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Terrific Tips
for Parents Who Want To Teach Their Child A Second Language
by Beth Butler
You realize the benefits of having a second language, but do you
know where to turn or how to begin the process of teaching your
little one a second language? Read through the following second
language learning tips provided by a bilingual mom, educator and
leading expert on the subject:
. • Start the second language learning early! Experts agree
- the earlier, the better. Play language music CDs during the pregnancy.
Talk to your baby from the moment of birth - in two or more languages
if possible. If you and your family only speak one language, begin
introducing a new language with bilingual music CDs and DVDs when
appropriate.
.
• Repetition is the key for all
your child's learning. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!
.
• From birth through age 10, many
experts advise using the native and the new languages together.
After about age 12, total immersion is a good option. Early in life,
the bilingual approach is best.
.
• Find a bilingual language learning
program and/or product for your young child that incorporates these
components: visual, music, beginning reading and verbal exchange.
. • Help your child enjoy the
new language daily. Guidelines by age are as follows, using music,
movement and creative learning tools:
infant
= 10 minutes
toddler = 20 minutes
preschooler = 30 minutes
elementary school child = 45+ minutes
.
• Make learning the new language
fun! Don't ever force it.
. • Gently guide your child into
the new language journey. Show a high level of confidence. Smiling
usually works best!
. • If your home language is Spanish,
do not agree to an immersion program of English only for your child
under the age of 10. The "sink or swim" mentality does
not work for little children.
. • If your Spanish-speaking child
is learning English, do not listen to school staff who suggest you
give up speaking your native language at home. The myth that your
children will be language delayed or have a language disorder is
just that - a myth. In fact,bilingual children will ultimately speak
both languages better!
(c) 2005 - All Rights Reserved. Beth Butler is the
creator of the BOCA BETH Program - a bilingual educational program
geared towards helping young children get a head start on becoming
bilingual. She motivates and assists educators in developing a bilingual
environment for children, and she has developed a program that makes
bilingual education a fun and easy part of the normal, child-raising
routine for today's parents. For more information, visit http://www.bocabeth.com.
April
21, 2005
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