Skip to main content

Assessment and Tracking: How to Monitor Progress in Both Languages

As parents raising bilingual children, we want to ensure our kids are making steady progress in both languages. But how can we accurately assess their abilities and track development in each tongue over time?

Structured assessment provides valuable insights into areas where language growth is excelling versus lagging. Tracking measurable milestones motivates children as they realize how far they’ve come. Assessment data also helps parents adjust teaching strategies to address any weak spots proactively.


However, effective assessment for bilingual learners is nuanced. Standardized tests in only one language fail to capture the full scope of bilingual proficiency. As parents, we need customized tools to evaluate our children’s dual language journey accurately and compassionately.

In this post, I’ll share the assessment and tracking approaches that have worked for our family, including:

  • Observing usage and growth organically
  • Using checklists tied to developmental milestones
  • Gathering input from teachers and relatives
  • Trying creative assessment activities and games
  • Building a portfolio of writing samples
  • Testing comprehension and vocabulary formally
  • Linking assessment to goal setting
  • Celebrating all progress!

Let’s explore how parents can monitor bilingual progress in an encouraging, holistic way.

Informal Observation of Authentic Language Use

As parents, we have daily opportunities to observe our children using languages spontaneously. Listen not just for accuracy but also willingness to attempt each language. Notice code-switching patterns and social or situational factors influencing language choice.

Informal observation during everyday family interactions, play, reading, routines and conversations offers rich insights into developing bilingualism. Track things like:

  • Number of words/complexity of sentences in each language
  • Range of vocabulary and ease of understanding
  • Ability to recount events, express opinions, discuss emotions
  • Fluency, accent, pronunciation
  • Situational code-switching competence

No tests required – just tune into language use naturally!


Developmental Milestone Checklists

Checklists outlining typical language stages by age provide a quick snapshot of where a bilingual child is excelling or needs more support. For each language, note milestones like:

  • First words/simple phrases
  • Following multi-step directions
  • Sentence length and complexity
  • Types of words - verbs, adjectives, prepositions
  • Ability to re-tell stories or event sequences
  • Asking/answering open-ended questions
  • Holding conversation, discussing abstract ideas
  • Reading readiness and comprehension
  • Writing progress - letters, words, sentences

Compare checklists side-by-side to identify lags or advancements in one language. Adjust teaching strategies accordingly.


Gather Input from Others

Connect periodically with teachers, caregivers, grandparents and other relatives fluent in each language. Ask how they perceive the child’s vocabulary, comprehension, conversation ability, pronunciation etc.

Solicit examples of language use that impressed or concerned them. Get their perspective on strengths and weakness. This 360-degree feedback complements your daily observations.


Try Creative Assessment Activities

Turn language assessment into a game! Activities allow assessing skills like:

  • Drawing pictures based on vocabulary words said aloud
  • Following increasingly complex instructions
  • Sorting words into categories (foods, animals, places)
  • Answering context questions about stories read aloud
  • Defining vocabulary words and using them in sentences
  • Discussing open-ended questions and hypotheticals

You can gauge comprehension, critical thinking, vocabulary and verbal expression in an interactive way.


Collect Writing Samples

Save writing in each language to notice progress. Collect samples like:

  • Lists, letters, cards, notes, signs, labels
  • Stories, comics, poems, song lyrics
  • Journal entries recounting experiences
  • Answers to worksheets or study questions

Analyze writing samples side-by-side. Look for growth in length, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, sentence complexity and voice. Display samples proudly!


Test Language and Literacy Skills

Formal literacy assessments can identify reading lags. Vocabulary tests in each language pinpoint learning gaps. Just be sure to use bilingual norm referencing.

Children may perform differently in oral versus written assessments. Use results thoughtfully to target weak language areas for improvement. But take care not to demoralize kids if formal testing only captures part of the bilingual picture.


