Why Does Exposing My Child to Filipino Matter?

Written By M Reyes

By Kelly Sherille D. Caballo and Jazmin Rhein E. Remollena

Have you ever wondered why your child struggles when speaking and writing in Filipino? One reason is the lack of exposure to Filipino in their day-to-day interactions.

Here’s the thing: Studies show that many children today have less exposure to Filipino, making them more fluent in English and other languages. Over time, Filipino feels like a second language used only in specific situations. 

But we’re here to help! Watch this video to learn the best time to start speaking to your child in Filipino.  

When kids are more exposed to Filipino, they become more confident to engage in meaningful conversations and can keep up in school. How do we make that happen? 

  1. Give your child access to Filipino media – TV shows, movies, storybooks

  2. Immerse them in Filipino culture; and

  3. Speak to your child in Filipino

Explore our teachers’ recommended list of media resources that can help your child embrace the Filipino language!

  • Episodes from Maria Clara at Ibarra

  • Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story) (2023) by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario and Nuel Crisostomo Naval

  • Friendly Fire (2024) by Mikhail Red, Nikolas Red, Anton Santamaria

  • Foreign shows and films dubbed in Filipino (Avatar: The Last Airbender 2024, Nimona, Wednesday, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio)

  • GG (2024) by Prime Cruz and Zachary Aquino

  • GomBurZa (2023) by Pepe Diokno

  • Lola Igna (2019) by Eduardo Roy Jr. 

  • Wikahon texts from Adarna House

Additional Materials:

Alpabetong Pilipino: https://youtu.be/--0CNga5SRQ?feature=shared

Adarna House (Filipino books for children of different ages): https://adarna.com.ph/

Fun ways to reconnect kids with the Filipino Culture and Language: https://www.twinkl.co.th/blog/fun-ways-to-reconnect-kids-with-the-filipino-culture-and-language

OPM Nursery Rhyme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm85y4t7A4E

Tagalog Ebooks: https://www.tagalogebooks.com/

Sampung Mga Daliri Tagalog Nursery Rhymes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBb3S2LFxkQ

To learn more about our Filipino programs, check out our website at www.learninglibraries.com.

M Reyes
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