Multilingual Families Surrey - MFS
Updates & Resources
SIX FUN ACTIVITIES
1. OBSTACLES COURSE
Allow your children to use items in the house to make an obstacles course. Put some traditional music in the background and have fun. Associating your music with a fun activity is a great way to help your children connect emotionally with your heritage.
2. MUSICAL STATUE
Start the music (from your cultural heritage) and everybody dance. When you stop the music, everybody must freeze. Anyone who moves is eliminated from the game. The winner is the last standing dancer.
3. GUESS THE ANIMAL
A family member picks an animal and describes it using the minority language. The other members of the family must guess the animal. Older children can be encouraged to ask questions like “Does your animal live in the jungle or the sea?”. The first person to guess the animal gets to pick the next animal.
4. OLD MACDONALD’S HAD A MULTILINGUAL FARM
Sing Old Macdonald’s had a farm with your children. Use this opportunity to teach them the differences in animal sounds between an English dog and a French dog for example etc.
5. OUTDOOR SCAVENGER HUNT
Give your children a printed list of nature items (words or images depending on age) to find. The first player or team to report back with all their items wins. This is a fun way of acquiring new vocabulary.
6. GOING TO THE SUPERMARKET
Use small boxes, cans and plastic fruits and vegetables to create a supermarket. Use paper money from a board game, or cut out from paper. Pretend you are going to the supermarket and discuss what to get in the minority language.
SIX CRAFT IDEAS
1. Family flags bunting
2. Flags stickers to sort out the bookcase
3. Compilation of English and Mother tongues nursery rhymes
4. Compilation of parents’ favourite music tracks
5. Memory box
6. Notebook to keep track of your children funny language mixes and eventful family moments
TOP 5 WEBSITES ON MULTILINGUAL PARENTING
