INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
SECOND LANGUAGES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
A
ccording to language experts, six-month-old babies babble
using 70 different sounds that make up all of the languages of
the world.
Children are not preprogrammed with the language(s) of their
parents; they learn the language of their environments. For example,
the child of parents who consistently speak multiple languages in
everyday conversations will naturally speak both languages.
Learning a second language is not as challenging for a young child
as you may think. Teaching a one-year-old the word “red” and the
Spanish version, “rojo,” is similar to teaching the words “stone” and
“rock.” There is nothing confusing about this for a young child.
The key to teaching your child a second language is to immerse
him or her in the language. Your child’s teacher probably does this
throughout the day by labeling and referencing items and actions in
the classroom in different languages. You can work with your child’s
teacher by referencing these labels and incorporating the language
into your child’s play at home. With your participation, the immersion
is complete.
Remember, there are many forms of communication. Introducing
young children to second languages such as Spanish, French and
sign language encourages brain development in areas that would
typically fall dormant. (Sign language can also demonstrate an
infant’s listening vocabulary and fine motor development.)
Second languages celebrate cultural diversity and help to create
an understanding of the written word. A second language can open
doors and unleash curiosities of the world.
Whether your child is an infant or a preschooler, immersing him
or her in a second language is the key to success. If the language is
new to you as well, label your surroundings so the words are readily
available. Following are some age-appropriate activities to help you
incorporate a second language into your child’s daily routine.
Infant to One Year
• Sign as you say words.
• Sign in one-syllable words (e.g., more, Mom, Dad, ball).
• Gently move your child’s hands to make a sign.
• Play music from around the world.
First Steps (12 to 18 months)
• Add to signing vocabulary; use signs with verbal cues.
• Say both the English word and the second language word for an
object.
• Practice the second language while playing ball (e.g., as you roll
the ball to your child, say, “Here comes the red ball, pelota roja.”).
• Use the second language words interchangeably in your own
speech.
• Name body parts, animals and colors in the second language.
Toddler and Get Set (18 to 36 months)
• Repeat everyday words in all languages.
• Link words together.
• Prompt your child to attempt new words.
• While playing a game, such as “Memory,” recite words in both
languages.
• Begin to use common words in the second language without
repeating in your native tongue.
• Listen to music in other languages.
Preschool to Pre-Kindergarten (36 months+)
• Use your everyday experiences for language opportunities (e.g.,
sign the food item you want your child to find at the grocery
store).
• Sing songs in other languages.
• If your family has two native languages in your household, speak
one language at home and the other outside of the home to
practice proper language use.
• Watch your child’s favorite movie in another language. Many
DVDs now offer language choices.
• Visit cultural fairs, food markets and restaurants of other cultures.
Only the best preschools offer special enrichment programs at
no extra cost, as part of the standard tuition. Enrichment programs
— including a second/third language, yoga, dance, and music
appreciation, for example — develop the whole child by encouraging
his/her innate curiosity and imagination.
This Industry Insight was written by Bob & Lori Santo.
Bob & Lori Santo are the owners of The Goddard School®,
located at 825 East McMurray Road in Peters Township
and 655 Painters Run Road, Upper St. Clair, 412.564.3600.
Goddard offers both full- and part-time infant/preschool/
kindergarten programs. For more information, visit
www.goddardschools.com or call 724.941.6464.
Mt. Lebanon | Winter 2016 | icmags.com 13