Spanish at the Elementary Level
In today's society, there are many different reasons to begin the study of a foreign language in Elementary School. Not only does it help children be more prepared in an International World, but it has been determined that there are many other cognitive benefits as well. This is the result of many studies that have been done over the years on the positive effects of learning a foreign language on the brain.
Here are some of the most significant reasons to support learning a foreign language in elementary school:
Children in foreign language programs have tended to demonstrate greater cognitive development, creativity, and divergent thinking. (Hakuta, 1986; Weatherford, 1986)
Statistically, children who study a second language score higher on verbal standardized tests conducted in English, according to the College Entrance Examination Board. Language students also perform better in math and logic skills than children with just one language. There is also some evidence that foreign language students are more creative and better at solving complex problems. (http://www.parentspress.com/edulanguages.html)
Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html)
Studies have shown - and experience has supported - that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like pronunciation. (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html)
The studies also demonstrated that children that have studied a foreign language perform better on standardized tests of basic skills in English, math, and social studies. (Robinson, D.W., 1992)
Communication skills, including memory and listening skills, are sharpened by foreign language study. (Curtain, H., 1990)
Recent brain research indicates that learning a second language is a powerful experience that helps the brain of young children develop. (Dumas, L.S., 1999)
Marcos summarized research on early language learning and concluded that learning a second language in the elementary school usually enhanced a child's ability in English. (Marcos, K.M., 1998)
Helpful Links:
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2009/05/learning-second-language-good-childhood-mind-medicine
Information from Cornell University on why learning a 2nd language is beneficial for children.
http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/resources-5
Research in support of early foreign language learning provided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Here are some of the most significant reasons to support learning a foreign language in elementary school:
Children in foreign language programs have tended to demonstrate greater cognitive development, creativity, and divergent thinking. (Hakuta, 1986; Weatherford, 1986)
Statistically, children who study a second language score higher on verbal standardized tests conducted in English, according to the College Entrance Examination Board. Language students also perform better in math and logic skills than children with just one language. There is also some evidence that foreign language students are more creative and better at solving complex problems. (http://www.parentspress.com/edulanguages.html)
Students of foreign languages have access to a greater number of career possibilities and develop a deeper understanding of their own and other cultures. (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html)
Studies have shown - and experience has supported - that children who learn a language before the onset of adolescence are much more likely to have native-like pronunciation. (http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content3/second.language.p.k12.2.html)
The studies also demonstrated that children that have studied a foreign language perform better on standardized tests of basic skills in English, math, and social studies. (Robinson, D.W., 1992)
Communication skills, including memory and listening skills, are sharpened by foreign language study. (Curtain, H., 1990)
Recent brain research indicates that learning a second language is a powerful experience that helps the brain of young children develop. (Dumas, L.S., 1999)
Marcos summarized research on early language learning and concluded that learning a second language in the elementary school usually enhanced a child's ability in English. (Marcos, K.M., 1998)
Helpful Links:
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2009/05/learning-second-language-good-childhood-mind-medicine
Information from Cornell University on why learning a 2nd language is beneficial for children.
http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/resources-5
Research in support of early foreign language learning provided by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.