Why Should my Child Learn a Second Language?
Life Long Benefits
Learning a second language has many benefits. You might be asking yourself, Why should my child learn a second language? Here are four reasons why we think you should invest in helping your child learn a second language:
- It is fun to learn a language and engage with other cultures from around the world!
- Learning a language is a great extracurricular activity with positive, lifelong advantages.
- Research shows that learning a language has proven academic and cognitive benefits for all ages.
- When your child learns a second language you are equipping them with a useful skillset. We live in a global economy and employers need people with these skills.
Scientifically Proven Benefits
Did you know that there are scientifically proven benefits to learning a second language? It’s true!
According to ACTFL, American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages, learning a second language is essential for a life filled with success. Not only is learning a second language necessary for future success with the increase in the global economy and the high demand for employees who speak more than one language, but it is also necessary for our children now. Learning a second language:
- helps facilitate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
- improves short and long-term memory.
- helps students overall to have better grades and test scores.
Learning a second language has proven benefits for our children. Count me in!
Critical-thinking Skills
People who learn a second language have enhanced critical thinking skills. This is one of the main focuses of schools nowadays. Teachers are doing everything they can to help children think critically about what they are learning. When a person can think critically they become problem solvers. If they can problem solve, they are more likely to become business owners and leaders in the tech industry. They may also be more likely to graduate college and get a job in a top-paying position.
Improved Brain Function
Did you know that science says our brains improve with language? Yes! Our brain functions can improve by learning a second language! Adults that have learned a second language are less likely to get dementia and other degenerative brain diseases. Improving your brain function now with a second language can help your child both now in school and as an adult.
Higher Test Scores
Children who learn a second language are known to have higher test scores than those students who have not learned a second language. Don’t take my word for it. Click here to check out what the research says.
There is a big question about why the US is behind in education in comparison to other countries. Children in other countries know two, and even three languages. In other words, students begin learning a second language from a very early age. Oftentimes before they enter kindergarten. I fully believe that one of the reasons our educational system is behind is the lack of language development. We do not generally teach a second language until high school and when there are bilingual programs they are often not followed through until college.
We have many children who speak more than one language at home and are not properly supported. They are placed into ESL, or English as a second language, programs. These are great programs, don’t get me wrong! But often times the students lose their home language or don’t fully develop their home language which can lead to gaps in the English language.
Cultural Awareness
Learning a language leads to greater cultural awareness and acceptance of others. It allows you to talk to people you never would have imagined you may have talked to all around the world. Learning a second language is truly amazing!
This leads to a greater sensitivity toward others and opens more opportunities both now and in the future.
Summary
In summary, learning a second language has lifelong scientifically proven benefits. It helps with critical thinking skills, improves brain function including degenerative brain disease, improves test scores, and leads to greater cultural awareness.
There are many things you can do to help your child get started today, even if you don’t know the language yourself.
Check out our Free Homeschool Resource Blog for more information, tips, and tricks.
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