Learning a Second/Third Language at Home and School

hi readers !!!

Welcome back to my blog. Now, I want to tell you about "Learning a Second/Third Language at Home and School" for young learners.

For many parents, their child’s learning of a second language can’t come quick enough, whether this begins at school, nursery, or at home when they are still a baby. Numerous past studies suggest that it is not at all disadvantageous if a child comes into contact with a second or even third language early on. So is the saying “the earlier you start, the better” valid in this instance?

Research in recent years has consistently shown the numerous advantages of learning a foreign language early on, from perceptible leaps in the development of thought and behavior to having more empathy and sensitivity towards other people. A lot of research in this area shows results where bi/multilingual children usually did better or at least as good in tests than their monolingual contemporaries.

Children can learn to speak more than one language. They can learn languages at home, at school, or in the community. Some children can speak both languages easily. But sometimes they know one language better than the other. The language your child knows better is her dominant language. Over time, the dominant language may change. For example, a child who speaks Spanish at home may start to use English when she starts school. Her dominant language could change from Spanish to English. Speaking two languages is like any other skill. You need a lot of practice to do it well. Without practice, your child will have a harder time using both languages.

The Way to Teach Your Child To Be Bilingual

There are a number of ways to teach your child to speak more than one language. You can: 

- Use two languages from the start. Many children grow up learning two languages at the same time. 

- Use only one language at home. Your child can learn a second language when he starts school. 

- Give your child many chances to hear and practice both languages during the day.

Learning More Than One Language

Every bilingual child is unique. Learning two languages depends on the amount and type of practice your child gets. The following are some basic guidelines: 

- Most bilingual children speak their first words by the time they are 1 year old. By age 2, most children can use two-word phrases. Phrases like "my ball" or "more juice" can be in one or both languages. 

- From time to time, children may mix grammar rules. They might use words from both languages in the same sentence. This is a normal part of becoming bilingual. 

- Some children may not talk much when they start using a second language. This “silent period” can last for several months. Again, this is normal and will go away.

references

https://www.espressoenglish.net/how-early-should-children-start-learning-a-second-language/

https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/learning-two-languages/