Bilingual Kids

Here is an interesting article that I just read on raising our kiddos to be bilingual. I thought some of you mommy readers might be interested...

Early Childhood Education –Bilingual Education
It goes without saying that a good education is one of the best ways to prepare that child for the future. This preparation begins from day one, before they even start school. In this diverse and competitive environment, it is necessary for our children to have a great deal of knowledge and a unique set of skills.

The Bilingual Future
A trend that has become certain is the existence of a diverse, global society. Nowhere is this more true than in the United States. By being multilingual in the world we live in today not only gives one a competitive advantage, but also helps to give an intercultural appreciation and sensitivity.

Getting Ready
Traditionally a second language is taught starting in middle school, or even high school in some cases. However research has shown that this teaching can and should begin at the early ages of 2 to 5. This can begin at home or some child care facilities have adopted it into their curriculum. Studies have clearly demonstrated that the optimal period in a child's life for multilingual education is during the preschool years – at exactly the same time they are learning their first language.
Dr. Fred Genessee, Professor of Psychology at McGill University in Montreal, believe it's actually just as easy for young children to learn two or three languages as it is for them to learn one.

Beginning The Process
While it is obviously possible to learn a second or third language later in life, it is more difficult. Studies have shown that it is easier for children to learn at a young age because this is when their brain is most flexible. When they are older they must work through an established first language system and learn new grammar rules of a second language. When they are young, they learn based on mimicking.
The best way for a child to learn a second language is by actually speaking it in a total immersed environment. This way they can observe and mimic what they see with those who speak the language fluently. They can also become involved in their culture which helps in their learning process. So as a parent get involved, have a cultural themed night with music and food of the language they're learning.
The cognitive benefits are outstanding. Those who were taught a second language at an early age had higher overall performances in basic skills such as problem solving, creativity, spatial relations and communication when they entered elementary school. Studies also so that multilingual use more of their brain than those who are monolingual.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Austin child care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of child care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.