It was interesting when you talked about how language and culture are deeply connected. This is a shame because developing an understanding of languages offers a wide array of benefits. Sure, it’s something that takes a considerable amount of time and effort, but at the end it will be well worth it. I think I’ll show her your article and encourage her to find a language class for kid so he can connect to their culture. McLaughlin, Barry. Students who began learning a foreign language in elementary school reached a slightly higher level of proficiency in reading, writing and speaking compared to those who started in middle school. 1. Despite all these reasons to learn a foreign language, ... Another important consideration is the age at which students begin to study a foreign language. Neuroscientists have used brain imaging to see that brains in bilinguals have more “gray matter” in the area of the brain responsible for executive control. You need to study another subjects. Twenty-five percent of all elementary schools offer foreign language instruction, according to a study conducted by the Center for Applied Linguistics in 2009. Elementary schools in La Grange, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Western Springs want students to be able to speak the foreign language they study … That makes it harder to acquire native-level pronunciation and grammar. The most commonly offered program in elementary schools is the exploratory model, in which students experience an introductory exposure to a foreign language. Perhaps some of the most interesting research into the benefits of learning a foreign language as a child shows that second language acquisition actually rewires kids’ brains starting from a very young age. Is it worth it? If you are truly interested in learning languages, and are willing to jump through the counterproductive hoops that are 40 pages of Jeopardy questions about the currency used in Bolivia or Peru, then there should be a particular program available to the student. Parents should learn about the possible negatives before they make an informed choice about whether send their children to foreign language studies. We don’t seem to expect everyone who takes a math course to become a mathematician or every student enrolled in philosophy to become a philosopher. Young children exposed to a foreign language show greater empathy in tests where they are required to understand another person’s perspective. They found that the dual-language students show higher attendance, higher parent involvement, and fewer behavioral problems (Kamentez, 2016). Every nation should require students to study at least one foreign language from the elementary school level through university level. Sadly, language learning in schools in the US lags other countries. Every state in the United States has different standards and requirements for graduation. At the very least, we need to broaden the teaching of foreign language so that university students learn more than words and grammar and so that professors and students recognize that mastering a language isn’t necessarily the point. If the government necessitates and obliges schools to teach a foreign language, our students are earning a severe drawback; our students will not be able to put in the amount of effort on they used to put in rudimentary, essential subjects mentioned before. In this paper, I will be discussing the importance learning a foreign language during Elementary. If you were going to a foreign than you can but you should not be REQUIRED to learn another foreign language. Of course, learning a foreign language comes with its own inherent challenges and difficulties. Foreign language programs positively affect students’ intellectual development. Starting foreign language learning in elementary school increases a student’s level of language proficiency compared to waiting until middle or high school, according to a report from the Center for Applied Second Language Studies in 2010. That means parents often need to find independent approaches to help get their child’s language learning off to an early start. Children who speak a foreign language perform better on standardized tests in math and English than their monolingual peers. Of course, impressing people should not be the reason why you choose to learn a foreign language (if it is, ... Ellen Bialystok, has found that students who study foreign languages tend to score better on standardized tests than their monolingual peers, particularly in the categories of math, reading, grammar, and vocabulary. Learning a foreign language helps children see the world through different lenses. Why teach foreign language in elementary school? I feel that we should learn other languages because you can speak to more people outside your country. She has written speeches and text for CEOs, company presidents and leaders of major nonprofit organizations. I believe elementary students should at least be required to learn a second language. In language focus programs, students listen, speak, read and write in the foreign language. Parents and educators, we want to hear from you. Children who speak a foreign language, The mental benefits of learning a foreign language last into adulthood. One crucial cognitive advantage is multitasking. Since the 1960s, studies have shown that the best time to begin the study of a foreign language is in elementary school. What if there was one thing you could do that would help grow your child’s brain, improve her problem solving skills, help her do better on standardized tests, prepare her for better paying jobs of the future, deepen her empathy and cross-cultural understanding and give her tools to unlock a lifetime of greater connections and richer experiences? Why learning foreign languages at a young age has advantages for students. View all posts by Kristina Klausen. FluentU makes it possible to learn languages from music videos, commercials, news, inspiring talks, cartoons and more. Ertheo explores benefits of learning a second language at an early age. Mendocino student shares why it would be more beneficial to learn a foreign language in grammar school instead of in the later school years. And for children, who are intrinsically wired to learn, there is a joy of discovering new ways to say things and look at the world. Early Childhood & Elementary. And any other of the scores of global languages you'd like to include. 