Benefits of Multilingualism for Children
Research continues to show that children, starting with infants, who hear a second language significantly increase the development their problem-solving skills, memory, critical thinking and listening skills. They can switch from one language to another to understand words, questions, and instructions. Infants have no problem hearing two languages and the older they get the easier it is for them to understand two or more languages. It is not confusing for them. (We all should have started early!)
Young children are truly exercising their brain, increasing mental activity, developing their cognitive skills, their mental reasoning processes. The social benefits are valuable, helping them to be less fearful about taking chances, taking risks. They understand their social world. All positive outcomes.
In addition to the learning benefits, older multi-lingual children exhibit greater empathy and a more positive attitude toward the people of other cultures when they are learning other languages. You will be using books that show different regions and diverse faces.
You don’t have to be fluent in other languages yourself to share books with very young children. Start with bilingual board books. Of course, there are many bilingual Spanish-English children’s books. The board books Sonrisas for Baby and Besos for Baby by Jen Arena have bilingual pages with simple sentences that share smiles and kisses for your baby. Two of the Indestructible Books: Te Amo Bebé and ¡Bebé, Vamos a Comer! use simple vocabulary with accompanying pictures. Mamá Goose by Alma Flor Ada is a compilation of Spanish rhymes with English translation. This friendly book shares over 100 pages of Spanish songs, rhymes, and poems. There is a shorter board book version also.
Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in the world for native speakers and the 4th most spoken language among all speakers. Learn some basic words while sharing children’s books. Learning a third language is even easier. E.g. children who can speak Spanish will understand some Italian.
Follow www.leadwithlanguages.org which has a connection with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). This website has helpful information about multi-language learning for children.