This is a sponsored post, in partnership with First 5 LA and Quality Start Los Angeles.
As a parent, you may be wondering about the advantages of dual language learning for children. Introducing children to more than one language at an early age can significantly enhance their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
The Quality Start Los Angeles Dual Language Learner Initiative offers free workshops for families with dual language learners, with the aim of helping parents to be involved in their child’s early learning journey. Visit their website to learn how they are supporting dual language at home.
Importance of Family and Home Language
A child’s family, their home language, and their culture are unique assets that she or he brings to early learning programs. We can build a better tomorrow when families, educators and the general public value, share, and respect these assets in our learning communities, and beyond.
Research indicates that children who learn two or more languages can benefit from improved problem-solving skills, increased flexibility in mind, and better communication abilities. When children are exposed to different languages, they develop a more inclusive understanding of the world, embracing diversity and establishing connections with people from various backgrounds.
The Advantages of Starting Early
Children with more than one language possess a strong asset, and it develops at the very beginning of life. The infant and toddler years are the most important and effective time to support language development and home environment.
The years from birth to age five are the most important and vital time for dual language learners to optimize the developmental benefits of speaking more than one language.
Encouraging your child to become a dual language learner entails a nurturing and supportive environment that values their home language, culture, and identity. By fostering their linguistic and cultural diversity, you enable children to become successful bilingual individuals with a strong foundation in the languages they are learning.
Benefits of Dual Language Learning
The research is clear. We now know that children who speak more than one language will experience heightened cognitive and social-emotional development.
When children learn multiple languages, they develop a better understanding of grammar, syntax, and other linguistic concepts. This, in turn, opens up new avenues for communication, improving your child’s social and cognitive abilities.
Another key benefit lies in the development of literacy skills. Becoming bilingual from a young age allows children to access a wider range of literature. As they read and engage with texts in different languages, their reading comprehension, writing abilities, and critical thinking skills grow stronger and richer.
Dual language learners can learn math concepts and skills without being fluent in their second language; this can also support second language acquisition.
Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is also an important aspect of dual language learning. Research shows that children who learn more than one language typically speak their first words by age one and can use two-word phrases by age two. By exposing your child to multiple languages, you’re providing them with the tools to gain proficiency in both more effectively.
Moreover, dual language learning has been linked to academic success. By nurturing bilingualism, you’re paving the way for your child to excel academically and navigate complex situations more efficiently in the future.
Dual Language Learning is Not Confusing for your Child
There is a commonly-held myth that communicating in more than one language is confusing and detrimental to a child’s development. Recent studies indicate that, on average, unsupported dual language learners enter kindergarten behind their peers in language, literacy and math.
Furthermore, the social benefits of dual language learning cannot be overlooked. Encouraging your child to learn and use multiple languages can foster empathy, respect for other cultures, and improved social skills.
Children who speak more than one language develop a better understanding of the world around them and can connect with a diverse range of individuals, allowing them to flourish in our rapidly globalizing society.
Dual Language Learning Environments
At Home
Creating a supportive dual language learning environment at home begins with embracing your child’s home language. Encourage your family members to speak the home language regularly, helping your child feel comfortable with both English and Spanish. Expose your child to a variety of daily experiences in both languages, such as reading books, singing songs, and engaging in conversations.
In School and in the Community
In the school setting, teachers should create bilingual classrooms that incorporate both English and the home language(s), celebrating the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of students. Engaging the community by providing resources and opportunities to learn about and practice these languages will also support dual language learners.
Supportive Strategies and Tips for Parents
To support your child’s language development, introduce new words and phrases now and then in both languages during daily routines. Ensure that your child has access to books, stories, and other language resources in both English and their home language. Encourage and practice regular reading, while also exposing them to music, gestures, and real-life situations where they can practice their language skills.
Visit the Quality Start Los Angeles website to learn how they are supporting dual language at home.
Language Development in Young Dual Language Learners
Young children learning more than one language develop their language skills through experiences, interactions, and exposure to various communication methods. Be patient with your child’s language acquisition; bilingual children might take slightly longer to reach certain milestones, but their overall development remains on track.
Historically, little attention and support has been provided to the unique developmental needs of infant and toddler dual language learners. But that is thankfully, changing.
Challenges and Supports for Dual Language Learning
The negative effects of COVID-19 on young children are accentuated for dual language learners who historically lacked educational and family support, often placing them further behind their peers. Supportive strategies include creating opportunities for children to practice both languages, incorporating their cultural traditions, and providing language-rich environments.
The Diversity of Dual Language Learners
Dual language learners come from various backgrounds and bring unique cultural perspectives, enriching our communities. Embracing this diversity provides important educational and social benefits, creating an inclusive and supportive society for all.
The Future of Dual-Language Learning
The future of dual-language learning is promising, with many advantages for both children and broader communities. Supporting dual language learning fosters communication, cultural understanding, and cognitive benefits, helping children succeed in an increasingly diverse and globalized world.
Visit the Quality Start Los Angeles website to learn how they are supporting dual language at home.
This is a sponsored post, in partnership with First 5 LA and Quality Start Los Angeles.
Sarah Auerswald is the co-Founder and Managing Editor of MomsLA.com.
