Remember those language learning labs in high school? Those labs with headsets, classrooms with writing pads full of verb conjugation, and a teacher following a vs. The abilities of his students combined to create the absolute worst (and least) effective method used to teach a second language. That’s why those of us who took languages in the days when high school was called high school remember only a few choice words (and probably mispronounce them!).
Today, as parents and as educators, we know the importance of raising our children to be bilingual. We see and experience this shrinking world of ours and find endless opportunities to test our own bilingual skills. We know from recent research and the barrage of studies thrown at us that the secret to success is introducing the new language at an early age. Wow, even TIME and NEWSWEEK magazines ran featured articles about the window of opportunity for introducing a new language between birth and around age ten or twelve.
However, what most of us don’t know is how to bring this language learning into our homes and daily lives. We wrestle with the question of how to find a language program designed for very young children, will we need teaching experience or proficiency in the new language for learning to be successful at home or in our classroom, and how can we incorporate second language learning into our daily routines?
As parents, we need convenience in this new language program (we can’t even find time to read a book some days, so make this fit into our daily routine please!). Don’t give us a manual we have to read to help our child (we can’t even read the Sunday paper!). We want a language program created by someone who really knows children and really knows how to learn languages (we really want something that delivers results and doesn’t fall to the bottom of the toy box!). And please, could someone make it so that we don’t have to make monthly installment payments to pay for the language learning program (we all know how much we spend in the first year of life!).
Parents and educators are increasingly using the Internet to research many things before buying. Try this approach when looking for a language program for your child. Use your favorite search engine to search for keywords you might find in the title of this future learning tool for your child (teach kids Spanish, bilingual DVD, French music CD for kids). Then look for language programs that include visual learning (68% of the population are visual learners), learning with music (what kid do you know who doesn’t love music!), starting to read in the new language (subtitles on the DVD, language flashcards, or board books are great tools), and some form of verbal exchange (even if it means prompting the child to talk back to the TV from time to time).
Make sure that you are allowed to test the components of the new language program on the Internet. Most programs allow you to view video clips and/or listen to parts of their songs. Look for a true bilingual method of teaching for any child between the ages of birth and ten years. The smooth transition from the native language to the new language is crucial during the first five years of life. Many experts agree that while the child is still acquiring skills in her native language, she should introduce the new language alongside the native one. Listening only to the new, target language for a long period of time without a point of reference will not work as well with children under the age of five.
Make sure the language learning program is affordable and really integrated with various components (not just a video that you play over and over again or a CD that you listen to over and over again). The program must create a multimedia classroom for your child for their certain ways of learning, moods, and methods of acquiring new information. Look for bright colors, captivating scenes, easy-to-understand lyrics in songs, and simple, engaging presentation that brings both languages together for your little one.
Does the company offer support services? Is there a toll-free number to call with live people who actually know the language program (or is it just a call center)? Do you value your customers by offering things like a resource newsletter, access to additional teaching ideas through your website, and follow-up contacts? Have families tried these products and what testimonials are provided to hear their feedback? How long has the company been offering these language learning tools and how are the creators/owners professionally connected to the field of early childhood education?
All of the factors mentioned in this article combine to provide a great start to what could be a lifetime of language skills for your child. Remember, even if you choose Spanish for your child today and he chooses French later in life, you have given him the upper hand in connecting neural pathways for language learning. Resolving to give your baby, toddler, or preschooler a head start this year in becoming bilingual should be high on your New Year’s Resolutions list for both you and your family.