The importance of maintaining your child's first language

Those of you who have come to the parent meetings that we have twice a term, will have heard me stress the importance of your child continuing to speak, read, write and understand their first language. If your child cannot read or write their first language just continue with those aspects that they can do. Research has proven that children who are strong in one language find it easier to learn a new language.  So there is no need for your child to stop speaking their first language when they come to school.  Indeed, it will be an advantage to your child if you continue speaking and reading to them in their first language.  If your child can speak several languages other than English, continue to speak these at home.  Your child has a great advantage over those of us who can only speak one language!
Our students at Oaklands are welcome to speak their own language at school, especially when they are playing games or generally interacting with others who speak the same language.