Both my husband and I are ESL; Polish is our native language. We speak Polish to our kids (a 2.5-year-old and an 11-month-old). As we are trying to incorporate the strategies you discuss in your book into daily activities, I am struggling to figure out whether we should stick to our native language, mix it up, or conduct testing-related activities in English… Both girls go to a small daycare where they speak English.
Raising bilingual children is a wonderful gift, and speaking Polish at home can provide lifelong cognitive, cultural, and communication benefits for your daughters. Research consistently shows that children who grow up learning two languages often develop strong problem-solving skills, mental flexibility, and enhanced executive functioning.
For young children, the most important thing is rich, meaningful language exposure — whether that language is Polish or English. Reading books, singing songs, having conversations, playing games, and asking questions in your strongest language helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and overall language development.
Since your children are already hearing English at daycare, they are naturally being exposed to both languages every day. At ages 2.5 and 11 months, there is typically no need to worry about “mixing up” the languages. Many bilingual children successfully learn both languages simultaneously.
What About Gifted Testing or Private School Admissions?
This is where things can become more nuanced for some families.
Many gifted tests, private school entrance exams, and early childhood assessments are administered in English. Some tests include vocabulary, verbal reasoning, listening comprehension, or language-heavy directions. In these situations, bilingual children may occasionally score lower on English vocabulary simply because their language exposure is divided between two languages, not because they are less intelligent or less capable.
If your child is evaluated for:
- a gifted and talented (G&T) program,
- private school admission,
- kindergarten screening,
- or cognitive testing,
It is important to let the evaluator know your child is bilingual and speaks Polish at home. This information helps provide important context when interpreting scores, especially on language-based sections.
Should You Switch to More English at Home?
In most cases, continuing to speak your native language at home is highly beneficial. Children usually learn emotional expression, family connection, and deeper communication best in the language their parents speak most naturally.
However, if your child is approaching an English-based gifted test or private school assessment, some families choose to gradually increase English exposure in the months leading up to testing. This does not mean abandoning Polish. Instead, it can mean:
- reading more English picture books,
- practicing listening games in English,
- using English during certain learning activities,
- or incorporating English vocabulary into play.
This can help strengthen familiarity with English instructions, vocabulary, and testing language while still preserving bilingual development.
The Most Important Goal: Confidence and Curiosity
At these young ages, the focus should be on making learning enjoyable and interactive — not stressful. Children learn language best through connection, conversation, play, music, storytelling, and exploration.
The fact that your daughters are growing up bilingual is something to celebrate. Maintaining Polish at home while continuing exposure to English through daycare, books, and activities can create a strong foundation for both academic success and lifelong bilingual skills.
And yes, many bilingual children go on to thrive in gifted programs, advanced academics, and competitive schools while successfully maintaining both languages.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying the book, Testing for Kindergarten!
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