Benefits of Teaching a Second Language to Young Children

It may seem that your toddler is still working on their language skills and that attempting to teach them an additional language would be wasted. But, recent research shows that many preschoolers are in fact able to learn multiple languages. Children can often learn a second language quicker than adults because they are not bogged down trying to learn verb tenses and grammar, they learn naturally through play and their brains are more open to absorbing new languages.

What are the benefits of learning a second language?

• Statistics show that students who study a second language perform better academically in verbal skills, logic and math.

• Students gain respect and understanding of family history and diversity.

• They will also become more tolerant of differences in people, they way they speak and where they are from.

• Students will have a better understanding of the English language. For example, since many of our words have origins in other languages, students will have a better chance to make sense of a new vocabulary word.

At The Goddard School Ashburn, we offer Spanish and American Sign Language to our children. We feel that it is very important for children to learn a second language at an early age.