Language nest programs in BC : Language nest programs in British Columbia

The children leave the program at 5 years of age and transition to the immersion school available in the community (if chosen by the parents). [...] I fundraised enough throughout the summer to hire one Elder in the fall and then I volunteered to be the caregiver for the kids. [...] Teacher, Secwepemc Nation Some Elders refused to speak the traditional language to the language nest children when they encountered them in the community. [...] Participants in both communities talked about the creation of “big books,” which are large, illustrated storybooks with the words to the story written in the traditional language in large print along the bottom of the pages. [...] It set the tone for heritage language learning and reminded the children that when they walk through the doors into the language nest, it is time to speak the language.