Early Childhood: Cognitive and social benefits of learning languages from the early childhood
It is never too early to start learning a different language: it is interesting and fun, it promotes healthy development and many more cognitive and social benefits that will last the whole life. These are some reasons why learning a different language puts your child in a considerable advantage, and how you can help – whether you have knowledge in a different language or not.
Advantage from the beginning
Children who learn a different language before the age of 5 use the same part of brain for both learning the second language and learning their mother tongue. Younger learners do not know about the fear of making mistakes, which sometimes is an obstacle for older beginners.
Start early, stay longer!
The length of time that the student can devote to learning another language has direct and positive correlation with the cognitive development. Longer courses, also give learners opportunity to grow together with the different language and culture, developing deeper connection as they grow.
Food for the brain
Studies have shown that learning a different language enhances the skills for solving problems, critical thinking and listening, as well as improving the memory, concentration and the possibility to multitask. Also, children who are skilled in different languages show increased creativity and mental flexibility.
Enhances the academic achievement
The cognitive benefits of learning a language have direct influence on the academic achievement of the child. Compared to those without a second language, bilingual children have better skills for reading, writing and mathematics, and generally they get better results on the standardized tests.
Nurturing the curiosity, cultural sensitivity, empathy and tolerance
Children who are exposed to other languages show more positive attitudes towards the cultures connected to those languages. The experience of learning a language shows them the world in ways they might otherwise have not experienced.
What can you do in order to help your child?
It does not matter if you are bilingual or this is your first encounter with a different language, your support will make an enormous difference in the success of your child. You do not have to speak the language that your child learns fluently in order to create an encouraging and active environment for learning. Provide as many opportunities for authentic experiences as you can and check many of the online tools and resources that are available to you.