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The Top
Three Benefits of Learning a Second Language Early in Life
Presented by Beth Butler/Creator of the
BOCA BETH
Program
Summary: The savvy parents and teachers of today realize our
economy is requiring a more global approach. They wish to prepare
their children with the tools necessary to travel successfully in a
society rich with diversity. Learn about the many benefits derived
from introducing a second language to young children.
Parents and teachers today are increasingly aware of the need to
raise their children to be bilingual. They have witnessed an ever
growing need for acquiring new languages and mastering the awareness of
other cultures. Preparing our young children of today for the world of
tomorrow is not only our responsibility but our immediate task at hand.
Experts continually report, the earlier the better when it comes to
introducing a second language to children ages birth through ten.
Why is this age so ripe for the language learning? During the first five
years of life a young child is less self conscious about any possible
mistakes made while practicing a new found language. In fact, one of the
reasons why young children are so successful in picking up the new
sounds of a new language is because they are less inhibited when it
comes to trying the new language on for size when compared to older
children and adults. One of the greatest things realized here is that
native and near native pronunciation is one of the positive side effects
enjoyed when children learn a second language this early in life.
Research pours in demonstrating the many benefits derived from second
and third and fourth language learning early in life. The first of which
is directly connected with Ready to Read, Ready to Learn, Born to Read
and other education initiatives that promote early reading skills. Did
you realize that children who are being introduced to a second language
during the first five years of life will exhibit advanced reading skills
when compared to monolingual peers? Dr. Ellen Bialystok of York
University and her team of research experts have conducted many studies
on child language acquisition. Their studies show time and time again
that the children who receive instruction in two languages score twice
as high on language tests than their monolingual peers. These bilingual
children also read sooner according to the published reports. (Dr Ellen
Bialystok, 2001)
As a teacher, it is easy to understand the reasoning as to why this
happens. If a child is learning English in their home, and the parents
begin to add Spanish vocabulary words and phrases into the daily routine
of that child by placing the new language right alongside the native
language, the child then begins to decode the two languages
simultaneously. Experts advise that it is just as easy for a baby,
toddler and preschool age child to learn two words for one item as it is
to learn only one word. There is no confusion on the part of the child.
There will be no language delay. There will simply be the additional
vocabulary words added to the list that the child is able to master as
he begins to verbalize his understanding of the world around him.
The use of bilingual DVDs, CDs, and books that introduce the new
language in a true bilingual presentation are highly suggested by
experts in the fields of linguistics and early childhood development.
Immersion can work, but latest findings suggest that the bilingual
method, one where the native language is placed right alongside the new
language, provides for higher level of self confidence, better language
acquisition and understanding, and increased long term retention. Many
experts advise saving immersion methods for the later elementary school
years and into middle and high school when most children have mastered
the majority of their native language skills.
Standardized tests have become a way to measure the success of our
children and their level of learning, from elementary school all the way
through college. A 2002 study out of Miami-Dade County public schools
reported that children receiving instruction in both Spanish and English
scored 23-34 points higher in the verbal and math sections on
standardized tests. (Dr.Joanne Urratia, 2002) Being aware of this
benefit derived from second language learning should be enough of a
motivation for school systems nationwide to begin early language
learning at the preschool and elementary school level. Now, do not
chuckle. I know that with budget cuts and lack of funding for even
decent salaries, our children will never see this happen.
That is why it is up to us as parents and teachers to use this
information about the best way to bring second language learning into
the lives of our young children, and make it happen immediately. Do not
worry if you yourself do not speak a second language. As Drs. Kendall
King and Alison Mackey tell us in their book titled The Bilingual Edge
(2007), the key is the ability of the parent or teacher to interact with
the child using the second language. They inform us as well that the
critical piece does not rest on you having perfect pronunciation and
native accent. Children learn their native language and new language in
spite of grammatical errors you might make or imperfect speech that
might be directed their way.
A bilingual child typically enjoys the titles of great communicator and
excellent problem solver. These coveted titles cover the last of the top
three benefits of learning a second language early in life. It seems
quite logical that a young child, who is being introduced to a second
language during the years when his brain is experiencing amazing
developmental growth, will in turn develop excellent communication
skills. If you heard but forgot or perhaps never heard this statistic at
all, it is an important one: At birth 25% of your brain is developed and
by age five 90% of your brain is developed. Due to the part of the brain
being used to acquire these language skills, the bilingual child becomes
skillful in problem solving. I am certain you would agree that these two
titles can assist a person on their journey of life.
Let us begin the task at hand today. Allow your child to experience the
gift of learning a second language using true bilingual methods and
products. Then enjoy watching your child delight in the many benefits
derived from an early introduction to new languages. Who knows, maybe
your child will be reading you your good night story soon.
About the Author:
Beth Butler is the creator of the BOCA BETH Language Learning Series for
young children. Find out how fun and easy it can be to raise a bilingual
child. Sample the BOCA BETH bilingual music and movies for free at
http://www.bocabeth.com
Call toll free 1.877.825.2622 or 1.813.244.1432 |
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