Link Assessment to Goal Setting

Turn assessment data into action plans. Set specific, incremental language goals based on the most pressing learning needs revealed. Develop fun activities and practice routines to achieve articulated goals in each language.

Let your child track and celebrate their own progress. Post goal checklists prominently. Assessment is motivating when linked with growth opportunities.


Remember, Progress Unfolds Over Time

Viewing bilingual language development through an achievement-based, “proficiency” lens has risks. Children may feel self-conscious about limitations in their weaker language. Instead, frame assessment as part of the learning journey.

Set realistic expectations for growth based on age and language exposure. Recognize all forward progress, however gradual. Assessment is about patiently nurturing dual language skills, not perfection.

With the right tools and perspective, parents can monitor bilingual progress in empowering ways. Thoughtful assessment provides insights to shape teaching practices while allowing children’s abilities to unfold naturally over time.


Here are some final tips for making assessment a positive part of your bilingual parenting journey:

  • Observe language use informally during authentic activities
  • Use checklists to benchmark against developmental milestones
  • Gather feedback from teachers and family members
  • Turn assessment into interactive games
  • Collect and analyze writing samples over time
  • Be selective in using formal literacy and vocabulary tests
  • Set specific goals based on assessment data
  • Celebrate all forward progress!

I hope these suggestions help you assess your child’s bilingual abilities with nuance and compassion. Remember, it’s all part of the developmental process. Consistent nurturing, not perfection, enables bilingualism to blossom.


Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to share more about the assessment approaches that have worked for our family. Here’s to joyful learning in two tongues!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pros and Cons of the One Parent One Language Approach

For parents raising children in a multilingual household, a common question is how best to develop fluency in both languages. Should you mix both languages when interacting with your child? Or keep each one separate? One popular method is the One Parent One Language (OPOL) approach, where each parent speaks only their native language with the child. The goal is to avoid mixing languages and provide maximal exposure to each. But is OPOL the best way to raise bilingual kids? As with any approach, there are both advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we’ll dive into the key pros and cons of the OPOL method to help you make an informed decision for your family. What is the One Parent One Language Approach? First let’s quickly review what the OPOL approach entails. With OPOL, parents assign one language per parent to use exclusively with the children. For example: Mother speaks English with child Father speaks Polish with child The parents stick to only speaking their assigned language ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Power of Bedtime Rituals and Lullabies for Bilingual Families

Quality rest literally influences every aspect of young minds and bodies. But bedtime battles often rank among the most dreaded daily challenges parents face. Fortunately, consistent bedtime rituals and lullabies in both your family’s languages offer a soothing solution. Not only do they pave the way for peaceful sleep, these precious nightly routines strengthen family bonds and cultural identity. Let’s explore the research-backed benefits of bedtime routines and how bilingual families can design nights filled with meaning, togetherness and slumber. Why Bedtime Rituals Matter Beyond just being a scheduling necessity, the structure of regular evening routines provides continuity and comfort in children’s lives. When bedtime happens reliably in the same way, kids feel secure. The world makes sense. Studies also reveal that families who engage in meaningful rituals report greater relationship satisfaction. Taking time to connect offers a buffer from the stresses of daily life. Parents and...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Adventure of Learning English Begins!

If you're reading this, you've likely made the excellent decision to start teaching your child English! As a parent, you have the special opportunity to give your child the gift of learning a second language. By starting this journey together, you're opening up a world of benefits for their future. But where do you begin? Even if you're a fluent English speaker yourself, knowing how to effectively teach kids can be intimidating. I'm here to help with some fundamental tips and advice for creating a fun, easy English learning environment from the start. Lay the Foundation with a Positive Attitude More than any particular technique, your attitude will deeply influence your child's motivation and success in picking up English. Kids are incredibly perceptive - if you approach English with excitement and confidence, they will too. Here are some keys for projecting a positive attitude: Make it an adventure, not a chore. Learning a new language should feel like play, es...
Post a Comment
Read more