Looking for ways to encourage bilingualism in kids? Check out these interactive techniques for learning new languages!
Why learn a new language?
There are countless health benefits to learning a new language including direct stimulation of your brain’s gray matter, which plays a significant role in memory and mental functions. Different languages have different rules and patterns, from proper grammar to spelling conventions. Every time you practice another language, you are essentially giving your brain a cognitive workout!
Current research indicates that learning a foreign language provides a number of cognitive benefits, especially in the realm of executive functioning. As a reminder, these skills include:
- Organization and planning ability
- Attention span
- Memory and recall
- Emotional regulation
- Time management
- Mental flexibility
Virtually every single one of these applies to learning a foreign language! In terms of emotional regulation and mental flexibility, learning a foreign language not only helps boost students’ self esteem, but also provides a valuable opportunity for cultural exploration outside their own.
The earlier the better
Parents have heard for years that teaching their children a second language from an early age is optimal, but now we have the science to back it up. As it turns out, our brains experience a unique period of flexibility up to age 3 with continued flexibility in speech and listening patterns until age 8.
In other words, learning a second language at a young age is undoubtedly the best time to do it – not to mention it makes learning future languages even easier!
Bilingual benefits for the future
Another reason to encourage your kids to learn a language? Being bilingual provides serious advantages throughout their academic careers (and beyond) and can help them stand out from the crowd. Surprisingly, the large majority of students in America continue to speak only one language by the time they graduate high school. According to the Language Connects Foundation, the U.S. currently stands as the only developed country in the world where foreign language learning is simply not prioritized in schools.
As many parents and students are aware, colleges and universities almost always have a foreign language policy, with many institutions requiring students to have completed at least 2 years of foreign language courses to even be considered for admission. Generally we recommend students take 3 years of foreign language courses throughout high school, but it goes without saying – if your student already speaks a second language, it will be a lot easier for them to satisfy these requirements!
Recommended apps
When it comes to learning a new language, it’s hard to beat the interactive nature of apps and software! These tools not only make learning a foreign language fun, but they also provide a structured format that allows students to track their progress effectively. Here are some of our top picks!
- Rosetta Stone – The oldest solution on this list, Rosetta Stone is a full-fledged software suite that has been trusted by users for over 30 years. Now with mobile and tablet apps, Rosetta Stone is more accessible than ever!
- Duolingo – This is our favorite app for younger students, but don’t let its playful nature fool you. Duolingo may appear a bit childish with its fun games, colorful animations, and interactive reward systems, but this app is a blast for learners of all ages!
- Babbel – Babbel is a bit less “playful” than Duolingo but makes up for it with its real-world usability. Babbel is great for learning conversational speech and even features a “travel” module for common phrases you may need to know on your next vacation!
