The latest research suggests that the best age for kids to learn a second is language is before 6 or 7 years old, so it’s imperative to encourage language learning at an early age. In fact, many parents are adopting ‘the earlier the better’ attitude. Learning a new language is not only fun, it unlocks a number of cognitive and social benefits that are certain to come in handy at every stage of life.
Those learning a second language boost vital problem solving, critical thinking and listening skills as well as enhanced memory, concentration and multitasking abilities. Learning a new language from an early age is also thought to encourage academic success and nurture qualities that will be useful outside of the classroom too, such as curiosity, cultural sensitivity and tolerance.
There are many ways that you can encourage language learning with your tot, and just as many tools to explore to boost language learning success. Here we reveal just a few of them.
Building block play
Playing with toy blocks and bricks isn’t just fun. There’s actually a science behind construction play that makes it a vital part of a child’s early development. As well as helping children cultivate their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive flexibility and capacity for creative thinking, building block play can encourage the improvement of language. NAEYC’s Karen Nemeth explains what children studying two languages can learn through block play:
“Blocks offer many ways for young dual language learners to explore, express themselves, and demonstrate what they are learning across languages.”
Tools as simple as toy blocks can provide the ideal opportunity to support dual language learners from an early age. The confidence and success instilled through building block play can also deliver the boost children need to master other skills, such as learning a second language.
Language learning apps
Technology opens up a whole new world of opportunities, particularly for language learners. There are many apps targeted specifically at children, helping kids of all ages learn a new language, from the basics to speaking, writing and conversing fluently. Some apps even sport children’s favourite characters, which helps to further inspire their language learning.
Native speaker support
Whilst parents in bilingual or multilingual households can provide contact with native speakers first-hand, those from monolingual homes may not have immediate access to this kind of support. Having your child spend time with a native speaker is particularly beneficial, and will expose them to their target second language in a natural and more socially interactive way.
Call on a bilingual family member, friend or neighbour for assistance. Enrolling your child in language based extra-curricular activities within the community can also help.
Family immersion holidays
Why not get the entire family involved in language learning? Family language exchange holidays are popular options for several reasons, giving language learners of all ages the chance to immerse themselves in their target language, and learn so much more about the culture of the country behind it. Language immersion holidays also give you the chance to learn from the best, with those daily interactions with native speakers helping individuals grasp a language faster and more fluently.
Find out more about our language exchange holidays and make learning a second language a family affair.
