Frequently Asked Questions
Why learn young?
How do our classes work?
What are the benefits of early language learning?
How should young children learn language?
What is the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language
statement on early language learning?
Why learn young?
Studies have shown that the human brain is more open to linguistic development during the years between birth and pre-adolescence. Linguists have identified a "window of opportunity" during which learning languages, even multiple languages, comes easily and naturally. Neurobiologists believe that a newborn baby's brain is like a new computer waiting to be programmed, and that an immature brain might offer advantages for acquiring a second or third language. Most experts believe that after a certain age, typically about nine or ten, that window begins to gradually shut because the brain becomes less plastic and unable to make linguistic connections as effectively.
Linguists and other researchers have recognized
multiple benefits of learning a second language
before the “window of opportunity” closes:
• The acquisition of native-like fluency;
• Increased ease in learning new languages in the future;
• Enhanced listening skills and memory;
• Improved skills in the child’s first language;
• Enhanced creativity;
• Better educational and career opportunities in the future;
• Increased global awareness.
How do our classes work?
CommuniKids' classes are total immersion, meaning there is no English spoken in the class whatsoever. Young children learn language by hearing it - they can't learn another language if they're only hearing English! One of the benefits of learning a language so young is the ability to replicate any sound system and to acquire a native accent. Therefore, we feel strongly that classes should be taught by native speakers. ALL of our teachers are native speakers of the target language. We also adhere to the prevailing philosophy among experts in early childhood education that children learn best through play. All of our classes are play-based and take place in an age-appropriate, language rich environment.
What are the benefits of early language learning?
Linguists and other researchers have recognized several benefits of learning a second language before the window of opportunity closes. The benefits are both linguistic and cognitive, and will last a lifetime:
* Young language learners can acquire native-like fluency because they can reproduce native accents and replicate any sounds they hear.
* By opening up the linguistic abilities early, children will have an easier time learning more languages even at an older age.
* Foreign language study has been shown to enhance listening skills and memory.
* Children will improve their skills in their first language while learning the second.
* Early language learning is believed to enhance creativity skills.
How should young children learn language?
According to the experts, young children learn best in the same way they learn their first language. That is, they "experience" language instead of studying it. "Babies, in particular, learn through repetition and listening." according to Nancy Rhodes, Director of the Foreign Language Education Division at the Center for Applied Linguistics. Classes should be age-appropriate, with the same activities you would find in a high-quality preschool classroom. Total immersion is also the ideal environment for children to learn a new language. The more language they are exposed to, the more they will learn. Parental involvement is also important. As parents attend classes with their children, they also have the opportunity to learn the language and reinforce it at home.
What is the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language
statement on early language learning?
Since research shows that an early language learning experience generally results in the development of native or near-native pronunciation and intonation, it is recommended that students be provided the opportunity to learn a second language as early as possible in school. This early language learning experience not only helps to develop native-like pronunciation but also promotes higher levels of proficiency if the student continues in a well-articulated sequence of language learning. Research corroborates additional benefits including strengthening of literacy in students’ first language, raising standardized test scores in other subject areas, and developing comfort with cultural differences. These benefits accrue with instruction that is continuous throughout the school year, connected grade to grade, and more frequent than twice per week, adding up to at least 90 minutes per week, at both the elementary and middle school levels.
Source: National Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Website (www.actfl.org)