|
Parent
Brochure
Much media attention has recently been
focused on the importance of early learning experiences on brain
development. Newsweek devoted a special edition to the critical
first 3 years of a child's life and indicated that there is a
"window of opportunity" for second language learning
starting at 1 year of age. A February 1997 article in Time magazine
suggested that foreign languages should be taught to children as
early as possible. With so many demands already placed on children,
parents might ask: Is it important that my child learns a second
language at a young age? Why? What options are available?
What
are the benefits of knowing a second language?
In addition to developing a
lifelong ability to communicate with more people, children may
derive other benefits from early language instruction, including
improved overall school performance and superior problem-solving
skills. Knowing a second language ultimately provides a competitive
advantage in job opportunities.
Students of foreign languages score
statistically higher on standardized tests. In its 1992 report,
College Bound Seniors: The 1992 Profile of SAT and Achievement Test
Takers, the College Entrance Examination Board reported that
students who averaged 4 or more years of foreign language study
scored higher on the verbal section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test
(SAT) than those who had studied 4 or more years in any other
subject area. In addition, the average mathematics score for
individuals who had taken 4 or more years of foreign language study
was identical to the average score of those who had studied 4 years
of mathematics. These findings are consistent with College Board
profiles for previous years.
Students of foreign languages have
access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a
deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. Some evidence
also suggests that children who receive second language instruction
are more creative and better at solving complex problems.
Why
is it better for my child to learn a language in primary school?
Studies have shown -- and
experience has supported -- that children who learn a language at a
very early age are much more likely to have native-like
pronunciation. A number of experts attribute this proficiency to
physiological changes that occur in the maturing brain as a child
enters puberty. Of course, as with any subject, the more years a
child can devote to learning a language, the more competent he or
she will become. In any case, introducing children to alternative
ways of expressing themselves and to different cultures generally
broadens their outlook and gives them the opportunity to communicate
with many more people.
How
are languages taught to children?
Common
sense will tell us that the best way to teach a young child a second
language is to teach the child as naturally as possible, in the same
way as the native tongue language is taught.
Here
are some of the most important things to remember :
a)
Do not
pressure a young child
into learning a second language. He may ``block-off´´ and loose
all interest.
b)
Make the
intuition fun-filled. If a
child has fun and enjoyment in doing something, then the interest
and wanting for more will be
there. Remember, if the enjoyment is there then the learning comes
automatically.
c)
Do not
spend too long on one
theme. The child will become bored and loose interest. If you see
that the child is
loosing interest or becoming
uneasy, change to something else or stop for the day.
d)
Do not
make the lessons too long.
30-45 minutes for children up to the age of 4 Yrs. is long enough.
For children aged 5 - 10 yrs. 60 minutes will be sufficient.
Remember, all children are different. Adopt the teaching and lesson
duration to the child where possible.
e) Give
the child lots of praise.
The more the better. This
encourages the child, thus giving him/her
encouragement to want more.
f) Never
say the word ``WRONG´´! This could cause the child to
loose interest and switch off. This could cause the child to ``block
off´´ the language and is very damaging to the future progress.
Just tell him the right answer/meaning and carry on teaching.
g) Never
teach a child when he/she
is ill or not feeling well !
h)
Be Patient.
A child will learn the language
in his / her own time. Remember, patience
is a virtue! It
will be worth
while in the long run.
Will
a Second Language Interfere With My Child's English Ability?
In most cases, learning another
language enhances a child's native language ability. Children
can learn much about his native language by learning the structure
of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the
meaning of new words in the native language.
Experimental studies have shown that
no long-term delay in native language development occurs in children
participating in second language classes, even in full immersion
programs. In fact, children
enrolled in foreign language programs score statistically higher on
standardised tests conducted in the native language. A number of
reports have demonstrated that children who have learned a second
language earn higher SAT scores, particularly on the verbal section
of the test. One study showed that by the fifth year of an immersion
program, students outperformed all comparison groups and remained
high academic achievers throughout their schooling.
If
My Child Is Enrolled in a Language Program at School, What Can I Do
To Help?
Most
importantly, encourage your
child's interest in the language and in other cultures. Show him
or her that you value the ability to speak a second language. Attend
cultural events that feature music, dance, or food from the country
or countries where the language is spoken. If possible, provide some
books, videos, or other materials in the second language. If you are
familiar with the language yourself, read to your child. Summer
programs offering international exchange are suitable for older
children and offer valuable opportunities to speak a second language
and explore a different culture first-hand. Children normally live
with a host family, which provides them with a safe and sheltered
environment where they can practice their language skills.
If
My Child's School Does Not Offer Language Study,
what
Can I Do To Help Establish a Program?
Speak to the school principal about
your interest in seeing a program established. Determine what type
of program best fits your needs. Join with other parents interested
in starting up a program. Discuss the possibility at a PTA meeting.
Write to the teachers, the school board, and the school district
headquarters.
Parents can also establish a
second language program for their children by forming Infant or
child groups in a second language. You could, if possible, enrole
your child on local language courses.
Whatever
you decide to do, it is worthwhile to raise a child in two languages.
We
wish you luck and every success.
This brochure was
written by Kathleen Marcos of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages
and Linguistics.
This publication was prepared by ACCESS
ERIC with funding from the National Library of Education, Office
of Educational Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of
Education, under Contract No. RK95188001. The opinions expressed in
this brochure do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies
of the U.S. Department of Education.
This brochure is
in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in
part is granted.
Junior English 2005
Top
Back
Catalogue
English Teaching
Materials Engl. Home
More Info.: info@juniorenglish.de |
