It is extremely important that you support your child’s education and language development.
If you can’t speak Welsh, don’t worry. You can help by:
- reading English books with your children
- reading bilingual books – the English text will help you understand the story
- if you know how to pronounce the Welsh alphabet, have a go at reading Welsh books with your child. They may enjoy the idea of teaching you to read!
- books accompanied by an audio tape of the story being read are also available
- remember that talking about the pictures is an important part of enjoying any book for children; you can do this in the language in which you feel the most comfortable.
- often, the school will include instructions in English as well as in Welsh on any homework.
The Welsh Language Board has established a Welsh Homework Support Line, which can help with Welsh words or terms, or with information on Welsh books and websites. Contact them by:
· E-mail post@homeworkinwelsh.com
Give your child the chance to watch programmes in Welsh on S4C. There are excellent programmes for young children on Cyw.
Remember also to take advantage of the opportunities for your child to use Welsh outside school. For details of Welsh-medium activities in your local area go to www.urdd.org or www.mentrau-iaith.com