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