“The success of learning two languages“
According to some researchers, children who are exposed to two languages from a very early age have a cognitive advantage over monolingual children. This suggests that bilingualism has positive effects on intelligence and other aspects of a child’s life.
Balance between two languages
Some experts argue that children exposed to multiple languages are more creative and develop better problem-solving skills. Speaking a second language, even if only during the early years of life, helps to programme the brain’s circuits, making it easier for them to learn new languages in the future. The introduction of bilingualism into children’s education should be carried out in a natural way. What matters most is that the child hears the language regularly and becomes familiar with it gradually, without pressure or obligation.
Advantages of bilingualism
1. Communication. The ability to communicate with people of different nationalities.
Bilingual children have double the capacity to read and write in two different languages.
It is not necessary to separate the languages in the child’s everyday experience (parents can use both languages). It is normal for learning two languages, for example, in terms of vocabulary or grammar development, to take more time than learning just one.
2. Cultural. Access to two different cultures enriches a child’s education – customs, traditions, and more.
3. Knowledge. Exposure to diversity stimulates intellectual development. As a result, bilingual children may be more creative, more flexible, and develop a more open-minded attitude towards the world and others.
The quantity and quality of language a bilingual child is exposed to determines the pace at which each language is learned.
At La Mar Salada, we develop our educational and human-centred project in both Spanish and English in a natural way, through a playful and meaningful methodology. Activities are carried out across all areas and daily routines. We use engaging resources (songs, pictograms, stories, games…) to support language comprehension and encourage oral interaction.
