language barrier help

**munch149** · 11-03-2011, 07:52 PM

need ideas for how to support a polish child that doesnt speak english. have made up some pictures which she can show me such as toilet/food/drink. and bought a couple of books. does anyone have any other ideas

**Fraggle1** · 11-03-2011, 07:57 PM

Could his parents give you a polish CD with songs on ? Maybe teach you some words of their favourite songs?

**Fraggle1** · 11-03-2011, 08:00 PM

This is a good site

http://www.mamalisa.com/?p=664&t=ec&c=70

Could print the polish words and english words of the same song? laminate them and have them on the wall

x

**mufftie** · 11-03-2011, 08:48 PM

How old is the child ? I have 3 polish children ,all of different families and I actually learnt the polish language although I don't think it's necessary as it's amazing how quickly they pick up English , the one girl I have is 4 now 18 months when she started but dad didnt realise that she could speak English at all until I told him and tbh when out with me you wouldnt realise she wasn't English

**Baildon bears** · 11-03-2011, 11:19 PM

I have a Polish mindee they pick up English very quickly, I got some polish english nursery rhyme cds from amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Babyboomboom...9884973&sr=8-3

I also learnt a few basic words, I have found my Polish parents lovely and really easy going. I am very luck to have a Polish neighbour who helped me out alot with the language, Mindee is 3 now I found she was slow to learn her colours only just learning them and some days when she was little a whole day would go past and she would hardly say a word to me, this worried me but I think she was just trying to figure the two laungages out in her head. She is vertually fluent in both now and it amazes me still that mum can say something to her in polish and she translates what mum has said to me. Good luck

**christine e** · 11-03-2011, 11:21 PM

After doing some ECAT training I was given one of these

http://www.poppysbooks.co.uk/the-talking-pen-621-p.asp

to support children with EAL ~ I do not have to use it at the moment but can assure you if and when a child comes along who cannot speak english I am certain it will be invaluable

Cx

**pinkbutterfly** · 12-03-2011, 04:13 AM

You gave been given lots of great ideas.
All I would add is ask the parents for key words she understands or says and learn them. If she's little I would personally not go overboard with pictures etc because the chances are if she is potty trained she can talk and will pick up English in absolutely no time.
I think she would definitely benefit from listening to some Polish songs and dancing to them. There are many great MODERN Polish songs for children so don't just look for traditional nursery rhymes but have fun with new stuff too.
My girls are mad about this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIZoWJk23GY my house is shaking when this one goes on ... over and over again.

**munch149** · 12-03-2011, 08:03 AM

Thanks and what is that pen thing doesnt explain it very well. Do I record the messages or does it read special books?

**flowerpots** · 12-03-2011, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by katrickey

Thanks and what is that pen thing doesnt explain it very well. Do I record the messages or does it read special books?

I think the pen translates words from english to polish and vice versa, you get a sheet of words and vocab, dont know if you can get books for it too.

**christine e** · 12-03-2011, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by flowerpots

I think the pen translates words from english to polish and vice versa, you get a sheet of words and vocab, dont know if you can get books for it too.

The pen/sheet covers 26 languages and you can also buy story books

Cx