Our children are learning a second language at ever younger ages. Is it a world educational revolution? In the past few years there has been an increase on parents’ desire to expose their little ones to an early language learning start. They want the best for their children and they know that one or more languages besides their mother tongue will provide them access to better opportunities around the world. Hence, very young children from all over the world are now being taught a second language. So, is it a good idea to learn a  second language froman early age?

Brain research suggests that fun is not just beneficial to learning but required for authentic learning and long-term memory. Keep in mind that the highest-level executive thinking, making of connections, and “aha” moments are more likely to occur in an atmosphere of “exuberant discovery,” where students of all ages retain the enthusiasm of embracing each day with the joy of learning. When little ones are having fun they are motivated and we can keep them active and engaged. But how can we have a class of young children having fun all the time? We can prepare a stimulating environment where

Children learn to talk using only the sounds and words they pick up from their environment most importantly from their parents and caregivers. Many scientists believe that a newborn’s brain is genetically “programmed” to learn language, just as a bird is programmed to sing or a spider to weave a web. No one actually teaches children to talk. Rather, parents and others enable their learning by speaking while they interact with them. Therefore, interaction is a critical part of this process. Consequently, a baby’s brain will then discard the ability to speak in languages he or she does not hear.

Global trends in foreign language around the world. In the last decade there has been an enormous increase and discussion around the new findings that give a lot of information about the importance of starting early when it comes to helping children acquire a foreign language. The benefits of a bilingual or multilingual education are well documented and now we are more aware that it helps children gain cross cultural understanding and global awareness; it enhances academic progress in other subjects; it narrows achievement gaps; it benefits higher order, problem solving, abstract and creative thinking; it enriches and enhances cognitive,

When teaching a foreign language it is extremely important to begin with children in their early years, when their minds are still open to “catching” differences and fitting them inside their “thinking system”. So, what is learned is not only the new language, but an open mindedness and respect towards the differences between them and others in the world. In a globalized world where we continuously come in contact with people from different cultures, it should be a common practice to learn foreign languages and to create a positive attitude towards everything that is “different” from one’s own culture. As

Recent studies indicate that the best time for children to learn a foreign language is during their first three to four years of life. It is during this period that children develop a natural ability to learn. Scientists suggest that when it comes to ease of learning and proficiency in a foreign language, earlier is better. There is a “window of opportunity” for easily acquiring additional languages from the moment a child is born. Research indicates that newborns are very receptive to the distinctive sounds of foreign languages. During the first six months of life, babies babble using 70 sounds

Reading to very young kids – tips for parents and teachers. This is the title of our latest video. When teaching young kids a new language take some time to emphasize to parents each week the importance of reading to their children at home, not only in their native language but the target language, as well. Lay out a special story blanket and invite families to gather with you for Story time. Ask parents of younger children to cuddle them for this activity so as to help them feel safe and warm. Invite older children to gather in front of

Teaching a second or a third language to children during their first years of life has become a trend. Today, all the research conducted regarding foreign language learning makes emphasis on all the benefits it brings to children and their future in a globalized world. We have come to realize how young babies can discriminate between sounds with ease. We know they can learn two languages simultaneously, through play, songs, stories and appropriate activities in a fun and natural way as long as they are regularly interacting with speakers of both languages. We know about the benefits that learning a

Learning is easier if it is fun and to make it fun we need to provide children with a playful environment. The more fun the environment, the more a child will want to stay with it. We know children learn in a variety of ways but we all recognize that play is an important vehicle in the process. Children learn a second language in a natural way, through play, songs, rhymes, movement, exploration, creativity, games, story books and fun activities in an environment that is playful. When exposing children to a new language use the language at all times paired

This has been a wonderful week! I signed my books and carried out an activity for children at the Pabellon Infantil. Thanks to everyone for attending. You can find the Wise Foxes Collection at the Book Fair