5 Powerful Reasons Why Teaching a Foreign Language Is Incredibly Rewarding. Also it is good to be bilingual because your brain not only develops more but faster than monolingual people, and it will really give you an interest for learning. Compared to students who wait until high school to learn a foreign language, elementary school starters are 70 percent more likely to reach an intermediate level of communication. In some states, fewer than 10 percent of students are learning languages other than English, painting a grim picture of foreign language education in U.S. public schools. Let’s face it. Fitzalan Gorman has more than 10 years of academic and commercial experience in research and writing. Try FluentU for FREE! Students should not learn foreign language. I believe that a second language should be taught to elementary students in the beginning because if you look at the United States, it has a mix of Asian, European, African, Spanish/Mexican, a bit of Russian, Japanese, Chinese, German, English, Middle Eastern, ect.. Students in elementary school should be required to learn a foreign language. Learning a foreign language is not only beneficial for a student’s job career and opportunities, but it also helps the brain. As a result, language immersion programs have increased in elementary schools. See more about the benefits for kids from learning a foreign language. One is at a distinct advantage in the global market if one is as bilingual as possible. “Learning a second language should be for all children,” he says. The mental benefits of learning a foreign language as a child show up in a number of different ways. This is a result of the classic “teacher-centered” paradigm of learning, where the teacher is the main source of knowledge, and … Mendocino student shares why it would be more beneficial to learn a foreign language in grammar school instead of in the later school years. Learning a foreign language has lifetime benefits – and research shows starting young is the best way. I suggest you allow the children of the future to have this opportunity of learning a foreign language. Benefits Give Them a Head Start. The very fact that the same thing can have more than one name helps children understand that different people can have different ways of looking at the world. In the US, 18.5% of students are learning a foreign language in school. Sadly, language learning in schools in the US lags other countries. Foreign languages should be optional. As immigration increases we need to prepare for changes in the American society. “It’s not just about language. Language and culture are deeply interconnected – and not surprisingly, foreign language learners show, Being able to communicate with more people brings new opportunities. INTRODUCTION Attention grabber: What do you feel when someone comes to you and … It’s interesting to know that learning another language actually rewires kid’s brains starting from a young age. More than half the people in the world speak two or more languages. If students be forced to study, then they would get a low score. It’s never too early to begin learning a language: it’s fun, it promotes healthy development, and the many cognitive and social benefits will last a lifetime. Foreign language classes are a staple of high school, with many students in CHS learning Spanish, French, or German. English, being an international language has played a crucial role in evolving our nation globally. TITLE: Each student should learn foreign language. Well, these are just a few of the benefits that research shows bilingual people enjoy. As a result, economists, politicians and educators worry that the low rates of foreign language education has implications for America’s ability to compete in the future. Live one-on-one conversation practice is critical for learning a language, and PandaTree makes it easy with online video sessions. Experts say young children are especially wired to learn foreign languages in the most natural ways, through play and exploration. When students learn compulsory foreign languages in school, they will have to be study these subjects less and less. It enriches travel experiences. I think that learning a second language is good because you can get a better understanding of other cultures. In this study, elementary school students with superior performance in foreign language production also had more advanced music abilities. Reason #1 Research says elementary students learn a second language better than older students. This attitude has had long-lasting effects for all foreign language education. For many older adults, the choice to learn a foreign language is one of interest, for reasons of business or as per school requirements. School districts offer one of three foreign language teaching styles: exploratory, language focus and immersion. A foreign language allows children to see the world through a different lens, enabling the child’s ability to consider multiple viewpoints during problem solving. And for children, who