How can you keep your child's Turkish alive abroad?
What helps keep your child's Turkish alive when growing up abroad: at home, with family and in the community, especially once the school language takes over.
What should I ask after a free intro lesson?
Short answer: after the intro lesson, look at three things: how your child felt, how well the teacher got to know your child, and whether the suggested plan fits your family. The questions below will help you decide.
Questions for your child
- "What did you like most in the lesson?"
- "What did your teacher ask you? What did you tell them?"
- "Would you like to talk to them again?" Young children may not say much. Mentioning the lesson unprompted in the following hours, repeating a word or describing a game are good signs too.
Questions for yourself
- Did my child seem comfortable? Did the shyness of the first minutes fade?
- Did the teacher pitch their Turkish at my child's level, neither too hard nor too easy?
- How much of the lesson did my child get to speak?
- Do the lesson day and time fit our family schedule?
Questions for the teacher
- "What did you notice about my child's Turkish?" A good answer is based on concrete things your child did (for example: "Understands the questions, answers in single words").
- "What should the first goal be?" Ask for an observable goal for the next few weeks.
- "How many lessons a week would you suggest, and why?" The suggestion should be based on your child and your schedule. More here: How many lessons a week?
- "How will you show me progress?" See How can I tell my child's Turkish is improving?
- "What can I do at home?" Ask for one or two small, practical ideas.
- "Will we continue with you in regular lessons?" Continuity matters for children; ask how a change of teacher works if one is ever needed.
Practical questions
- How do cancellations and rescheduling work?
- How do packages work? See Turkish lesson prices
- Are there options for siblings? See One-to-one or sibling lessons?
If you're not sure
One lesson doesn't show everything about your child. Many children who are shy in the first lesson open up within a few lessons. You're welcome to send us your questions before deciding: Contact.
For other decisions, visit our Parent Decision Centre.
Continue from here
How do children abroad learn to read and write in Turkish?
When and how to start Turkish reading and writing with a child who is learning to read in another language at school. Turkish letters, sounds and simple ideas for home.
Online Turkish lessons and screen time
Where does an online Turkish lesson fit if you're trying to limit your child's screen time? The difference between a live interactive lesson and passive screen use, with practical tips.
Take the first step for your child
Choose a teacher and plan a gift intro lesson, or talk with our education team first.
