5 ways to make your children love Greek!
Greek school homework for children can be difficult, causing some children to become nervous and anxious. Parents can be supportive with these five easy steps:
- Start the day with Καλημέρα!
The best way to start your day and your children’s day is with «Καλημέρα!». Ask your children to tell you in Greek what they would like to have for breakfast. In this way, they will practice the Greek language during their everyday activities!
Tip: Give Mediterranean and healthy breakfast options to your children. This will help them have energy during the day and it will help their school performance!
- Shopping list in Greek!
Make your shopping list with your children – Ask them to write down the things that you would like to buy in Greek. Make them think about the words and if they need help, get them to use a Greek dictionary or the internet to find out the words.
- Greek newspapers and Magazines
London, because of its high number of Greek speaking people, gives us the opportunity to have easy access to Greek newspapers and magazines. While reading your weekly «Παροικιακή» newspaper, find something that will engage your children, cut it and put it on the fridge. This will ignite your child’s curiosity to try and read the text, enriching their Greek vocabulary and improving their reading!
- Watch Greek TV and listen to Greek Radio!
Children love to watch TV and listen to the radio. You can choose Greek stations for both of these. In this way, children get used to listening to the language and enrich their Greek vocabulary.
Tip: You can use the internet to find Greek series, cartoons, movies and Greek music that children would like to listen to. (Try www.greek-movies.com)
- Greek Events
If you wish to spend your free time in a beneficial and rewarding way with your family, you can attend events that are being held by the Greek-Cypriot community and organizations. This will allow you and your children to embrace your Greek or Cypriot heritage and at the same time help your children become familiar with the Greek language, culture and traditions.
Elena Elia