Dual Language/Bilingual Studies

What is dual language vs. bilingual?

Dual language means teaching a percentage of the same material in your target language. This can of course be your home language. I am using Spanish as an example because that is my second language, and what I am most familiar with speaking and using.

Dual Language is presenting vocabulary and work in your known language and target language. I keep dual language studies in my shop that focus on vocabulary acquisition - simple words that are high frequency on a nature study theme, in particular.

Bilingual is very similar to dual language. However, bilingual studies are less concerned with aligning the known language and target language.

Learn the names of animals in the Arctic and Antarctic, plus learn some geography terms as well!

Photo Credit: April Maura Robert of Little Leaders Academy in St. Louis

How do I get started with dual language?

We can start in a target language the same way we start in our native language:

• Colors

• Animals

• High frequency words and phrases like foods and commands

If you’re seeking a slightly more advanced lesson because you have those basics covered, Nature Study is an easy place to start. Nature study included easily accessible vocabulary and concrete concepts that are often already known by parent and/or child. 

I’ve had several parents message me on Instagram about English not being their first language, and their concerns for the impact of that on their homeschool. Having English as your second language will carry a serious learning curve for things like Phonics in English, but that’s often a matter of perseverance and patience more than ability to learn.

There’s also significant advantages when it comes to having knowledge of a different language than English. You have a knowledge base of vocabulary for several subjects already built in. Pictured below are some additionals studies from my shop that are not Nature Study Club correlated studies, including our new morning menu:

Start with what you already know

Use this to your advantage, and teach your child the words you know well in subjects that are high frequency and universal - like nature study

Starting with nature study topics can make you wonder where to start. We use vocabulary that is targeted in Spanish language units for For the love of Homeschooling’s Nature Study Club.

A resource to help you!

My dual language studies will be a monthly free item for those who participate in FTLoH Nature Study Club. Click through and take a look!