Teaching the Filipino language is a challenge for us. One, because we do not speak the language at home as we are using Hiligaynon/ Ilonggo when we converse with one another.
So, how do we encourage kids to like the Filipino language?
Here’s our top 3 tips to encourage kids to love Filipino:
1. Use and speak the language
We did not taught Gab how to speak in our dialect but he picked it up during our conversations. I think this can also be the way we can teach kids, use it at home during conversations.
As for our case, we set aside Filipino Fridays. During these days, as much as possible, we use common phrases, greetings and we do clip cards to remember common words.
You can download FREE clip cards here: colors, days of the week, months of the year, parts of the body, shapes).
2. Read fun and easy Filipino books
We choose Filipino books that are easy and fun to read. Most of the time, we use the bilingual books. We read the English version first and do the Filipino next.
Related Post: Fun Filipino Books for Kids (to be posted soon!)
3. Listen and sing Filipino songs
Learning the language through songs makes it easy. Melodies are very memorable and you will remember words easily, even those words that you’ve never heard before.
Check our video: Pitong Araw sa Isang Linggo Song
Being able to have a simple conversation is the goal. It’s ok not to know everything, vocabulary will increase over time. Make sure to have fun as having fun while you study is really an effective way to learn.
