The Rising Trend of Early Childhood Language Immersion
The Rising Trend of Early Childhood Language Immersion
It’s hard not to notice the surge in popularity of language immersion programs, and in recent years, parents have a range of options for immersing their children in language education during their early years. These options range from public and charter elementary schools to pathway programs extending into middle and senior high schools. But what’s the driving force behind this trend? Simply put, educators and parents, including those at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center, are recognizing the myriad benefits that children get when learning a second language, and it’s becoming more apparent that kids who can speak more than one language are better set up for success in education as they grow!
Offering children the opportunity to learn a language during their early years makes perfect sense, especially here at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center. Learning a language from infancy and in preschool tends to be a more seamless process, especially when compared to learning a language in later years, which can be a difficult task that requires countless hours mastering grammar structures and vocabulary. While the obvious advantage of being bilingual is being able to communicate with more people, there are numerous other research-backed benefits worth mentioning, so keep reading to learn more about each of them!
Enhanced Cognitive Function
When children learn to seamlessly switch between languages based on context or necessity, that exercises their growing brains and helps them build better cognitive flexibility. This also translates into the ability to switch between tasks and multi-task as they age, helping to set them up for success in school and other areas!
Access to Greater Opportunities
When children learn to be bilingual from a young age, they are more likely to keep those language skills into adulthood, which can translate into more employment opportunities, too! On top of more job opportunities, people who speak multiple languages are better able to connect with others throughout the world, making for a more vibrant, supportive, and culturally connected life.
Increased Sensitivity to Others’ Needs
Bilingual children are better set up to understand the similarities that unite people across linguistic and cultural divides, especially since the exposure to diversity from an early age fosters empathy and understanding in little ones! These are crucial qualities in preventing systemic biases and growing a more empathetic, understanding, and culturally aware person as the child grows.
If you’re a parent who wants the best for your child, why not give them the gift of language? Learn more about our early childhood Spanish immersion program at Bilingual Child Care & Education Center or arrange a tour by contacting us today!
Bilingual Child Care & Education Center offers Spanish Immersion Early Childhood Education for children aged 0-9 in Mahtomedi and Roseville! Enroll your child in a language-rich summer experience today! We’re currently enrolling for school-age summer programs in Mahtomedi and offering year-round care for children aged 0-5 at both locations. Give your child the lifelong gift of language.