International Mother Language Day is celebrated annually on February 21st. The following article provides information on Activities and Printables that can be implemented into the curriculum for children.
About International Mother Language Day
The day aims to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and encourage the preservation and protection of all languages. International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on February 21st, was proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism used by people worldwide.
Activities To Promote International Mother Language Day
Here are some ways educators can celebrate this day and incorporate it into their teaching:
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Language Activities: Organize activities that celebrate the diverse languages spoken by the children in your room. This could include storytelling, songs, and rhymes in different languages.
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Cultural Displays: Create displays that showcase the various cultures and languages represented in your service. Include artifacts, books, and pictures that highlight the beauty of linguistic diversity.
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Language Exchange: Encourage children to teach each other simple words or phrases in their mother languages. This can be a fun and engaging way for them to learn about each other's cultures.
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Guest Speakers: Invite parents, community members, or local cultural organizations to share stories, songs, or traditions from their native languages and cultures.
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Multilingual Storytime: Read books in different languages to the children. This can help them develop an appreciation for the sounds and rhythms of other languages.
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Cultural Celebrations: Organize events that celebrate the different cultures in your community. This could include traditional music, dance, food, and clothing.
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Language Art Projects: Encourage children to create art projects that represent their mother languages and cultures. This can include writing their names in their native scripts or drawing pictures that depict cultural traditions.
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Language Games: Play games that incorporate different languages, such as bingo with words from various languages or matching games with multilingual labels.
Free Printables
I Love You In Different Languages Posters
1 to 10 In Different Languages Posters
Goodbye In Different Languages Posters
Harmony In Different Languages Posters
Colours In Different Languages Posters
Thank You In Different Languages Posters
Hello In Different Languages
Common Words In Different Languages Posters
Welcome In Different Languages Posters
Teach Children The Aboriginal Language Of Wiradjuri
Teach Children the Aboriginal Language Of Yugambeh
Animals In Different Languages Posters
Language is a fundamental aspect of cultural identity and communication. Celebrating mother languages helps preserve cultural heritage, promotes understanding and tolerance, and supports the development of linguistic skills.
Celebrating International Mother Language Day is a wonderful way to promote inclusivity, respect, and understanding among children. It helps them appreciate the rich tapestry of languages and cultures that make up our world.
For more information, please read the following: International Mother Language Day