Early Language Learning- Part III

Today I'll conclude my writing about learning language, especially a second language, in early childhood. I've already written about how we learn language in our early years, and some research about the benefits of learning a second language (see my two previous blog entries to read up on those topics), so today I'll recommend resources and programs to accomplish this goal with your tot.  I'll give a brief summary- each title links to more information as well.

Berlitz- This is the company that publishes all those second language dictionaries you had to buy for your foreign language classes. They are an older company, and offer conversational classes in multiple languages nationally for kids and teens.

Little Pim- This early language program is designed with your little ones in mind. It covers multiple languages, including ESL- the only drawback I see is that it's all video based with some supplementary lessons and activities.

Muzzy- Parents might remember Muzzy from learning a second language in school. After checking out the website, I was impressed with the extensive lesson plans and learning materials you could get to supplement this video-based series. Muzzy also emphasizes and includes learning songs.

Language Tree- This program is the last video based program I'll recommend looking into. The types of videos include live action and nature (as opposed to animated), so that may be a plus depending on what you are looking for.

Private Lessons- If your family is serious about learning a second language, you may want to invest in a private teacher for you and your little one. Similar to hiring someone to help you learn to play a musical instrument, you'll get individualized attention and a live person to talk to. You may end up using the programs listed above (such as Muzzy), except with someone already fluent in the language, someone who could help you accomplish the supplemental lessons.

Music based programs- If you've been following my blog, you know that I stress the benefits of music in early childhood education often. I have quite a list of musician friends and acquaintances who have online content, and perform or teach as well. Please check them out!
Canta y Baila Conmigo
Cantale a Tu Bebe
Moozica
Moo Moo Muzica
Musica Lingua
Mi Amigo Hamlet
123 Andres
Mister G
Alina Celeste
Jose Luiz Orozco
Nathalia
Sonia De Los Santos
Flor Bromley
Mama Lisa

Remember learning a language often requires immersion. Young children learn language in fun, social settings- and it doesn't happen overnight. A combination of practice, persistence, and continuity should lead to lasting results. Good luck, and have fun! For next week's blog, I'll write about what you can do with your kids in the late summer. Any parent of children who don't attend a school program during the summer will know what I'm talking about. What can you do after you've already done the usual summer things (vacation, camp, day trips)- to keep your children busy (and yourself sane)? My recommendations will all be low cost to free as well. Stay tuned!

Early Language Learning- Part II

As I'm still compiling the many resources parents and educators have for providing early second language learning experiences for their children, this week I thought I would share some articles about the benefits of learning a second language in early childhood. Today, I'll summarize each one- give you a bit of food for thought before I recommend more resources in next week's article.

Learning a Second Language is Good Child Mind Medicine, Studies Find- This article from the Cornell Chronicle shares findings that young children who learn a second language also often develop an ability to maintain focus despite distractions. It also shares that native language proficiency is earned faster in many cases. It recommends immersion as the method for learning- in engaging social ways- including music.

Second-Language Acquisition and Bilingualism at an Early Age and the Impact on Early Childhood Development- Addressing the fear that learning more than one language at a time in early childhood interferes with normal language development is the main idea of this article from the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development. The studies cited found that the most prevalent outcome for early bilingualism is, again, an enhancement of the executive function (that brain function that allows us to focus and plan), although is wasn't the only possible outcome.

Benefits of Learning a Second Language at an Early Age- This article from Lead With Languages is less focused on the science behind early language development, and more on encouraging parents and educators to go ahead and get started. For those who are already converted to the idea- by all means start here! There are links from this article to online resources for self starters. 

Because there isn't a second language spoken in my family, I found it difficult to provide much immersive experiences for my son when he was young. The best ways I found to give him a boost in this area were in consistent, live music settings, however, that doesn't mean that music is the only way to go with early language learning. Check out my article next week when I'll be a bit more comprehensive and perhaps carve out a path for you to try immersing your little one in an early second language learning opportunity!

Early Language Learning- Part I

Last week I mentioned I would write today about young children learning a different language. As I thought about that prospect, however, I realized before I talk specifically about that (more next week), I should talk about language development in general- so here goes! 

Some of my most interesting conversations have been with children ages six and under. And I mean interesting. I had a five year old student who loved to tell me stories, but the events came out in a different order. I've talked to preschoolers about one thing, then it ended up we were talking about two or three other different things. I've had many fairly one sided conversations with toddlers in which children contribute a word or two, maybe some unintelligible sentences- much like talking to oneself, but you kind of think they might be getting some of what you're saying as well. And I've talked a good deal with babies- who you like to think totally understand what you are saying- at least I do!

Studies on language development show that young children acquire language as part of their cognitive and social development. Physical speech development- muscle coordination, etc.- also comes into play. This means that as the brain and body develop, hopefully in an environment where a young child hears and can participate in a lot of language- hearing it socially- a young child learns how to "use their words" and join the conversation. 

A young child's language often develops in fits and starts- growth spurts- so it can be difficult to know for sure if they are developmentally "on track" or not. I had an unusual speech development. (I didn't start talking until I was five, while most babies have their first words at around age one). This was because of a few different things- chronic ear infections, a physical "tongue tie"- but here I am anyway, making music for young children and writing about my experience with them. The bottom line is, young children are built for language development, so even if it seems like they aren't quite there yet, as long as there isn't something else going on (hearing or other physical difference), they will be able to talk with you soon.

The part we can play as parents, caregivers, and teachers is to provide that rich social environment, loaded with opportunities to both hear language socially and to speak it to the best of their ability. As you'll see below, you can do this in all kinds of different ways. Click each subject heading to link to an article to find out a little more if you'd like. 

Talk to your children- Holding an often one-sided conversation can take some imagination and practice, but it's the key to early language development. Just remember your role in the conversation is to encourage speech, not necessarily to judge it. 

Read to your child every day- Make a habit of reading to your child- all the way from infancy to 6 and beyond. I did this every day for my son before bed, and often times throughout the day. The benefits of hearing language in this way prime children to both read and speak later on.

Sing, play music, or attend a live music event- Having had speech issues myself, I know that singing often slows down and evens out the rhythm of language so that it's easier to understand and vocalize. There are also studies on how music stimulates the brain in ways normal speech does not- check it out (click the subject heading to link to an article about this)!

Attend library storytimes- Here's an event where people are attending to live language- from these fascinating things called books! That is, one person is saying something, and other people are making an effort to listen. If this isn't giving young children the opportunity to hone their focus on language in a social setting, I don't know what is. 

TV or not TV?- That is the question. There is a ton of excellent children's programming- rich with language, music, and engaging visuals. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend TV for babies 18 months and younger, however. It recommends watching TV together with children 18 months to 5 years so you can talk about what you are watching. 

Talk to any young child, and you'll discover their perspective pretty quickly, even if their only way to communicate with you yet is to smile, cry, or laugh! It also turns out you can talk "normally" (you don't have to "baby talk" or simplify your language) to young children- although it helps to be direct and expressive. 

I leave you today with a picture of my son (you'll see his baby pictures a lot on my blog). He's pointing at a bird, and he's also telling me it's a bird. (This was one of his first words)! Don't forget, more next week on learning different languages in early childhood!