young kindergarten and first grade students Spanish when they haven't even mastered their own English language. They are 5 and 6 yrs old and don't know when to use singular or plural in English and here they are teaching them another language. I can't even imagine what they will sound like when they get to high school. Is this really necessary at such a young age. Why can't we keep languages in middle school as before. This is outrageous.
2006-10-14 11:41:51 · 9 answers · asked by winter715 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
People who learn another language have a better grasp of the grammar and vocabulary of their own first language, and kids soak up new languages like sponges. It's a means of broadening their horizons and enriching their minds. Are you just upset because it's Spanish? Would something else be ok? Latin? Greek?
2006-10-14 11:50:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Outrageous?? It's a great idea! In fact, parents and teachers should teach children different languages at even earlier ages than 5 and 6. There is a language "window," or time frame that people have to better and more easily learn second languages and that just happens to be when they're really young. It is actually much, much harder to learn a second language in the middle and high school years. If you want your child to be a well-rounded, cultured individual when they get older then you should embrace this opportunity.
2006-10-14 12:02:24 · answer #2 · answered by xdtsztr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As it is said that the ages of about 4 - 10 are the best times for a child to learn a second language and in a multicultural world such as today it is a considerable asset to their life, both now and in the future. By leaving language learning and linguistics until after 10, the chances of actually learning that language are decreasing.
2006-10-14 11:46:31 · answer #3 · answered by jonn0boy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is very important that they learn another language when they are younger. They will learn it a lot faster at age 5 instead of waiting until they are 13. It does not matter if they learn 2 languages at the same time. A lot of kids grow up in homes where 2 languages are spoken and they are totally fine.
2006-10-14 11:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by Angry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I disagree. Young children can pick up on a foriegn language much faster than older childern and adults. And, if they live with people who can speak correct English then they should not have difficulty speaking both languages. It also expands the vocabulary of both languages when both are tuaght.
2006-10-14 11:54:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because we know now that languages are best learned as soon as possible. rest assured it will not at all impede the young one's ability to gain further proficiency in their first language.
literally millions of children grow up learning two or even three languages from the start... without having any problem with it...
besides, what good would it be to teach them proper spanish in middle school classes, when they already picked up some nasty latino gang slang in the schoolyard from day one?
2006-10-14 11:48:54 · answer #6 · answered by wolschou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Studies have proven that people who are bilingual are more intelligent. It's also much easier to learn when you're young. Many parents teach another language as their children are learning to speak. It's actually a good move.
2006-10-14 11:45:58 · answer #7 · answered by Lynda M ♥ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My daughter is 7 and not only have I taught her some spanish, but also some chinese too. It comes in handy as she has a latino in her class. Also when the chinese new year comes around she can say "I know that!"
2006-10-14 12:27:54 · answer #8 · answered by April J 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at that age they learn faster-besides being bi-lingual will give them a great advantage in their future.
if they havent gotten a good basic education in the early years they will either not like school or not be capable of learning in the higher grades
2006-10-14 11:54:55 · answer #9 · answered by pdudenhefer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