Using local languages at home promotes effective learning – UNICEF

THE United Nations Children Fund, (UNICEF) has stated that the use of local languages by parents as a means of communication promotes effective learning at home and at school.

This was made known via its SMS based opinion poll platform, U-report, in order to ascertain the most effective means of learning for children below 6 years old.

The result from the poll showed that 56 per cent of parents read to their children at home, while 66 per cent use their local languages at home for effective learning.

However, while speaking with Tribune Online, Mrs Olajumoke Olabode, an educational expert said,” the first language of a child is the most effective means of learning.”

She stated that this method allows children learn through a language they are familiar with.

Mrs Olabode also said that effective learning is not only through local languages.

Other activities such as reading, playing games with them (not necessarily video games) also aid effective learning.

She advised parents to be mindful of what they expose their children to, because children under the age of six take note of every little detail, and whatever they are exposed to now would either make or mar them.