Foreign language learning for children

Should the children learn a foreign language?

Foreign language learning by children starting in kindergarten is one of the most important issues for parents and teachers who are directly involved in the process.

This reflects the tendency of today’s society to accept the effects of globalization and multiculturalism. It has been shown that learning a new language stimulates empathy, tolerance and cultural sensitivity which are very important in keeping the minds open and curious about different cultures and languages.

An early acquaintance of a child with a second language helps to stimulate interest in continuing and perseverance in learning throughout the school. Children learn a foreign language easier and quicker. They are also very excited and enthusiastic about learning!

It has been shown that foreign language learning by children before they reach puberty period can make them speak as a native. It boosts their cognitive development which has an impact on their academic performance, and in the long run, a better position in the labor market.

Strategies for foreign languge learning

There are many strategies that could be implemented while foreign language learning to children:

Communicative language teaching (CLT) – the strategy puts the children into a real-life situation. It focuses more on communication and confidence rather than accuracy and grammar.

Here are some examples:

presence and greeting – “Call to the registry” is a good opportunity for a child to introduce himself, count the children present, make a classification (how many boys, how many girls are present), use specific words and phrases
Nature’s calendar – “What is the weather like?” – introduces vocabulary terms that are useful for expressing children’s weather.

Task-based language teaching (TBLT) – the focus is purely on completing a particular task about the topic that interests students.

In task-based foreign language learning, a lesson is designed to help students to complete a task: for example; to write a song, make a reservation, order in the restaurant, or introduce themselves.

The Direct Method – is to speak the language only and throughout the time practice grammar and specific vocabulary.

Also known as the “anti-grammatical method.” The idea is to learn a language in the way we learned our first language. So in the English class, everyone would be speaking English only.

All the methods have their particular benefits, however, in the long run, it does not really matter which method will be applied for the learning. The fact that it will be applied at all matters more.

Visuals on foreign language learning

“Demonstrate, don’t translate.”

Using visual aids is an amazing exercise for observing, recording, and analyzing vocabulary in daily life. If there is sign language, that is based solely on the signs, it has to be possible to explain what the teacher wants to teach to students using body movement. The Pictionary game can be a useful tool in the classroom.

The graphics improve children’s skills: recognizing and interpreting a written foreign language learning.

Labeled pictures or actual objects can assist in remembering particular vocabulary.

Stress-free atmosphere

The most intimidating or stressful moments in the classroom for children are those when they are intimidated or left embarrassed. To avoid making children feel this way, it is very important to provide a stress-free environment in the classroom while learning a foreign language. It is crucial to make sure that students do not feel negative. It will give them an additional boost of motivation to try and speak!

Foreign language learning is shown to be the most effective with young children who commit much more of their time to it than adults. They absorb the sounds and vocabulary quickly. Nowadays, foreign language learning is not a luxury but a necessity. Therefore, providing the right and stress-free atmosphere and encouraging the children to speak and communicate will only help them in the future!