When Should Children Be Introduced in Second Language?

Medical Video: What’s The Best Age To Learn A Second Language?

Being able to master many languages is important at this time. Language is a communication tool, so that more languages can be mastered, more and more children learn and develop.

We cannot deny that the world is getting wider, so the opportunity for children to develop in the international world is getting bigger. For this reason, children are required to master many languages. However, sometimes you as a parent are confused about how and when children should be introduced to a new language.

When should children be introduced to a second language?

According to various studies, the earlier to teach children a second language, the better. The earlier the child is introduced to the new language, the more time is available for the child to learn the language, compared to children who have just learned the language at the umpteenth age. After all, childhood is a time when children have a lot of time to learn and children are also easier to receive learning at this time.

The period in which the child has not attended school, especially at the age of 3 years, is a period in which the basics for thinking, language, behavior, attitude, talent, and other characteristics are growing rapidly, as said Ronald Kotulak, author of the book " Inside the Brain ", which was launched from Early Childhood News. So, the age of the third child is a good start for children learning languages.

At the age of 3 years, the child has begun to be fluent in using mother tongue, and at this age also the child has begun to be ready to learn a new language, so that the child is not difficult to distinguish between his native language and both languages.

50% of children's learning abilities develop at the age of 1 year and 30% develop at the age of 8 years. That is, the age of children up to 8 years is a critical period for children to learn a lot and develop. Other than that, experts have also examined how the physiology of the brain has its ability to learn languages. Apparently, the brains of children up to the age of 8 years have plasticity or flexibility, which allows children to learn languages easily. At this critical time the brain is able to absorb various information and knowledge easily.

The earlier the child is introduced to a new language, the easier it is for the child to receive it. The earlier the child learns the language, the better he can imitate new sounds and their pronunciation. In childhood, the brain is still wide open to receive new sounds and languages.

In addition, learning a second language also provides benefits for children. Research by Harvard University shows that learning additional languages can improve critical thinking skills, creativity, and flexibility of mind in children. By learning languages that are repeated, it can also increase brain strength and memory of children.

How to teach a second language to children?

There are 6 main things that can stimulate brain development in a child's critical period, namely through vision, sound, feeling, touch, smell, and movement. Therefore, you can teach children a second language by stimulating these 6 things.

The following are ways you can teach a second language child.

Using images. You can show pictures, such as pictures of animals, fruits, vegetables, and other things, while saying what is in the picture using a second language.
Learn to use music and rhythm. Music is one way to stimulate all brain functions. Lyrics combined with music make it easier for children to learn because children are easier to remember.
Learn by using body movements. Invite children to use their body and mind simultaneously. This can help children to remember.
Learn by touching. You can teach children to count using a second language by singing a song, moving it, and touching your finger.
Learn by feeling. You can offer children a variety of foods and invite them to name the food in a second language.
Learn by kissing. You can invite the child to play by guessing food or smelling objects that are in a closed place, then ask the child to say his guess using a second language.
Play while learning. You can do fun things with your child while taking him to speak in a second language.
Teach children casually. Don't scold a child when he can't follow you. Making children stressed while learning can undermine the child's intention to learn.

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