5 Reasons Why More Private Elementary Schools Are Teaching Second Languages
If you’re a parent in Metairie, LA, you may be concerned about sending your child to the right elementary school. Finding a school that also teaches a second language can be the perfect solution for many families, as learning a foreign language early on has many lifelong benefits.
Here are five reasons why more private elementary schools include second languages in their curricula.
1. Improved Cognitive Flexibility
Research has shown that learning a second language can positively affect the brain. It increases cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to think flexibly and switch between ideas easily. People with improved cognitive flexibility can better process new information and develop creative solutions. This skill is beneficial in problem-solving, and learning a foreign language helps hone it.
2. Enhanced Multitasking Ability
Speaking two languages requires more effort than speaking just one, so people who do it well have an improved ability to multitask. They can switch between tasks quickly and without losing focus on either task. Having this skill is essential in jobs that require juggling multiple responsibilities.
3. Improved Memory Recall
Learning a second language also helps with memory recall. It encourages students to remember new information and draw upon that knowledge when needed. This skill can come in handy in the classroom and beyond!
4. Widened Career Opportunities
Knowing a second language can also open the door to various career opportunities. Bilingual people are often more sought after in the workforce, as they can communicate with customers and clients from different backgrounds. It’s an invaluable skill that can lead to promotions and better job prospects.
5. Learn at a Critical Age
Studies have found that while anyone can learn a second language at any age, children learn more quickly and easily. They are born with the ability to acquire language abilities very quickly and efficiently. Through the age of seven or eight, according to PandaTree, they can gain fluency in another language, using proper grammar and speaking without an accent. After this critical period, the ability to master a foreign language gradually declines. With private elementary schools teaching second languages, children can take advantage of this period and start learning another language early on.
As the benefits of learning a second language become more widely known, more parents are looking for private elementary schools offering a foreign language curriculum. The advantages of learning a second language are numerous. Contact our staff here at Kehoe-France Southshore School to learn more about our successful International Baccalaureate program today.
