Latvian language learning for pre-school children: everything from materials to active participation!
LNAK is pleased to report on has been achieved as part of the project “Latvian Language Resources for Preschool Children”. As part of the project, we have created a new section on our website: https://lnak.net/latviesu-valoda-zidainiem-un-pirmsskolas-berniem/, which contains materials to foster and support preschool children’s natural learning of the Latvian language.
Project progress and achievements
Two project managers are working on this project – Diāna Briede and Laura Smite. They are responsible for implementing the project, taking into account the needs of the community. Over the past few months, we have organised surveys and virtual meetings to find out what materials parents would like to see to encourage their pre-school children to learn Latvian naturally.
Based on the feedback, we have developed and compiled useful materials, which are available in the “Language for babies and toddlers” section of the LNAK website. To ensure wider accessibility, all materials will also be available in English to make it easier for those who do not speak Latvian to participate in their children’s Latvian language learning.
Materials collected and produced by the project
In our “song chest” you will find traditional lullabies and folk songs, as well as popular children’s songs, for example, from the album “Riijs R”, which was recognized as the best “Music album for children” in Latvia in 2023. He was awarded the “Platinum Disc” award , the “Bezgalības” (Infinity) Award and the “Gold Certificate”, among many other prestigious prizes. To make it easy for every little singer to understand the words and happily sing along, we have prepared lyrics for each category that you can print out and use with your family.
In the Finger Games section, you’ll find our own recorded videos of children’s favourite finger games over the centuries. Vaira Vīķe Freiberga says this about finger games, popularly known in Latvian as the “ucināmi panti”: “Young children love the attention of adults when they play with them by using rhythmic movements, by wiggling, flapping or playing with their fingers or toes. The rhymes should be repeated over and over again – children come to expect them and laugh at them. Then they will remember them until they have children of their own to play with.”
The TV and cartoons section offers both Latvian programmes and translated cartoons, such as Peppa Pig and Bing, available on YouTube. The cartoons in this section are colourful, fun and easy for children to understand. These are especially chosen because they are available in Canada free of charge and without the need to register.
We’ve also compiled audio stories that are easy to listen to before falling asleep or in the car. Books recommended by other parents and short descriptions are included in our “Bookshelf” section. The Computer games and apps section brings together games and apps that parents of pre-school children will find useful. The printables section includes printable worksheets and books, as well as board games to make language learning fun and varied.
As requested by parents, we have created a section with recommendations on where to buy books or toys in Latvian for delivery to Canada, as well as a section on learning multilingualism. In this section you can find materials in English, as well as how to listen to the new podcast “Vārti”, created by the association “Latvian Language in Diaspora Families” to foster the preservation of the Latvian language in the multilingual environment.
We would like to highlight the “Monthly sparkles” section, where we have prepared activity ideas for every day throughout the year. Each day will surprise you with creative activities, listening sessions, cartoons, nature exploration, delicious recipes and more. Each month’s theme is linked to the events of nature, as well as Latvian celebrations that take place that month. You can easily print this calendar and implement the ideas at your convenience.
Join the WhatsApp group!
During the project, we realised that what the community is missing is not only a collection of materials, but also moral support and the opportunity to share experiences with other parents who are in a similar situation. That’s why we have created a WhatsApp group where families can exchange experiences, resources and advice. If you would like to join the group “Let’s raise little Latvians together”, please send your name and mobile phone number to laurasedlina@gmail.com.
Invitation to Zoom meeting
In order to discuss the project and its results, we invite all interested parties to participate in two Zoom meetings to be held on November 20 at 6pm EST 18:00 and on November 27 at noon. 12:00. We have set these meetings on different dates and times to ensure that as many people as possible can attend. During the meeting we will present the results of the project, answer questions and ask for your advice on maintaining Latvian language and culture in Canada. To receive the Zoom link, please write to laurasedlina@gmail.com.
We hope that this initiative will promote Latvian language learning and help strengthen our community!
This project, which is part of the “Promoting Digital Communication, Mutual Cooperation and Awareness of the Canadian Latvian Community”, is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget allocated by the Ministry of Culture.
The aim of the project is to provide adults and families with the tools and resources they need to promote the learning and use of Latvian in their everyday lives.
Laura Smith
