Early exposure to second language learning gives children the opportunity to achieve fluency in both the first and second languages. Children are still "playing" with different sounds and patterns of speech. They are open to accepting new sounds and speech constructions. The ease at which children achieve this leads me to believe there is a "blueprint" of language rules in the human mind. Children as young as 20 months are beginning to form grammar structures in their speech patterns.
Development of our innate ability to be multi-lingual is only one reason for providing second language acquisition opportunities in the classroom. Another is the enrichment of human life which takes place through the ability to understand and communicate with other people and cultures. Linguistic capability and cultural awareness go hand in hand. Both are vital necessities for today’s children. For young children, the cultural awareness acquired through second language learning contributes to our goal of education for global peace.
Other benefits include greater academic achievement in other areas of study such as mathematics, reading, social studies and geography. Children who speak a second language are shown to be more verbal, which is an asset in all areas of study.
Spanish for Children
Our program is designed to introduce young children to the Spanish language through music, culture and play. Our mission is to help children along the path to becoming bilingual so that they may enjoy the many benefits of learning more than one language. Parents receive weekly newsletters with vocabulary and songs presented in class. Classes meet once a week for 8 weeks and continue throughout the school year. One World offers before school programs for children in grades K - 8.
To inquire about starting a Spanish program at your child's school please call 508-252-4477.