Why it is Advisable to Learn a New Language at a Tender Age

Children learning new languages is a trend in classroom learning and parenting methodology. In Europe, it is commonplace that kids speak different languages, and now in America, you can notice a rise in tutoring kids.
With the development of technology, you can also notice all sorts of helpful and fun tools that help children learn foreign languages. Plus, there are tons of apps and toys that teach children foreign languages in a way that even kids don’t realize they are learning.
So why is there is a recent push for tutoring children in foreign languages?
There are many reasons why parents are advised to enroll their kids in language learning courses. Some of these reasons include:
-
Boost Academic Achievements
Learning a foreign language usually supports academic achievement. This is especially true for English-speaking learners studying a new language.
Being bilingual also benefits low-income kids in terms of their capability of focusing and directing their attention when distractions are present.
-
More Brain Plasticity
Young kids have a developing mind. Their brains are still processing what skills and information to keep and what to toss away. As kids grow older, their brains are less plastic, and there are less able to acquire new skills at such a state.
The greater plasticity of the brain in kids is a good reason to enroll your kids in a class to learn foreign languages early.
Unlike adult students, kids pick up new languages more fluidly and organically. In fact, this is the reason many learning programs are popping up these days to teach adult learners.
-
Enough Time to Learn
Think of all the books you read as a kid compared to those your children use today. It took you many years of schooling and reading to understand the texts you read today.
The same thing applies to speaking, writing, and listening. Time is an important aspect of learning a new language while at a tender age.
Kids have more time on their side. They may start small and work their way up to higher levels of communication and thought simultaneously.
-
Less to Learn
Kids think more than adult learners. They use fewer workers and simple sentence structures. Unlike adults, children learning a foreign language are not overwhelmed by tasks of communicating their feelings and thoughts.
Plus, as these kids develop their second and native languages, they learn how to express themselves in both languages.
-
Widen Kids World
Languages don’t exist in a vacuum. Basically, they are windows to another culture, whether you are socializing with the speakers of the language or in another country where it is the principal language.
In addition, it will be an easier and enjoyable experience for your kids when living and traveling abroad. They will have a non-touristy experience off the beaten path and even meet new friends.
In Conclusion!
Whether this is your first experience with a foreign language or you are just bilingual, your support will make a big difference to kids’ success.
It is not a must you’re fluent in the same language your kids are learning so as to create an active and encouraging learning environment. You just need to provide more opportunities for an authentic experience.