Being a Malayali parent of a kid in Canada means that you should cope with two gorgeous cultures at once, Canadian and Malayalam. A question often arises: At what age should I introduce formal Malayalam lessons to my son/daughter? To start with, there is no exact time or age to start learning Malayalam. As a rule, the process is associated with preparedness and not the age of your kid. Although many researchers claim that the “window of opportunity” to learn a language is within the age of 4 to 7 years, the situation may be quite different in the Canadian environment. A 5-year-old kid can memorize vocabulary using the song method while a 10-year-old child is ready to understand the grammar logic. The problem is that a teenager who finds it difficult to accept the new language can find motivation through the culture.

Therefore, the question “what is the age?” should be replaced with another question “what is the starting point for my child?”. This article is intended to provide information on when kids in Canada become ready for Malayalam classes.

Why Start Malayalam Classes Around the Age of 5?

By the time they turn five years old, most kids will be capable of taking simple commands and engaging in brief learning sessions to develop basic reading skills. They are also developing an understanding of phonics, memory for vocabulary, and expression of ideas. For kids born and brought up in Canada, the introduction to the language in this age range offers a well-structured exposure to the language before they get immersed in English or French at school.

This does not imply that younger kids cannot learn Malayalam. This can happen through songs, stories, chats, and some words of the language.

What if My Child is Older Than Five?

It is never too late to start. A child who is 7, 10 or even 14 years old can learn Malayalam effectively. What matters is that you should select classes based on their current exposure and learning level instead of just their age. Some kids might have an understanding of the language at home but cannot speak it. Others may know some words but cannot read or write. Some of them may be total beginners.

A good learning program should take into account all these differences instead of forcing all children to learn from the same starting point. ‘Learn Malayalam for beginners’ programs that are conducted under a similar motive are good for total beginners and can teach them step-by-step from the very basics such as sounds, letters and vocabulary.

Signs That You Child May Be Ready For Malayalam Classes

Your child may be ready for formal lessons if he/she:

• Is able to maintain interest in an activity with help
• Shows curiosity about Malayalam words or conversations
• Likes Malayalam stories, songs or games
• Asks questions about Kerala or their ancestry
• Desires communication with their grandparents or relatives
• Follows instructions from a teacher

Interest is particularly crucial. If children know that Malayalam is related to family and stories, then they will learn it better.

Why Live Classes Can Help Children in Canada?

If the kids are not from Kerala, then hearing Malayalam sometimes might not be sufficient to make them learn reading and speaking. Live classes provide the chance for the kids to interact with a teacher and practice what they have learned.

Akshharam provides live online Malayalam classes for kids who are in the age of five or more. It provides both individual and group classes and learning is customized according to the ability and interest of the child. Malayalam classes do not teach Malayalam just by memorizing but help the kid to read and write and speak gradually.

It can be very helpful for the parents who are in search of interesting Malayalam classes for kids in Canada without burdening them with yet another school subject.

How Can Parents Support Learning At Home?

Classes will be most effective if Malayalam is used even after class time. Here are some tips that you can try:

• Use Malayalam while eating meals.
• Motivate your kids to communicate in Malayalam with their grandparents.
• Read short stories in Malayalam.
• Teach new words in Malayalam while having conversations on a daily basis.
• Don’t criticize mistakes but appreciate small successes.

Start When Your Child is Ready

Five years of age is a good time for many children to begin learning Malayalam. However, the right age varies from one child to another based on their maturity, interest, exposure, and schedule. Your child may be five years old or fifteen years old. What matters is not the age but whether you want to start Malayalam lessons now or wait until they reach the “right” age. With proper instruction and encouragement, Malayalam lessons can turn into a means to connect children from Canada with their family and culture.

Akshharam's live lessons provide for a step-by-step process for your children to learn Malayalam.