vital role in fostering their children’s love for learning, and small actions at home can make a big difference. By creating a supportive learning environment, you can help your child succeed academically while preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage. At Voices of Tomorrow (VOT), we believe that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers. Through advocacy and empowerment, we strive to support families in nurturing learning and cultural pride. Here are five simple ways to support your child’s education at home, both in their native language and in English.

Read Together Daily

Reading with your child is one of the most effective ways to build literacy skills. Choose books in both your native language and English to strengthen your child’s language development in both. This not only boosts vocabulary but also reinforces cultural pride. Make reading a special, consistent part of your daily routine whether it’s bedtime stories or a quiet afternoon activity. VOT encourages families to prioritize literacy at home as a way to deepen cultural connections and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Create a Language-Rich Environment

Encourage learning by exposing your child to a variety of words and phrases in both languages. Label items around your home with words in your native language and in English. For instance, place a label on the refrigerator that says “refrigerator” and its translation. This visual reinforcement helps children expand their vocabulary while maintaining a connection to their heritage. VOT believes that creating bilingual learning environments at home is a powerful way to honor and preserve cultural traditions while supporting language development.

Incorporate Learning into Everyday Activities

Everyday tasks like cooking, grocery shopping, or even doing laundry offer opportunities to teach your child. Practice math skills by counting ingredients or calculating prices at the store. Introduce new vocabulary while preparing meals, naming utensils, or describing actions in both languages. These hands-on, real-world experiences make learning fun and practical. VOT encourages families to see everyday activities as opportunities to inspire curiosity and meaningful engagement in their children.

Encourage Storytelling and Conversations

Storytelling is a powerful way to develop language skills and nurture creativity. Share stories from your own childhood or cultural traditions and invite your child to tell their own stories. Encourage open-ended conversations in both languages, asking questions that spark curiosity. For example, ask, “What do you think would happen if…?” to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. At VOT, we believe that storytelling is an essential tool for preserving heritage and fostering strong connections between generations.

Provide Access to Educational Resources

Make learning accessible by surrounding your child with educational tools like books, puzzles, and games in both languages. Use technology wisely by exploring apps and websites designed for bilingual learners. Many resources are available for free or at a low-cost, offering interactive lessons in subjects like reading, math, and science. Additionally, check with your child’s school or local library for bilingual materials and programs. We advocate for equitable access to educational resources and encourage families to explore community tools that promote bilingual learning.

By supporting your child’s learning at home in both their native language and English, you’re helping them build a strong academic foundation while fostering pride in their cultural identity. These simple strategies not only boost learning but also create meaningful connections that benefit your child for years to come. At Voices of Tomorrow, we’re committed to empowering families with ideas and encouragement as they guide their children toward a brighter tomorrow. Remember, your involvement and encouragement are the keys to your child’s success!