Why should my child learn a new world language?
1) It has a positive effect on intellectual growth and enriches and enhances a child"s mental development
2) It leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening
3) It improves a child"s understanding of his/her native language
4) It gives the child the ability to communicate with people he/she would otherwise not have the chance to know
5) It opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other cultures
6) It gives a student a head start in language requirements for high school/college
7) It increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset
From Nanduti: Foreign Language Learning, Grades PK-8, Center for Applied Linguistics, 2006
What can I do to support my child"s study of a new world language?
1) Inform yourself. Become knowledgeable about the program.
2) Be supportive at all times. Your child"s success in the program will be affected by your attitude.
3) Encourage your child to speak the new language at home, if he/she wants to, but do not force him/her to do so.
4) Be supportive of the program and its teacher. Keep the lines of communication open.
5) Try to take advantage of situations that increase your child"s exposure to the language and its related cultures.
6) Encourage your child to read simple picture-rich beginner books in the new language.
7) Encourage your child to watch television programs, listen to radio programs and children"s songs in the new language, and explore websites in the target language.
8) Show your child how pleased you are with his/her progress. Be proud of your child"s achievement.
9) Emphasize your child"s successes.
10) Try to attend cultural events with your child.
