Why Books Are the Best Gifts for Bilingual Kids

Books are my favorite gift to give for any occasion, especially for bilingual kids. If you’re raising multilingual children, gifting books sends a clear message that reading is important and special.

In monolingual countries like the United States, children’s books in Chinese, Korean, and other non-English languages are not easily accessible.

Therefore, gifting a children’s book in a minority language is extra meaningful. A gift giver has to go out of their way to find great bilingual books!

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Why books are the best gift for bilingual kids

1. Books are good for your brain

This is a no brainer!

Books teach facts, stimulate imagination, and expand our understanding of the world.

In addition, reading aloud improves listening and speaking skills significantly.

2. Books broaden vocabulary

Think about your typical conversations with your children.  How much time do you spend coming up with each sentence?  Not much, right? 

Since we just say what we have to say, we typically don’t deliberate over our words compared to writers.

Books have the power to broaden vocabulary that might not otherwise be in your everyday conversation. Through books, we get to read and hear thoughtfully selected adjectives and eloquent sentences that stretch our minds.

Try this: How to Make the Switch from Dominant to Minority Language

3. Books create a language learning environment

Multilingual families living in monolingual countries, such as in the United States, often struggle with maintaining minority languages.

Chances are that your kids see signs and words primarily in the dominant language.

In our family, Chinese and Korean are the minority languages. Our children’s only chance to see these minority languages is in our home.

However, when children are surrounded by words in the minority language, they will be more likely to ask, wonder, and talk about it.

Therefore, building a home library is an effective way to encourage the minority language.

Offer a variety of books to motivate your child to read!

Explore this: Luka Reading Robot is a Game Changer for Bilingual Families

4. Books are environmentally-friendly

Modern toys tend to be noisy and distracting. With the exception of open-ended toys, children often outgrow plastic toys quickly. When kids get bored with these toys, the plastic ends up in the landfill.

Thankfully, books are relatively green!

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5. Books can be reopened again, and again, and again!

When you finish reading a book, it’s not over! Books are the gift that keeps on gifting.

Kids often love to re-read their favorite books. Second, third, and future reads are a chance to discover new insights, explore illustrations in greater depth, and as more questions about the plot.

What are your favorite children’s books to give as gifts?

Books are the best gift for multilingual kids!  What are your family’s favorites?  Please share in the comments below.