Duration
Over many days (a project activity) Age recommendation 6–10 Key words writing, speaking, asking questions Languages of the original source This activity can be used in any language. Materials needed paper, pencils, photo camera, recording machine or a smartphone, computer with a printer, scissors, glue, big exercise book or empty chronicle ![]() | Aim of the activity To help the children use all languages within the family. Preparation for the activity Make contact with members of your multilingual family who use other languages existing within your family. Procedure Children choose the relatives for the family chronicle. They should speak any of the languages that exist within the family. Then parents help to create a set of questions and give the children the role of a Reporter. The parents should help the children to make contact with the family members so the children can conduct interviews with them. Everything is possible - a written record of the interview, an audio recording, images or video. It could it be done online, too. In a blog or wiki allowing digital multimedia content. Than the children and parents produce a family chronicle. Tip | The family chronicle can be the basis for further conversations with other family members, perhaps even in other family languages. Significant benefit of the activity This activity is complex but it allows children to practice code switching*, which is normal (see Multilingual Families Introduction for parents). It supports the children to be fluent in translating and “switching” from one language to another on purpose. It helps to learn the different cultures of both families. Source of the activity Multilingual Families Project |