Benefits of Teaching a Second Language to Young Children

You may think that your toddler is still working on their language skills and that attempting to teach them an additional language would be a waste, but many preschoolers are able to learn a second language. Children can often learn a second language quicker than adults because they aren’t concerned with grammar rules. 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 accepting of differences in people, and more curious about they way they speak and where they are from.



Students will also have a better understanding of the English language. For example, since English has origins in other languages, students can more easily make sense of new vocabulary words.


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.



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When Children Are Afraid of the Dark

Kids often become afraid of the dark and it is tough to figure out what to do to comfort them. Here are a few tips to help to take the fear out of sleeping in the dark. Click here to read more.

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The Benefits of Eating Meals Together

Dining together as a family has become rare in today’s hectic life. School activities and career demands can make dining together impossible. But, if you can squeeze out time twice a week to sit down together for dinner or any meal, you and your family can benefit in several ways. Eating meals together can help:

• Maintain lines of communication
• Build stronger relationships
• You share the events of the day
• Reduce teen rates of addiction and depression
• Show children how they are the priority in their parent’s lives
• You find out more about your children’s likes and dislikes, which help start meaningful conversations
• Parents guide children toward positive activities and behaviors
• Children get higher grades on average

Sitting down for every family meal simply isn’t possible today, but trying to sit down together a few nights a week can help your children even when you’re not there.

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Is Your Child Too Old for a Blankie?

Young children may have a “lovey” which may be a blanket or their favorite stuffed animal. Parents often worry if their children are too old to be carrying their “blankie” around. Find out when to consider retiring your child’s “blankie”. Click here to read the article.


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Kindergarten Readiness

This is the time of year parents start to register their kids for kindergarten and they wonder if their child will be ready in September. Many schools use age as the determining factor for kindergarten readiness, but some educators believe that how much experience a child has in a school-like setting is just as important.


Some schools have testing for children before the school year starts. The kindergartners may be evaluated on their physical development, ability to recognize the alphabet of his or her knowledge of body parts, colors and shapes. These tests attempt to judge your child’s level of physical and cognitive development.

What should you do if your school doesn’t offer testing before entering Kindergarten? Below are a few guidelines to look for at home:

Language

Does your child speak in full sentences
Can they explain events they experienced


Motor Skills

Can your child throw a ball, skip and climb
Do they use scissors and hold a pencil


Social & Other Skills

Do they understand the concept of sharing
Can your child dress him/herself
Do they wash their own face and hands
Does your child play well with others
Do they follow rules and directions


There is no way to tell if your child is truly ready for kindergarten. You, as their parent. are the best judge of kindergarten readiness.


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The Top 5 Potty Training Issues and How to Tackle Them

Let’s face it, potty training can be difficult for everyone involved. There can be many issues that parents/guardians face during potty training. This article can help guide you through the top 5 potty training issues. Click here to read more.



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Keeping the Attention of a Preschoolers

The most difficult thing a parent will ever have to do is to try to keep a preschooler occupied. With their short attention spans, you need to have a lot of tricks up your sleeve. This can include arts and crafts, games and learning activities that you know will entertain them. Keeping your preschooler occupied allows them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and learn through activity.


Outdoors
Take advantage of the warmer days to send your children outside. During winter, it’s easy to forget that the backyard exists. A healthy dose of fresh air can help wear kids out.


Arts and Crafts
If you can’t get out of the house on a rainy spring day, try a craft activity. Craft stores have made being crafty easy, even if you’re not a crafty person. Packaged craft-in-a-box activities are very popular with kids. They include making beaded jewelry, bookmarks, birdhouses and more.


Indoor Play Centers
The Y, gymnastics centers, indoor play centers, mommy and me classes, activities of all types to fit all budgets are going on right now in your community. Look in your local paper, check online, and check with your local library or community center for more information on how you can get involved.

For more information on Goddard Ashburn please visit our website: http://bit.ly/1wYOYNW