3 Reasons to Start Teaching Your Child a Second Language Today

Whether or not you had the opportunity to learn a second language while you were growing up, you might want your children to have access to language learning resources while they’re young. The world is becoming more interactive, and that means that people of all cultures are coming together. It’s naïve to think that everyone will learn how to speak English, and so there are many benefits to helping your child to learn a second language.

There are many reasons to learn a new language. Perhaps you come from somewhere where the primary language is something other than English. Whether for family or professional reasons, here are some other important reasons to start teaching your children a second language.

1. It’s Easier to Learn a New Language as a Kid

From birth, children’s brains are nearly a blank slate. Connections start to be made right away from the things that a newborn baby sees, hears, and feels. The brain starts to make connections and eventually cuts off connections to things that it deems unimportant. This includes the sounds of language that a child is exposed to. Children’s brains are still able to quickly make the connections to learn a new language, even if they already speak a primary language. As children age, those connections start to close off. Adults experience fossilization of the brain when it comes to language learning, which is why it’s more difficult to learn a new language as an adult. If you want your child to have all of the tools to learn a second language, start them early because it’s easier.

2. It Can Give Them a Unique Outlook on Life

Culture is inevitably linked to language, which means that as a child learns a new language, he or she is also bound to learn about a new culture. This helps children to develop an open mind and provide them with a unique outlook on life. They might realize how much variety there is all around the world. It might even make some children open to other new experiences. If you wish to foster the growth of open-mindedness in your children, then exposure to a new language and culture is a great way to do that.

3. It Prepares Them for Learning and Experiences Through Life

Learning a language is difficult, but it also provides many opportunities. It helps with creativity and problem-solving. Children who know more than one language are also likely to be better at multitasking and effective communication, skills which will serve them well in their adult years.

You might wonder how you can help your child learn a foreign language. You can start with books available online or at your local library. Websites or television programs to which you have access can also help. If you try to learn the language along with your children, that may inspire them, too. Start with simple vocabulary and work your way up. Any exposure to a second language for a child should be a positive and beneficial experience.