language Greater confidence
Even adults will admit to a certain pride in being able to converse in a different language, so imagine what this ability will do for a child! Being able to speak more than one language is definitely something that is respected in society and so, as a child becomes increasingly competent in speaking a second language, and is praised for it, this will naturally lead to praise and an increase in confidence. For kids, the feeling of accomplishment that comes with their first steps towards a second language can also spur them on to a deeper passion for learning in general.
Enhanced cognitive performance
In a recent article, which appeared in Te New Yorker, renowned scientist, James Flynn, said that 'the mind is much more like a muscle than we've ever realized... It needs to get cognitive exercise. It's not some piece of clay on which you put an indelible mark.' Studies that have been carried out into
children who can speak more than one language clearly show that exposure to language learning is one way of building up brain muscles. And it gets better! According to experts, the process of learning a new language allows kids to work on their memory skills, problem-solving abilities and reading skills. In fact, studies have shown that kids who can speak more than one language usually have better grades in school in practically all subjects!
More native-sounding accent
Kids love to mimic what they hear around them and they're particularly sensitive to the slightest of differences in both tone and sound: a fantastic skill to have when it comes to learning another language! A study that was conducted recently by UCLA and the University of Hong Kong discovered that adults who had significant exposure to a second language in early childhood found it easier to end up speaking the language like a native! What's more - very young kids have absolutely no hang-ups or inhibitions about making mistakes or about trying out a native accent, so they're more willing to try out words and sounds without worrying about making a fool of themselves!
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Improves career prospects for future
OK, so when you're watching your two year- old child splashing about in puddles in her wellies, you're hardly going to be thinking about her career choices in 20 years' time, but the simple fact is that competency in a second language will always be a skill that can help to improve her job prospects! Many colleges around the world place an increasingly high value on knowledge of more than one language and, with competition oſten extremely rife in college or university applications, being able to add a second or third language to a CV is a definite advantage.
How to help your child learn a second language
So that's the 'what for' - now for the 'how to'! Tere are loads of ways in which you can help your child to master a second language and can even join her on her journey! Obviously teaching a child a second language is a lot easier if one parent is a fluent second language speaker, but, even if neither of you fulfils this requirement, there are loads of resources available which can assist you. Books, games, videos, CDs and DVDs specifically aimed at young children are all widely available in other languages and you can use these on a daily basis to promote the new language to your child. Take the words that your child is learning
in a second language and make flashcards using those words. Tis assists in reinforcing
BENEFITS OF SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING
• Children use the part of the brain that is closest to the part which learns a native language, so, the younger a child is, the easier it is for it to pick up a second language
• Children have no inhibitions and are therefore more relaxed
• They find it easier to acquire a native-like accent and pronunciation
• It makes children aware of other cultures and languages, as well as promoting social and personal skills
How to help your child learn at home:
• Teach songs and nursery rhymes in a number of languages. Get help from family and friends if you can
• Listen to CDs or DVDs of songs and poems in other languages - there are plenty available
• Encourage your child to learn simple greetings in languages other than their own
the lessons that your child is learning from the visual/audio resources that they're using. Tere are also a number of children's
foreign language clubs on the go now. Franchises such as Le Club Francais (
www.lcfclubs.com) and La Jolie Ronde (
www.lajolieronde.co.uk), for example, offer a wide range of classes throughout Ireland.„
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