A lot of learners express interest in learning Igbo so they can teach their children. If you are a learner who desires that your children speak Igbo, you can start teaching them even as you learn. Here are some tips to get started:
- Establish a routine: A routine may be as simple as 15 mins of Igbo time per day, or an Igbo day per week when you make effort to say words or sentences in Igbo. The key is to be consistent and enthusiatic about it. Children can sense what you are enthusiatic about and follow suit.Â
- Sorround the house with Igbo learning materials: Igbo charts, books and toys serve as constant reminders to you and your children. Place the charts on the walls and have them play with Igbo toys. That way, they also learn while having fun.Â
- Use everyday situations to practice: Practise names of food during meal times. Use vocabulary around routines e.g bath time, sleep time. Give simple instructions in Igbo e.g. ‘Weta akpa gi’ (Bring your bag), ‘Bia ebe a’ (Come here) and encourage them to respond in Igbo with ‘Eee’ (Yes), ‘Mba’ (No), or ‘A ma m’ (I don’t know).
- Create constant reminders: You may purchase/create flash cards to use for game night, and even label objects around the house in Igbo. These serve as constant reminders and also help you and your children retain the Igbo words you know.Â
- Learn simple songs with them: Involve your children while listening to age appropriate Igbo songs. Or television shows. This creates an appreciation of the language in them from an early age.Â
Don’t worry if it seems like you are not getting results immediately. Remain consistent, and be assured that they are learning.