Health & Fitness
Benefits of Learning a Second Language at a Young Age
Research strongly suggests that the learning of a second language happens best at a young age, as it does in Sewickley Academy's Lower School.
Sewickley Academy has a long-standing commitment to learning a second language, especially at a young age. In the Lower School, French and Spanish classes meet every other day for 40 minutes. Additionally, an after-school Chinese program for students in Grades 1 through 5 is offered. By the time the students complete fifth grade, many are reading, writing, and speaking at a basic conversational level. They are then ready to continue more advanced study in the Middle and Senior Schools, or to change to another language option.
Research strongly suggests that the learning of a second language happens best at a young age. Some of this research is highlighted below:
- The period of early childhood is considered an optimal time to begin learning a second language, as the methods and materials used in early childhood classes appeal to a variety of learning styles and may make learning a second language easier. (Bialystok & Hakuta, 1994)
- Children in effective early second language programs show overall gains on standardized tests of basic skills, and derive additional cognitive, social and affective benefits. (Taylor-Ward, 2003)
- The integration of content and language learning and the development of positive attitudes toward people who speak other languages occur more easily when long, clearly defined sequences of second language instruction begin in early childhood and become an integral part of school learning. (Shrum & Gilsan, 2005)
- Early second language learning may result in improved phonological and phonemic awareness (the ability to hear and distinguish sounds), two building blocks of literacy in one’s native language. (Bialystok, 2001)
So what can you do if your district does not offer an elementary second language program? Identify and work with other interested teachers and parents, perhaps through the PTA, to create an after-school program, a Saturday class program, or a summer camp in a second language. These options can be a starting point for building interest and support for a second language program during the school day.
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About The Author: Judy Stewart is the Lower School French Teacher and Assistant with the Global Studies Program at Sewickley Academy. This blog post originally appeared on the Sewickley Academy blog.
