With two weeks or more of school vacation coming up, it’s a great time to teach your children a few words, or even a song in your native language! If the children can read you could write the words for objects around the house and post them (door, window, sink, closet, etc.). Children of any age can learn to respond or speak in other languages. Older children might have fun learning how to say “Hello” or “Happy Holidays” in lots of languages.

Check out the Kids Culture Corner for some language lessons. Children who are old enough to read and spell can make up their own “language” using code. Here’s an easy way to do it:

Paper plate code:

• Use a small Paper Plate for the top wheel of your code maker. Along the edge of the plate, use scissors to cut out a small square.
• On the back of the plate, draw an arrow pointing toward the cut-out hole. Decorate the arrow and the rest of the plate with markers or crayons if you wish.
• Around the outside, back edge of a larger plate; write alphabet letters (and numerals if you like).
• Use a brad to fasten the small plate face down onto the larger plate.
• Point the arrow toward the A. In the box opening write another letter or symbol to stand for the A. You could use the alphabet in reverse (A means Z), or you could choose a different symbol or a picture for each letter. When every letter and numeral has a code, you’re ready to write secret messages! Make sure the person you send the message to has a code-breaker!