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Five Easy
Steps to Help Your Child Prepare for a Global Future Even Though You
Speak Only One Language
Presented by Beth Butler/Creator of the
BOCA BETH
Program
So many parents
today do not feel equipped to help their children prepare for a very
global future. Explore with us why you need no teaching degree nor do
you need to speak a second language in order to help your young child
get a jumpstart on a lifetime of language learning skills.
How often have you found yourself thinking that perhaps you should have
asked for a class on parenting in college? And how many times have you
and your friends, who are also parents, commiserated over how many times
you skipped Spanish II in High School? We all see it coming. That is if
you have not already felt its presence in your current daily existence.
Speaking more than one language is truly a necessity.
Hopefully you realize it is never too late to pick up a second or third
language. No matter what you read you must believe that even if you have
passed that well publicized window of opportunity age, you are still
capable of learning and becoming fluent in a new language. Just like
getting back into good physical shape takes commitment and regular
exposure to good eating habits and exercise, so too does the challenge
of mastering a new language.
There are five simple steps you can take today to help your child
prepare for tomorrow. It is going to take you some time to get even the
basics of your new language and, if you have children now, you really
should get them started on their bilingual journey as soon as possible.
Remember, you do not have to have a degree in teaching. You do not have
to have command of the new language you are trying to introduce to your
child in order to give them the daily exposure they need to get a sound
foundation.
Step One is to show your child you have respect for fellow human
beings, no matter the race, no matter the language they speak. Children
listen to everything we say, do they not? Little ears hear big thoughts!
So be aware of the messages you send as parents about those people from
other countries, about other cultures around the world and about the
more than six thousand languages that make up the communication of our
world. You are the best role model your child has in the early years.
Make certain you show how much you value the acquisition of more than
one language.
Step Two is to choose a language that will be practical for the
child to use in his future. If you are going to reside in Europe due to
job relocation, then choosing Mandarin might not be the wisest choice.
Flip side of that scenario would be forcing your child to learn Latin
because you have always heard it is the root of most languages while you
know you will be residing in California where Latino population growth
is explosive. Make a good decision, not based on political feelings you
might have about immigration or border control or even bilingual
education. Make the decision based on the future of your child.
Step Three is to decide to introduce the new language as early as
possible in the life of your child. It is so true what continues to be
reported. Experts say the sooner the better when it comes to introducing
a second and third and fourth language to little children. A study out
of Texas reported only a few years ago that up to the age of five a
child can learn five languages simultaneously and not be confused or
language delayed or experience speech problems. In fact, the studies
prove bilingual children read sooner and experience advanced cognitive
development.
Step Four is to choose a method of introducing the target
language in a format that your child will embrace, that allows native
language placed alongside the new language, and that teaches to all
types of learning styles. More than 68% of the population must see it to
learn it. Many of us witness how much children love learning through and
with music. Then there are those children who are tactile learners and
want to feel something physically to connect with the lesson at hand.
Music, movement and creativity should be major components of any
language learning program you choose for young children.
Experts also advise that you choose a program featuring a true bilingual
format where the native language of the child is placed right alongside
the new language. Think about it. While your child is still acquiring
skills in his native language does it really make sense to totally
remove that comfort level and language out of the picture as a new
language is introduced? Some still try to force immersion on our young
children while others have embraced the benefits of higher self esteem
and the strong point of reference for both child and parent that are
evident in the bilingual programs available.
Step Five is the final and easiest step once you have given some
thought to the first four. Daily exposure to the new language is
necessary if you want to provide your child with the best jump start on
learning a new language. Once a week classes are helpful. Yet experts
agree that repetition on a daily basis, if even only for a few minutes
at a time here and there throughout the day, will truly link those
neural pathway connections in the brain of the young child. This type of
regular reinforcement of the new language placed right alongside the
native language is the key to a lifetime of language learning skills.
Who knows? You might even be giving besos to the baby and toddler before
the month is done! Make it a commitment today to get these five steps on
your radar and begin the second language journey with a positive
attitude, a can do mentality, and a we are all in this together
campaign!
About the Author:
Beth Butler is the creator of the BOCA BETH Language Learning Series for
young children. Find out how fun and easy it can be to raise a bilingual
child. Sample the BOCA BETH bilingual music and movies for free at
http://www.bocabeth.com
Call toll free 1.877.825.2622 or 1.813.244.1432 |
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