Hello,

Would anyone who has bilingual children (or who would like their children to be bilingual) or any professionals who have experience in bilingualism like to meet up and share their experience or their information?

My little girl is three and i have another one on the way and i'd love to share some ideas about children learning two languages.

I'm based near Tonnay Boutonne.

Laura

Children pick up languages like measles.  My daughter was born in North Wales and picked up Welsh from the neighbours kids and her first school.  By the time we went to Aberdeen when she was 6, she didn't know which language she thought in.  Sadly she lost the Welsh, but retained the ability to learn other languages.  She is fluent in French and German now and is thinking of taking up Italian.  James her son,was brought up in Germany so was bilingual  When he came across to France last year, he was unceremoniously thrust into a French school, where no English was spoken.  Of course being only eight, he found no difficulty in communicating with his school mates.  He ran rings round his teachers, as over the coming months he didn't let on that he was learning French very rapidly.  Now a year later, he is coming home with grades that vary from A's to Ds in all subjects, averaging about C most of the time.  His grammar isn't perfect and he hates the curlicues of French cursive because he's lazy.  My daughter has spoken to other foreign parents and she says that their children learn languages just as fast.  

I wouldn't worry about children learning other languages, it's adults that have the problem.

Hi,

you might want to have a look at our website, which lists some good websites and resources.

www.accents-asso.fr

Isn't your daughter already at maternelle?

They learn by total immersion.  That's how simple it is.

Thank you to those who have replied to my posting.

However, the point of my message was not get advice and to know where i can find information, the point was to MEET other parents and to SHARE and celebrate this experience with others.

I did explain this in my original message.

Laura

There are people out in the wilds of the internet, who can't get to where you are, but would still out of friendship like to share their experiences with you.  I've noticed that amongst the British community (no doubt in others as well) there are people that can't resist the urge to squabble or hand out a put down.  WHY??  Isn't there enough bad feeling in the world?  Here we have the opportunity to share and support uncritically.  I say make the most of it.

The very best of luck to you laursofthegame, it is my wish you find many others exactly like yourself.   

The reason I posted our website details on where to find information is because we do have a facebook forum for parents to share or discuss issues regarding bilingual children.  We also hold events from time to time, hosted by speakers who are experienced in raising bilingual children.  I thought this would have been of some interest to you.