How to Teach Tagalog to Kids

The internet can be a great resource in teaching Tagalog to kids.

Tagalog is the Philippines' national language and is spoken predominantly in the Luzon area. Most of the words in Tagalog are influenced by and derived from the Spanish language. Filipino parents who live in foreign countries may be able to teach their children the language with the use of proper tools and resources. Despite attending English-speaking schools, kids can still learn Tagalog in their own homes.

Things You'll Need

• Flash cards

Instructions

1. Expose your child to the language at a young age. Use the language when talking to your other family members as well. Speak Tagalog frequently to your child and ask family members to do the same. As much as possible, you and other family members should refrain from using English at home.

2. Go to www.seasite.niu.edu. This website has numerous materials that you can use to teach your kids the Tagalog language. The website includes how to learn the Tagalog alphabet, colors, numbers, shapes and animals. It also has Filipino games translated into English for kids to play. Moreover, it also teaches children about the Filipino culture, which can enrich a child's learning experience.

3. Prepare some Tagalog flash cards with pictures to enable the child memorize Tagalog words easily. Show each flash card and have your child identify the pictures in English first, then read the Tagalog word below the picture. Ask the child to repeat the Tagalog word two to three times. Visuals are useful in enhancing the child's memory.

4. Pronounce the words slowly and enunciate each of them clearly. Ask the child to follow your pronunciation. Compliment the child or give her some kind of reward if she has memorized and pronounced a lot of Tagalog words in a day. Reinforce learning even when you are not at home. Point to some objects outside of your house or at the mall and ask your child what the object is in Tagalog.

5. Play online educational games in Tagalog. The website Digital Dialects offers games for learning Tagalog. Kids can play games such as matching the English phrases with the correct Tagalog phrases, identifying the correct Tagalog term for various colors and so on. The Numbers Game has several levels of difficulty and may be played by both beginners and kids who can speak some Tagalog words and phrases fluently.

References

• Center for Southeast Asian Studies Northern Illinois University: Tagalog For Kids
• Digital Dialects: Learn Filipino
• Incredible Dad: Back To My Roots, The Philippines