Lucky Children!Learning a new language as an adult can be quite a challenge. For young children, however, learning a new language is a bit like learning to walk. While adults have to go through grammar drills and memorize vocabulary, children just need to be exposed to the new language.
Experts talk of a 'window of opportunity' from birth to the age of 10. During this critical period, children's brain is said to be more receptive to learning multiple languages. Once the window begins to close, the effort to master a new language becomes greater. Hence the opportunity for children to learn a foreign language at primary school is important.
Benefits of learning a new language at a young age:
* Children learn more easily and more naturally.
* Children mimic what they hear so they have a better pronunciation/accent.
* Children learn to appreciate different cultures from a young age.
How can we expose young children to a new language?:
DVDs: Children love watching the same DVDs over and over again. Many of the Disney movies can be watched in a different language.
Nursery Rhymes: Music is a great way to help children learn words and phrases in the new language. You can purchase a CD with nursery rhymes in the foreign language or even with bilingual songs.
Language lessons: Some nurseries offer French or Spanish lessons.
Family programmes: Why not try our French family programme in Cannes for children from the age of 3.
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