Discovering Culture Together: A Review of My First Vietnamese Words Series
As a mom constantly juggling the joyful chaos of everyday life, our bedtime reading rituals have become my sacred moments of refuge—an escape into the pages of colorful stories and new worlds. Recently, our family discovered My First Vietnamese Words Series by Heritage Kids Press. I remember the moment vividly: my two little ones were tired but eager for something new after a long day of play. “Can we learn some Vietnamese, Mama?” they chimed, and I knew this was the perfect choice.
The My First Vietnamese Words Series includes My First 100 Vietnamese Words, My First Vietnamese Alphabet, and My First Vietnamese Numbers, Colours, and Shapes. Each book introduces essential vocabulary through imaginative themes, colorful photographs, and the dual language approach of English and Vietnamese. The vibrant images of real-life objects captivated my kids immediately. They giggled as they recognized a con mèo (cat) and yelled out “meow!” in unison, which made my heart swell.
We started with the first book, and both of my little ones were completely absorbed. The structured format and clear, engaging concepts made it easy for us to venture into new territory together. The phonetic spellings were a lifesaver for me as I attempted to pronounce words like máy bay (airplane), all while my children enthusiastically parroted back each new term. I laughed at my own struggles with pronunciation—I can’t count how many times I butched the tones! But we giggled through the whole thing, which was part of the fun.
One particularly sweet moment was when my son pointed to a picture of cái ghế (chair) and proudly announced, “Look, Mama! The same as in English!” This simple realization about languages sparked a beautiful discussion about how different cultures share similarities while celebrating differences. The books ignited a passion for language learning that I hadn’t anticipated.
The illustrations are indeed spectacular, with durable laminated pages that can withstand tiny, sticky fingers—a huge plus! We’ve tested our fair share of children’s books, and the resilience of these pages stands out. They stood up to juice spills and occasional teething encounters, making them perfect for the toddler experience.
Reflecting on the experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the My First Vietnamese Words Series to any family looking to introduce their little ones to bilingual education while embracing cultural diversity. It’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, especially those curious about languages or with a Vietnamese heritage.
This series isn’t just a one-time read; it’s become a cherished part of our nightly ritual. Not only are we learning words and phrases together, but we’re also creating memories that I know my kids will carry with them. For me, it’s more than just teaching them a language—it’s about fostering a love for culture and learning that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re looking for a delightful bonding experience and precious moments in your parenting journey, look no further. This series might just be what you need to add a little more warmth and joy to your bedtime reading. 📚✨
