Many children seem to adapt to challenges they face in school and outside of school. Job opportunities, better logic, and communication are three things that could be benefited in an individual's life when knowing more than one language. I think it would be valuable to know multiple languages; especially at a young age.
First, the process of learning two languages at a young age comes easier to toddlers. If a second language is instituted before the age of three, then a child will have the same process and outcome of a child just learning one language. Next, learning a new language at a young age allows children to do better in other subjects in school. By having more than one selection of language choice, a child is exercising multiple parts of their brain. This practice allows a better understanding of a variety of topics. It also allows creativity when solving problems. Lastly, an individual would have the ability to talk to more people. When traveling to foreign countries or speaking to a person during a job, a second language becomes very handy.
Although there are many advantages to learning a new language at a young age, there are also a few downsides. A child could end up disliking the language if they are forced to learn it. This could stop them from wanting to learn or even speak it. Another downside is that teaching another language will have the best outcome when a child learns both languages at the same time. That would mean they would need to learn it before the age of 3 which is before they can go to school.
Overall, I think that it is more beneficial for children/toddlers to learn a second language. If I already knew how to speak Spanish, then it would have taken a weight off of my shoulders today. Knowing another language would have helped me in many aspects of my own life.
Do you think children should learn 2 languages?
Do you think knowing two languages would benefit a child?
Sources:
-https://www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/early-childhood-elementary/
-http://www.hanen.org/Helpful-Info/Our-Views-on-the-News/Are-Two-Languages-Better-Than-One-.aspx
-http://www.hanen.org/helpful-info/articles/bilingualism-in-young-children--separating-fact-fr.aspx
-https://www.theclassroom.com/disadvantages-studying-new-language-kindergarten-9805.html
Replies
Great topic choice and well done Taylor!
I do think it would be easier to learn a 2nd language at a younger age, but I think toddlers are too young. I think it would be more difficult and confusing because they are probably still learning some English or their first language. I think it would benefit younger kids so it's easier to learn later on. In all I personally wouldn't teach my child at a 2nd age though.
I do think that it is easier to learn more lauguages younger because your brain is developing. I don't think that toddlers should learn more than one language. You look back on being young and just learning how to spell your name. If children learn another language they will be ahead and won't have to take that class in High School.
I do not think that we should teach toddlers a second language due to the fact that they are still learning their first language and I feel like it would be a little bit confusing and frustrating for them to learn two languages.
I think learning two languages early would be better than in highschool because teaching children seems to be easier than teaching teenagers. I believe kids tend to like school more than highschoolers so they might actually want to learn a knew language.
learning a language at such a young age is surprisingly easy. Even if they were to just hear random talking they would most likely pick it up eventually and end up becoming fluent in 2 languages for the most part. Knowing 2 languages would benefit just about anyone, knowing a language gets you something, not knowing the language doesn't get you anything. So even if the benefits are small it still has benefits.
I think that learning a different language at a young age is beneficial for the child. I have heard that learning languages early on is easier than learning it when they are older. It could help expand the individual's vocabulary in both languages and overall increase their knowledge.
I think that having young children learn two or more languages is very beneficial. My first language is Spanish because that is what my family speaks. Once I started a Headstart program and later preschool, I started to learn English. I don't remember, nor have I been told by relatives, having problems between learning the two or confusing them both. Being able to speak Spanish and English has become very helpful to me in more than just one way. I am able to translate things for my parents when needed, I have become my family's personal interpreter, and it has made learning French a lot more easier because of how similar it is to Spanish.
I think there would be some positives and negatives to this. It is a proven fact that children that are around two languages or learn two languages at a younger age, make it easier for them to comprehend it in a later age. That is the whole point of the spanish parts in Dora. However, I do think most kids would forget it by the time they get to highschool if they stop the classes. All in all, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to offer the class at a young age as an option.
I think that it is beneficial for children to learn two languages. I believe that when you grow up learning about something you are already at an advantage and it will make the childs life easier later when they continue to learn both languages. Not only will it be easy to learn but learning two languages is becoming more and more popular and I believe it could benifit anyone.
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