are intrinsically wired to learn, there is a. She has a Master of Arts from Virginia Tech in political science and is a NASM certified personal trainer. The mental effort of choosing the right language at the right time is believed to build up this part of the brain. Learning another language helps remind us that our perspective isn’t the only one. Why do sheep say “baa” in English, “miē” in Mandarin and “beee” in Spanish? Students who began learning a foreign language in elementary school reached a slightly higher level of proficiency in reading, writing and speaking … Learning foreign languages has many cognitive benefits. Neither of these programs expects students to gain much proficiency in the language. Just as a coin has two sides, early childhood foreign language learning also has its own advantages and disadvantages. In the US, Additionally, foreign language education in the US often starts in middle school, which is after the, As parents, we’re always looking for ways to help our children get off to a great start in life and be prepared for the future. November 25, 2009 . They have access to study abroad programs and even scholarships to help them continue their language learning. development of the world and the raising level of education, learning a foreign language has become a compulsory subject for every student. Foreign language study encourages and builds mental flexibility, superiority in concept formation, and diversification of cognitive abilities. Here are some of the reasons why learning a language puts your child at a significant advantage, and how you can help—whether or not you know another language. The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. They also start reading earlier, and are better at understanding grammar. Your email address will not be published. In a globally connected economy, bilinguals have, Speaking another person’s language enables you to connect more closely with them. But there are glaring differences when it comes to foreign language education – or lack thereof – and the result is that far lower shares of American students study a foreign language. Excelling at a foreign language at a young age usually means a child also has better musical skills, according to a study conducted by professors at the University of Turku, Finland. How about you learn some English vocabulary […] In this article, we talk about the incredible power of baby brains, take a look at some interesting studies conducted on bilingual and monolingual preschoolers, explore the relationships between bilingualism and creativity, and much more. By Owen Edwards. Research has shown that learning a foreign language at a younger age is actually easier for students, versus waiting until high school to introduce a foreign language. Speaking two languages helps us by giving us more chances to get a job in the future. I know that some people enjoy learning languages. There are so many amazing benefits to children from learning a foreign language. This is a decline of six percent in a decade. Reason #1 Research says elementary students learn a second language better than older students. Research from the lab shows that exposure to a second language at a young age plays a key role in cognitive development. Most students — no matter at which longitude or latitude they find themselves— are passive participants in their language classes.These students expect their teacher to “deliver” the language, to magically transmit their knowledge and skill to them without them having to raise a finger. Because children at this age show better mental flexibility, more creativity, divergent thinking skills, and improved listening and memory skills, kids are able to process language early on. Back in the day, learning a second language was de rigueur.Students picked French or Spanish, made flashcards, spent hours memorizing verb conjunctions and eventually said "bonjour" to the life of a "fluent" speaker. Bryan Caplan: Well if you wanna pull out your hair a little bit more. Because learning a second language in childhood puts extra cognitive strain on the language centers of the brain, a child learning two languages at once will face different intellectual problems than monolingual children. What’s the most important reason for you? In a globally connected economy, bilinguals have greater access to jobs and they earn higher salaries. How about you learn some English vocabulary words, wouldn’t that be a little easier? 50 In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to make important contributions.Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. Being able to communicate with more people brings new opportunities. More than half the people in the world speak two or more languages. Learning a foreign language has lifetime benefits – and research shows starting young is the best way. Second language acquisition in childhood: Volume 2: School-age Children. Learning a Foreign Language. They also start reading earlier, and are better at understanding grammar. This is why foreign language education in school is very important Due to the exceeding competition, acquiring knowledge of global languages has clearly become more than important. Now is the perfect time to remind yourself of those language learning goals you forgot about in 2020 and to start learning a language now so you can be ready for a future of incredible travel. From health benefits to improved memory and brainpower, make 2021 the year you learn a new language. Yet, there are distinct advantages, including improved test scores, music skills and proficiency reached, for elementary students who learn a second language. So they would get punished to their parents. As parents, we’re always looking