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