Research shows that the early childhood years are a great time to learn another language. Young children’s brains are developing rapidly, and it is relatively easy for them to absorb new language patterns and adopt new accents. At the same time, young children tend to be less inhibited about trying out new language skills and naturally curious about other cultures and ways of life. For many parents, the opportunity for their children to learn another language at school is an important consideration when selecting an early learning program.
Research shows that the early childhood years are a great time to learn another language. Young children’s brains are developing rapidly, and it is relatively easy for them to absorb new language patterns and adopt new accents.
Different schools have different language programs, and parents should consider carefully what they are looking for in this area. Some schools choose to focus on English or lack the resources to invest in a robust second-language program. Some schools have mandatory second-language classes in a given language, while for still others such classes are optional, or several languages are offered. And some schools offer an “immersion” approach, in which teachers and children use the target language for much or all of each school day.
With such varied options available, it is important for parents to think about their own goals for their children when it comes to learning a second (or third, or fourth) language. Are you expecting your child to continue with this language for the long term, or do you see this more as a chance to dip a toe into language learning? What is most important to you, confidence and enthusiasm for later language acquisition or a specific level of language attainment in the shorter term? Is it important that your child be able to continue this particular language and/or learning model in future grades or schools, and if so, how likely is this? These are all valid considerations when it comes to choosing an early learning program for your child.
When considering an early learning program, ask…
- Do your students learn another language? Which languages are offered?
- What is your language learning philosophy? What does your program look like?
- What are your targets for students in your language program, and how do you know whether students are meeting these targets?
Tips to encourage this at home:
- Expose your children to other languages, whether through picture books, speaking with relatives or friends, watching kids’ programs and listening to music in other languages, or travelling.
- Find out about other cultures and allow your children to tell you which ones they find particularly interesting or compelling.
- Learn some words and phrases in other languages with your children and show them it’s fun to use what you know of another language!