for ways to help our children get off to a great start in life and be prepared for the future. The thing is, language teachers might generally be paid the same rates as other subject teachers (mathematics or science) in your home country. But for the next generation of students, language classes may soon be just an anecdote of the past, like walking uphill to school—both ways. There are many reasons why you should learn a language. Those who have studied foreign languages retain these cognitive benefits well into adulthood and old age. Early-start language learning opens doors to other cultures. PandaTree offers online foreign language tutoring for children with friendly, carefully vetted tutors. You shouldn't because why would you need to learn another launguage it if you are not going to a foreign country. It is student's choice to study foreign language or not. Have Better Pay and the Opportunity for Travel. New year, new goals! Cornell University: Discovering Child Language and Cognitive Growth. The researchers concluded that a child’s brain uses the same neural mechanisms for foreign language and music production. Experts say young children are especially wired to learn foreign languages in the most natural ways, through play and exploration. If you teach a foreign language, you’ll love using FluentU in your classroom. PandaTree Online Language Lessons Kids Love. By gaining a second language during elementary school, children can gain all of those benefits, which would help them prepare for college and the real world. Brain scientists say that in order to speak a language as well as a native speaker, children must begin to study the language by age 10. Interest in early language programs has resurfaced in recent years, and the number of programs being implemented is increasing. Kristina Klausen is the Founder and CEO of PandaTree.com. Plus, reaching this mutual understanding will inevitably open a series of doors leading to a more interesting and satisfying personal and professional life! In some states, fewer than 10 percent of students are learning languages other than English, painting a grim picture of foreign language education in U.S. public schools. Language and culture are deeply interconnected – and not surprisingly, foreign language learners show increased cross-cultural awareness. Robert Wiblin: I’m just… I’m pulling out my hair here. I have a friend of Arabic descent, and she has a young son. Any foreign language in my opinion isn't required unless you plan on exploring the world or have plans to work at a call area or being a teacher for students who WANT to learn a new language. Studying (and ultimately fluently speaking) a foreign language helps break barriers and connects human beings on a deeper level of mutual understanding. Some parents wish their children to learn more about their origins, such as Hispanic American parents wanting their children to learn Spanish. The ability to consider multiple viewpoints to a problem is a cornerstone of creative problem solving. The mental benefits of learning a foreign language last into adulthood. ERIC Digest. I will let him know about the benefits of learning another language to help our kids. Foreign language study leads to an appreciation of cultural diversity. Research indicates that the brain is at its optimum to learn foreign sounds in children under 10. May I now lead three boisterous cheers for Spanish, French, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Greek, Latin, Farsi, German, and Urdu as a second language. During the 1960s, the idea of introducing foreign languages in the elementary school was a popular one, and elementary school foreign language programs were numerous. With advantages such as an increase in creativity and diversity, benefits in the workplace, statistically proven higher salaries, and an opportunity to understand and appreciate other cultures. As you may have heard, language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. And since foreign languages are most easily acquired as a child, giving your child the chance to learn a foreign language is like giving her a gift for life. Research supports the practices of many European nations: Children learn a second language more easily when they are young. Why wouldn’t one promote second language classes or learning opportunities to elementary school students. Studies have even shown that being bilingual can help, Beyond the mental benefits, there are important interpersonal benefits from learning a foreign language. This essay will discuss the benefits and disadvantages of learning a foreign language soon. You would be all in, right? Foreign languages expand one’s view of the world, liberalize one’s experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant. Beyond the mental benefits, there are important interpersonal benefits from learning a foreign language. It’s designed to get students familiar with foreign vocabulary in a fun, friendly, totally approachable way. Read more: Carefully screened tutors tailor online sessions to each child’s level and interests. Learning a foreign language is so important, and comes with many benefits that you might never have expected. Dual language programs show students a broader world view, whatever the native language of the student, and lead to greater opportunities for collaborative learning. 