How Multilingual Families Can Start a Language Playgroup!

13 July 2010 by by Corey Heller

Getting the Word out

Once you have decided these basics, it is time to let people know what you have organized. Contact your local community centers, libraries, and schools as well as parent magazines and the local newspapers. Find out who is willing to help you get out the word for free and then send them the information.

The best way to help people learn about your playgroup is to start an internet group, such as a Yahoo Group (groups.yahoo.com). People can participate in your playgroup’s private forum, upload documents, add information to the calendar and more. It is free and an easy way to let people know where to find you without having to share any personal contact information before you get to know one another.

Getting Together

There will be many people who join your group only to come once and then never come again. This is to be expected so don’t take it personally. Many people realize that either they simply have too much going on in their lives to add another playgroup or it just doesn’t work for them.

You will most likely receive requests to join from others in the community who do not speak your language. They are probably interested in free language exposure for their children. It is your choice how to deal with this situation but remember that the whole point of your language playgroup is for you and your children to have a chance to speak your language and be exposed to others who share your culture. If you allow others to join who don’t speak your language, you are defeating the whole purpose of your group. One way to deal with this right from the beginning is to let everyone know that members must have a least one parent who speaks the language fluently. And you can even ask that members make their request to join your group in the target language.

A language playgroup can be one of the most important things you do to keep language alive in your family. You will be establishing friendships for yourself and your children which will help you and them through difficult times along your multilingual journey. Everyone needs to have someone to talk with from time to time about frustrations and difficulties as well as successes and triumphs! Multilingual families are no exception. By having the support of a language playgroup before your children start school, your children will reap the benefits of already having friendships with other multilingual children. These friendships may stay with your children for the rest of their lives. So, take the leap and make some magic happen!

Source: Multilingual Living