The Importance of Native Language Maintenance   Research shows that Second language speakers of English with no schooling in their first language take between seven and ten years to reach the language proficiency of their native English-speaking peers. Though they may make faster progress in the lower grades, they often fall behind as schoolwork becomes more demanding in the higher grades. This situation can occur when students do not maintain their native language. Note: Students exit the ESL program before they reach native-speaker proficiency! Students who have had two to three years of schooling in their native language take between five and seven years to reach native speaker proficiency. This shows the importance of continuing first language study as children begin learning English. Fully bilingual children have cognitive advantages over monolingual children. They often perform better than monolinguals in all subjects at school. Proficiency in both languages must occur, however, before the positive effects of bilingualism are seen. Children who know two languages have a major advantage not just in school, but also in the work force after they finish school. For children to experience the benefits of bilingualism, it is important that both languages continue to develop. Unfortunately, many children do not continue reading and writing in their native language. A failure to communicate in the native language at home deepens the risk of developing semi-linguals ­ children who are not fluent in any language. Semi-lingualism can also result when the student feels that English is the language that really matters, while the first language is not important. It is important for teachers and parents to have a positive attitude toward a child's native language and culture. Children learn best in an environment where they feel accepted, supported, nurtured, and connected to their families as well as the educational setting. This is the type of environment we try to promote in the ESL classroom. Implications (What Can We Do About It?) Use your native language at home. Many parents try to use English to communicate with their children. When this happens, children seldom fully develop their first language skills and may then experience difficulty in school. Talk to your children. Parents and children need to use a common language to feel comfortable with one another and develop relationships. If you are attempting to communicate in a second language, you may stop talking as a result of too much strain. The quality of communication is just as, if not more, important that quantity alone. Conversation with children in everyday situations expands their minds and develops thinking skills. For example, during a shopping trip to the fruit market, you can develop your child's concepts in the native language by talking about shapes, colors, sounds, textures, and size of objects and events around you. Encourage first language literacy. Allow your child to read native language books at home. Read and tell stories together in your first language. Have a positive attitude. Parents and teachers should become appropriate role models for their particular languages and cultures. They should have a positive attitude toward both languages and cultures. Allow your child to use your native language! It is okay for children to use their first language on the playground, and even in the classroom, sometimes, if they are on task. Promote cognitive and academic development in your first language. Buy native language books for your children on the same themes or topics they are studying in school. Expect normal progress. It takes time to learn a second language. Try not to put too much pressure on your child too soon. Children who make faster than expected progress should be regarded as gifted language learners