The academic and emotional benefits of learning a world language at a young age are huge. It probably comes as no surprise that children who learn a second language have better and more advanced reading skills. But did you know that students who learn world languages also are shown to have greater confidence, a richer vocabulary and a broader understanding of the world around them?
Julie Bonacci Page is a high school Spanish teacher at Montour High School in Robinson Township and is also a mom to a six-year-old daughter. Page says, “Being a Spanish teacher for 14 years as well as a parent, I cannot stress the importance of exposing children to a world language enough. Studies show that children who are introduced to a second language when they first begin to communicate will acquire fluency faster, as well as have a more expansive vocabulary in both languages,” she shares.
Ms. Page is the child of an Italian American father and a Guatemalan mother. She grew up hearing her mother’s side of the family speaking Spanish and although she did not appreciate the language until much later in life, Page is thankful she now has the skills to help younger generations learn and appreciate the language.
“Learning a second language at a young age also improves memory skills,” she adds. “They’ll be able to remember things in their day-to-day lives much easier without even trying. It will make it easier for them to understand the questions and answers of the people around them.” And don’t all parents want their children to be sensitive, caring humans?
Learning a language exposes children to different ways of thinking and behaving and helps them to develop cultural sensitivity. Through learning a world language, exposure to diverse perspectives can reduce stereotypes and promote empathy.
At a very young age, Page says her daughter started learning colors, numbers and reading books in Spanish, as well as using basic words and phrases. As a parent in the Montour School District as well as an educator, she was thrilled to learn when the district was approved to implement a Spanish immersion program where Spanish is introduced to the students beginning in first grade and continuing through fourth.
Young students learn the language and culture through exposure to a variety of lessons and activities. They learn conversational Spanish and focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. “This is not only setting these children up for success for language learning at the middle school and high school levels, but it is also setting them up for success when they are ready to enter the global workforce,” says Page. “My own seven-year-old is enrolled in a Spanish immersion program at her school and always comes home, excited to tell me what she has learned. Her favorite part is learning new phrases and singing songs.”
By Carrie Woodard
Photo credit: AdobeStock.com