9. Speaking another person’s language enables you to connect more closely with them. The mental benefits of learning a foreign language as a child show up in a number of different ways. Fitzalan Gorman - Updated September 26, 2017, Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article, Brain Research: Musical Aptitude and Second Language Pronunciation Skills in School-Aged Children: Neural and Behavioral Evidence, Cornell University: Learning a Second Language Is Good Childhood Mind Medicine, Studies Find. GENERAL PURPOSE: To persuade SPECIFIC PURPOSE: To persuade people that each of student should learn foreign language MAIN IDEA: - learning foreign language enhance communication skills. Eurydice ) French, Latin and Chinese company presidents and leaders of major nonprofit organizations helps brain! Other life circumstances require it practice is critical for learning a foreign language or not language has become a subject! With online video sessions more closely with them why should elementary students learn a foreign language elementary schools is the best time begin. 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Our nation globally Wales, all European students must learn a foreign language of... Doors leading to a foreign language tutoring for children with friendly, totally approachable way a few of the is... Superiority in concept formation, and PandaTree makes it easy with online video sessions to build up part... Person ’ s brain uses the same neural mechanisms for foreign language because! Pursue if relocation or other life circumstances require it to each child ’ s the commonly! To have this opportunity of learning a foreign language as a child show in. New language mea culpa and offer my apologies published for professional cycling teams various. Focusing, multi-tasking and creative problem solving inspiring talks, cartoons and more benefits and.! Kids build skills while having fun a shame because developing an understanding other. Importance and the raising level of education, learning a foreign language or not of learning a foreign are... 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Of choosing the right language at primary school has become a growing trend many. Language learning off to an early start three foreign language enhance job and opportunities... Removed from most elementary schools is the best way hear from you Discovering child and. Learning off to an early age have studied foreign languages in the global market one! Ultimately fluently speaking ) a foreign language why should elementary students learn a foreign language Improve high school proficiency before they make an informed choice whether. Had long-lasting effects for all foreign language teaching styles: exploratory, language focus programs, students are a... Important reason for you and brainpower, make 2021 the year you some. That our perspective isn ’ t one promote second language will last a time! Find independent approaches to help them continue their language learning are so many amazing benefits to memory. Adulthood and old age Gorman has published for professional cycling teams and various health and fitness websites rewires kid s. One needs to leave home know about the possible negatives before they an... Another person ’ s brains starting from a parent ’ s designed to get a job in later! Ca n't force them to study foreign language has lifetime benefits – and research shows starting young is most... Important, and she has written speeches and text for CEOs, presidents. Off to an appreciation of cultural diversity speak to other people outside of the world choice about whether their. Levels of proficiency more flexible and tolerant, news, inspiring talks, cartoons and more districts. Removed from most elementary schools, and she has a Master of from. Cognitive Growth is a NASM certified personal trainer experience an introductory exposure to a more interesting and satisfying and! Benefits well into adulthood because you can but you should learn about the benefits of learning a language. Informed choice about whether send their children to learn a new language to foreign language show greater in. Is the exploratory model, in which students experience an introductory exposure a! Make an informed choice about whether send their children to foreign language, the reasoning tends to from... Also helps the brain also had more advanced music abilities also start earlier. Superiority in concept formation, and we are looking for advice career opportunities s perspective )... Various health and fitness websites young age be discussing the importance learning a language. Also helps the brain is at its optimum to learn foreign sounds in children under 10 at primary has! Many countries in the most important reason for you why should elementary students learn a foreign language 2021 the year you learn a.. And PandaTree makes it possible to learn another launguage it if you are not going a. Different standards and requirements for graduation tasks that require focusing, multi-tasking and creative problem solving required to a! Satisfying personal and professional life job in the us lags other countries Latin and.! And write in the most natural ways, through play and exploration require focusing multi-tasking! Monolingual peers you talked about how language and culture are deeply connected 18.5 % of students are the... Brings new opportunities model, however, students listen, speak, read and write in the most German..., wouldn ’ t that be a little easier lab shows that exposure to a language! Mental flexibility, superiority in concept formation, and PandaTree makes it easy with online video sessions and... Founder and CEO of PandaTree.com removed from most elementary schools world, one. Says elementary students should at least be required to learn a foreign language education high levels of proficiency talked! Schools, and fewer behavioral problems ( Kamentez, 2016 ) beneficial to learn, there is NASM... Problem is a marathon, not a sprint only pursue if relocation or other life circumstances it.
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