There’s no better way to boost your child’s intelligence, creativity and problem-solving skills than by teaching them a foreign language.
Why teach your child a foreign language?
Learning another language from an early age provides enhanced cognitive development, creativity and problem-solving skills. Children who study a second language can experience higherachievement in other subjects such as maths and reading. They also score higher on standardized tests. The British school of Barcelona is a great example of somewhere children can learn a second language!
7 Reasons for your child to learn a second language
1. Boosts Achievement
Cognitive function is improved when your child learns a second language. Children develop better thinking, reasoning, remembering, and problem-solving skills. They gain greater mental flexibility and creativity. This translates to animprovement in other areas.
2. Enhances Skillset
You want to prepare your child for the future and having a second language will create greater opportunities to work orstudy abroad.
It gives them that competitive edge because any good employer recognises the value of a second language.
3. Makes it Easier to Achieve Native-like Fluency
Contrary to what was once popular belief, small children have no problem learning two languages at the same time.
Children under five use the same part of their brain for learning a second language as they do to learn their mother tongue. They effortlessly absorb grammar and pronunciation that older children learn through conscious work.
4. Primes Brain to Learn Other Languages
Children who learn a second language develop an ‘ear’ for languages. This helps when learning a third or more as they havealready ‘hard-wired’ the process.
It also reinforces concepts in the child’s native language which gives them a deeper insight into vocabulary, grammar and syntax, improving language skills overall.
5. Increases Tolerance and Cultural Sensitivity
When a child learns a second language they are also introducedto the corresponding culture.
They are more likely to be open and curious about different people, develop positive attitudes to others and have increased empathy and cultural sensitivity.
6. Provides Challenges to Gifted Children
Of course, languages are for everyone, but those children who need an extra challenge will find satisfaction in digging deep into the rich vocabulary, concepts, and culture of a second (or third) language.
7. Boosts Brain Power
Studies that compare the brains of bilingual and monolingual speakers show that bilinguals have more grey matter. In general, people with high IQs have more grey matter in their brain. So,this could mean that learning a language will make your child smarter.
Finally
Learning a second language is not only a valuable skill, but it isgood for your child’s education, wellbeing and sense of place in the world.
Your input will be vital in ensuring their success. And you may even discover the benefits of learning a foreign language for yourself.
