Speak First, Letters Later

Step one: Speak to them in Russian

Speak to Them, Naturally (No Pressure!) This is the heart of the learning method. Forget formal lessons for now. Just talk to your child in Russian. Use simple phrases, describe what you’re doing, and let them hear the rhythm and sounds of the language. Example Scenarios:

• “Let’s go to the park!” (Пойдём в парк! – Poidyom v park!)
• “Look, a big dog!” (Смотри, большая собака! – Smotri, bolshaya sobaka!) * If they say “I see a dog!” you respond by describing the dog “Большая собака! – Bolshaya sobaka!” *
• “It’s time to eat.” (Время кушать. – Vremya kushat’.) * If they say “I want a drink” you respond with “Ты хочешь пить? – Ti hochesh pit?”

Key point is no correction, Just repetition . Those of us who grew up in America remember the phrase well “Now in Russian – А теперь по Русский- (a teper po russkij!) and how many of us closed up and just said never mind. Most likely we did not have the vocabulary or ability to translate what we said into Russian.

So if your child responds in English, don’t correct them by saying “Now say it in Russian.” Simply repeat their thought or rephrase in Russian. This reinforces connection between their ideas and the language.

Consistency and intention is important. Even a few minutes of Russian conversation each day will make a difference.

Use visuals while speaking. While you’re at the park show them the dog, the food you are preparing, items at the store, describe actions and so on.

Use Flash Cards with words and pictures. This is an amazing visual aid! Here are a few of my favorites

Step 2: Read Russian books

Reading together is not only a great way to spend time together, but it is a fantastic way to expose your child to more complex vocabulary, and a great way for you to brush up on your Russian!

Start with simple books: Simple sentences and colourful pictures are ideal in the beginning. Point to pictures and describe what is happening in Russian, don’t worry about translating every word. Focus on the overall story and sounds of the language.

If you are unsure of the pronunciation or what something is just look it up online, maybe there is an audio book of the Russian books you are reading.

Google translate: Google translate has come a long way, use it to your advantage! If Russian books are not available or possible at the moment, or maybe your children have a favourite English book, simply search “google translate” and pick translate from language and choose to translate to Russian. You will see a camera icon, click on it and hold your camera over the desired text, then snap a photo. Photos are translated a little more accurately than “real life translation”

Repetition helps with language acquisition, so go ahead and read those books over and over again!

Here are a few of my favorite Russian books & websites to purchase from in USA & Canada!

Step 3: Dive into Russian Videos and shows:

Visual and auditory learning go hand-in-hand. Watching Russian cartoons (especially the older cartoons where characters speak much more slower), Vlogs/ educational videos, shows is a fun and engaging way to for children to pick up the language. I have noticed an increase in vocabulary and use of the language when they watch something in Russian, and vice versa if, they are watching more in English, they start using English more.

So do not shy away from videos/shows; It has great benefits when used moderately and correctly.

Here I have linked a few of our favourite shows to watch:

Mama Znajki

A fun Vlog of a mom and her son exploring trains and train tracks as well as other industrial machines. We have watched their vlog for a few years now and its always a hit.

Лёва Грузовичок

A blue pick up and his friends. Slow animated show with lots of educational songs and I especially like the slow language and how they describe what they are doing.

супер книга классическая версия

Many of us in the US probably grew up watch super book (супер книга) a christian childrens show about two children, Chris and Joy, being taken back into Biblical times and reliving the Bible stories. There is no new version but I much prefer the classic and as the new one can be a bit scary for younger children.

Step 4: Community

Providing children with opportunities to practice Russian in social context significantly enhances their language development. Consider joining a local Russian-speaking community, such as Church, Russian school program, or library. If in person options are not available, online tutors/ schools can offer personalized interaction and practice. Another option could be face-timing their cousins or grandparents (if not living locally) and encourage them to interact in Russian. In person interactions offer invaluable learning opportunities.