The drive for foreign language learning has risen over the decades and more recently, studies have shown that it is better for language learners to start learning at younger ages so that children can become more fluent easily. Parents have realized that in the future, languages can help their children not only in their educational endeavors but also in their travels and careers.

Parents who want their children to grow up having the ability to speak more than one language should take into consideration what they must do to help their children develop their interest in languages. Children who are learning languages at a young age require encouragement and guidance from parents and teachers alike.

The following are some tips that parents could take if they want to raise bilingual children:

• Let your children start learning a new foreign language at an early age. Experts have already found that the earlier children are exposed to foreign languages, the earlier they will learn the language. Some parents let children listen to language music even during pregnancy and then talk to their children from the moment of birth in two or more languages possible. If your family speaks only one language, start introducing a new language with bilingual music through CDs and DVDs whenever you find it appropriate.
• Repetition is the key for language retention. Let your child repeat vocabulary and grammar exercises. Repeat lessons whenever your children have not understood the lessons fully.
• Let your children learn bilingually from birth up to age ten. It is better if children at that age bracket to learn a native language and second language alongside each other. The bilingual approach is considered to be the best for better language retention and for higher self esteem for children. At the age of ten to twelve, total immersion in the second language is a favorable option.
• Find material that can help children become interested in the second language. Books, CDs, movies, songs, and other material are useful in sparking your children’s interest as well letting them learn more about the second language each day.
• Let your children learn the second language every day. Infants should be exposed to the second language for at least ten minutes every day; twenty minutes for toddlers, thirty minutes for preschoolers, and forty-five minutes for elementary school children. You can use material such as bilingual DVDs and CDs, games, or music.
• Make language learning a fun activity. Do not force your children to learn a second language just because you want them to. Gently guide your children and show a high level of confidence. Assure them that learning a new language is not difficult and that it is fun!
• Do not listen to people who think that speaking the native language at home should be stopped. It is only a myth that children who learn two languages simultaneously will only get confused. It is a fact that bilingual children speak both languages better can read sooner and score better on verbal and math standardized tests.
• Show your children that you respect and appreciate other cultures and value the ability to speak other languages other than your own by joining events that showcase different cultures.
• Be patient. Patience is the key for your children to build their confidence in a second language. Don’t rush things with your child. Fluency will come by later on just be patient and don’t forget to keep encouraging your children!

If you would want your children to become fluent in more than just one language, better follow those tips above and search for more ways to let your children learn new languages and appreciate more cultures!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 8:07 am and is filed under Learning Methods, Young Learners. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.