| You realize the benefits of having a | | | | exposed to 45 minutes of music, movement |
| second language but do not know where to | | | | and creative bilingual learning tools |
| turn or how to begin the process for | | | | daily. |
| your little one? You recognize the fact | | | | Make learning the new language fun! Do |
| that your child will need to speak more | | | | not ever force it. Avoid saying comments |
| than just one language in order to | | | | similar to: If you do not speak to me in |
| travel successfully through this global | | | | xyz language I will not answer you. This |
| society of ours? Read through the | | | | approach only causes tension and |
| following second language learning tips | | | | rebellious actions. |
| provided by a bilingual mom of three, | | | | Gently guide your child into the new |
| educator of thousands and leading expert | | | | language journey. Show a high level of |
| on the subject. | | | | confidence. Smiling usually works best! |
| Start the second language learning | | | | If your home language is Spanish, do not |
| early! Experts agree the earlier, the | | | | agree to an immersion program of English |
| better. Play language music CDs during | | | | only for your child under the age of 10. |
| the pregnancy. Talk to your baby from | | | | The sink or swim mentality does not work |
| the moment of birth in two or more | | | | for little children. Young children need |
| languages if possible. If you and your | | | | the comfort of their native language and |
| family only speak one language, begin | | | | connection to their heritage to maintain |
| introducing a new language with | | | | a high level of self-confidence and |
| bilingual music CDs and DVDs when | | | | desire to continue speaking in their |
| appropriate. | | | | native language while learning a most |
| Repetition is the key for all your | | | | difficult language at the same time. |
| child's learning. Repeat! Repeat! | | | | If your Spanish-speaking child is |
| Repeat! | | | | learning English, do not listen to |
| From birth through age 10, many experts | | | | school staff members who suggest you |
| advise using the native and the new | | | | give up speaking your native language at |
| language together in a side-by-side | | | | home. The myth that your children will |
| presentation (referred to as a bilingual | | | | be language delayed or have a language |
| format). After the age of ten to twelve, | | | | disorder is just that - a myth. In fact, |
| total immersion is a good option. Early | | | | bilingual children will ultimately speak |
| in life, the bilingual approach is best | | | | both languages better, read sooner and |
| for better retention and higher self | | | | score higher on math and verbal sections |
| esteem for the child. | | | | of standardized tests (not to mention |
| Find a bilingual language learning | | | | experience better opportunities later in |
| program/product for your young child | | | | life). |
| that incorporates these following | | | | Show your child that you respect other |
| components: visual cues, music fun, | | | | cultures and value the ability to speak |
| beginning reading and verbal exchange. | | | | other languages by attending |
| Help your child enjoy the new language | | | | multi-cultural events revolving around |
| daily. How much is enough you ask? The | | | | dance, music, food and the arts of other |
| following are some simple guidelines by | | | | cultures and people. |
| age: | | | | Be patient! Have fun! Even if your child |
| Infants should receive 10 minutes of | | | | may not be verbalizing the new language |
| bilingual music fun each day. | | | | right away, remember that repetition is |
| Toddlers should enjoy 20 minutes every | | | | the key to learning. Your child's brain |
| day of bilingual board books, music and | | | | is processing the new language and is |
| or games. Preschoolers easily learn with | | | | wiring it for future use. Your child is |
| 30 minutes of fun bilingual DVDs, games | | | | getting a strong foundation for later |
| and music each day. | | | | language learning. |
| Elementary school children should be | | | | |