Soon you will be able to purchase many of our stories in Spanish.
A few years ago we were fortunate enough to travel to Denmark. We were amazed by how many people spoke English fluently. In doing some research we found that approximately 86% of the Danish population speaks English. When and where do they learn English? Well, in first grade students begin learning English. By the fifth grade they are given an option of learning German or French so that they can then become trilingual.
While your school may not offer other languages there are many options at your fingertips. You and your child can master a second language at home by using a program such as Rosetta Stone or an app like Duolingo.
YouTube is always a fun way to learn anything. Take a few minutes to learn how to count in Spanish.
Take a look at the benefits of a learning a second language at an early age.
Better Linguistics
Ever heard of children referred to as “sponges”? That statement couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to a child learning a foreign language. Children’s brains are developmentally ready to accept and learn a foreign language, and fluency comes fairly easily.
Cognitive Benefits
Research shows that language learning is more cognitive than linguistic. Here are just a few of the cognitive benefits to learning a foreign language:
better problem solving and critical thinking skills
more creativity and better flexibility of the mind
enhanced memory and better multi-tasking abilities
Higher Academic Achievement
Along the same lines of the cognitive benefits mentioned above, learning a foreign language can also provide academic benefits. Bilingual children have been shown to have better critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and greater mental flexibility. All these things result in better academic performance.
Cultural Enrichment
Every conscientious parents wants their children to be well-rounded, to have a love for learning and an appreciation for other cultures, and to grow up to be a successful, contributing member of society.
Learning a foreign language opens doors that would not otherwise be opened. Bilingual (or trilingual) individuals have access to resources, people, places, and things that the rest of us do not. Not only can a foreign language provide a competitive edge in the workforce, but it creates a deeper understanding of and appreciation for humanity and culture, which enriches one’s life and personal experiences in the world.
Adios mi amigos,
Julie