Immersion First, English Reading Later: A Parent’s Guide

The other day, a parent asked me, “My son is really struggling to learn to read as a first grader. When should I be concerned that this might hinder his education?” She had chosen to place her son in a Chinese immersion program.

To answer her question, I used an analogy from a friend of mine who is currently training for a triathlon. This friend never really knew how to swim, so she’s dedicated the majority of her training to swim lessons, working with coaches, and practicing regularly at the community pool. As a result, she’s beating her personal records and is fully immersed in her goal—committing her time, energy, and instruction to improving as a swimmer.

Now, if you were to ask her how she's doing as a cyclist, her answer would likely be quite different—because that hasn’t been her primary focus. Think about this in relation to your child learning to read in English while receiving 90% or more of their instruction in another language. Growth happens where time and attention are intentionally directed.

I share this to remind all parents: you get to choose what you value in your child’s education. Over nearly two decades in education, I’ve had the privilege of working with many families, each with their own values and goals for their children. These values are as diverse as the families themselves—emphasizing social-emotional development, language immersion, academic rigor, structure, respect for authority, and more. All of these are valid, and I commend each one in its own right.

However, a word of caution: when you prioritize one value with focused time and instruction, expectations in other areas need to be adjusted accordingly.

The benefits of language immersion are significant. I’ve spent my career in two highly regarded immersion schools, where I’ve seen firsthand how these programs not only develop bilingual students but also nurture problem-solving skills, open-mindedness, and empathy.

Now, returning to the original concern: “My child is struggling to learn to read in English—when should I be worried?” My response is this: you’ve chosen to value language immersion, and your child is thriving within that framework. He is developing the traits of a bilingual learner. It’s important to be at peace with the fact that his reading and writing progress in English may not align with peers who are receiving English instruction in a monolingual setting.

Going back to the triathlon example: if your training is focused on swimming, be proud of your progress there. It’s okay if you’re not currently breaking records in running or cycling. You’ll have time to prioritize those areas next.

And here’s a gentle reminder: learning to read is not a biological process—it’s a taught skill. In theory, a child could learn to read at age 10 and still become a highly proficient reader as a teenager or adult. I’m not suggesting you wait that long, but I am saying: choose your values, give them the time they need, and let your child reach their full potential in that chosen area.