Recently, I became aware of a language service which I think will help many parents teach their children a second language. When it comes to language learning, support, accountability, and regular routines are key factors. But let me let them speak for themselves…
As a homeschooling parent, there’s no doubt that you find yourself constantly wondering how you can help your child obtain a well-rounded education that both challenges and excites. Placing an emphasis on learning a second language is a great way to introduce your child to another culture and encourage a healthy sense of wonder about the world. Consider these benefits of learning a second language:
1. It is directly related to higher scoring on standardized tests.
Learning a second language increases brain performance across the board. Research shows that students who have studied a foreign language do better on standardized tests like ACT exams and the SATs.
2. It encourages flexibility and open-mindedness.
Kids who study another language grow up in an environment where objects, feelings, and other facets of life have different names. This positions them to avoid being overly judgmental, deeming their native language, values, and culture “right,” while others are “wrong.”
3. It leads to better mathematical problem-solving skills.
Language learning is much more than a linguistic process; it is directly related to increased cognitive problem-solving. Kids who are fluent in a second language routinely outperform other students on math tests, despite having less of a mathematics emphasis in their core curriculum.
4. It improves memory.
Using the brain to learn a new language involves constant memorization of new vocabulary. This serves as a strengthening exercise, with research indicating that those who speak two languages are better at memorizing lists, statistics, and other facts.
5. It promotes increased understanding of others.
Kids who know how to speak another language learn to love and appreciate other cultures besides their own. Whether close to home or while traveling abroad, they can connect with native speakers of the language on a personal and meaningful level.
6. It gives them a competitive advantage.
Being bilingual has numerous benefits on paper, like being able to add it to a resume or college application. The foreign language skills your child learns now can translate to a measurable advantage in the future.
7. It positions kids for easier language learning in the future.
Future language learning is less intimidating for bilinguals. The brain recognizes patterns, rules, and structure, and experts say that each subsequent language learned is easier than the one before it.
8. It opens the door to making new friends and connections around the world.
There’s no better way to entice your child to be curious about the world than promoting language learning in your home. Being fluent in a second language is about much more than being able to speak to others, it enables your child to form new friendships, learn about other cultures, and fuels their appetite to explore the world beyond the home. And that is one of the greatest gifts any parent can give!
If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to incorporate language learning into your child’s life. Choose from small group classes, online lessons, and more, provided by expert teachers, to engage your child and get them excited about mastering a new language!
Dusty Fox writes on behalf of Language Trainers, an online language tutoring service for individuals and businesses. Take one of Language Trainers’ free online language level tests to see how good your current skills are, or send a quick inquiry to learn more about their tailor-made course packages today!
