Celebrate sharing your first language

Talk, read, sing and play with your child in the language you know best. Research confirms that this is the best way to support your child's understanding of language and to build their vocabulary. 

When you’re not confident in using a language, it can limit the words you use, and the enjoyment you get sharing stories with your child. Research tells us that the language you're most comfortable using is the one to share with your child from birth. 

Good language role models

Children benefit most from being part of conversations with a confident speaker so that they hear more new words, and learn how they all work together. Enjoy sharing your first language by:

• singing, chatting, and playing in your first language
• speaking your first language at family outings and celebrations
• sharing stories and talking about the pictures in books in your first language, even if  your child responds in English.

Celebrate Harmony Week at your library

Harmony Week is a great time to celebrate the multiculturalism and diversity of Australia. You can enjoy Harmony Week this March 15-21 at your local library by borrowing books in your first language. Chat to your local library staff to see what languages are available for loan. 

Wordless picture books are also great way to share a story in any language. Titles include Window by Jeannie Baker, Flashlight by Lizi Boyd, Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle, and Museum Trip by Barbara Lehman.

Read more about first languages and great titles to share, and don't forget to ask your local library staff for more recommendations.