Malayalam

[jeepster]

We have 2 children who have startsd in the nursery I work at.They only speak a few words of english.They speak Malayalam at home and I wondered if any one knows of a website where I can find out some basic words. I feel terrible when they are talking to me and I don't understand!

[netibiza]

jeepster - they don't need words - just kindness and cuddles .  I was a nursery teacher for 6 years and  mostly none of them spoke English to start.  It doesn't take them long, they sooon understand and with kind guidance ie helping them to sit when it's sit down time, they'll soon be rabbiting away. 

[acw]

I always believed that smiles were international sign language.  I'm sure that and hugs and hand-holding will make them happy kids.  Unless people aren't allowed to touch kids these days in case comforting a crying child gets mis-interpreted.  Grrr.  Don't feel terrible though - they will learn very quickly and they will understand that you care for them.  You could use picture cards maybe?

[Artful]

Found a dictionary: look.

But you are also going to have to find out how to say it. The alphabet is something else! Best of luck, jeepster.

Kindness and smiles are worth lots but I'm sure an attempt at 'direct' communication will bring a smile as well.

[woofgang]

Can you ask the parents to teach you? I am sure that this would make them feel that your care for their children is extra special

[jeepster]

thanks everyone,I have been smiling ,hand gestures etc, I just thought it would be nice to say a few words/understand a few words.Artful-I have learnt them already any new ones!Great idea woofgang.

[Dom Tuk]

jeepster malayalam the word is a palindrome.

[flaming]

Pictures.  Draw a picture of a simple image - cat. house, man, woman, et. - and print the English under the image, also say it repeatedly, denote that they write their word for it, and let them say it.  That way their English should improve, too.