The Benefits of Teaching a Second Language to Your Kids

Imagine a baby mimicking everything you say in their own adorable way. Did you know this is exactly how children start to learn a language? If a child grows up in a place where multiple languages are spoken, such as Barcelona, where both Catalan and Spanish are official languages, they naturally absorb both without much effort. Catalan is also quite similar to French and Portuguese, making it easier for them to pick up those languages as well. As a result, they can become native speakers of two or more languages effortlessly. Some parents even prefer to find a primary school tutor who offers Spanish classes, English classes, or any other language they want their children to learn.

Find a Primary School Tutor

Learning a second language is much easier as a child because they aren’t afraid to make mistakes. They’re open, curious, and their brains are primed to absorb everything you introduce to them. So, the answer to whether children can easily learn a new language is absolutely yes! There are countless advantages to exposing children to new languages at an early age. Let’s find out the benefit of learning a second language at an early age:

• Learning a second language is facilitated by brain structure: Children are likely to learn things without even trying on a biological level. A child's brain is made to automatically take in fresh information. They accomplish this in a way similar to how adults pick up song lyrics, beats, and melodies without realising it. 
• The brains of babies are uniquely designed for acquiring second languages: Babies' brains are especially good at learning second languages because they’re in a key stage of development. Their brains are highly adaptable, making it easier to absorb new information, like languages. Babies naturally mimic sounds and speech patterns, helping them learn without formal teaching. They also aren’t afraid of making mistakes, which allows them to practice more freely. Since their brains are sensitive to different sounds, the earlier they’re exposed to a second language, the better they become at speaking it naturally.
• Compared to adults, children have less to learn: Children are still learning their first language, so picking up a second one feels more natural. Adults often have to unlearn old habits or rules from their first language, which makes it harder. Kids, on the other hand, can easily absorb new words and grammar without overthinking it. Because they don’t have to compare and find reasoning to each grammar rule.
• Kids have plenty of time on their side: Children have years ahead of them to practise a second language. They aren’t in a rush and can take their time to improve in time. This long learning period gives them the chance to build a strong foundation and grow their skills over time. Also, with the help of a primary school tutor, you don’t have to turn the language learning process into a mandatory school task, it can be a fun with games, movies, musics. You can immerse your children into the target language without them even realising it.
• Learning a second language requires ongoing mental practice: Learning a new language keeps the brain active and challenged. For children, this regular mental exercise helps with overall cognitive development. They get used to thinking in different ways, which benefits them not just in language learning but in other areas too. This way it helps with brain development.

• Gaining proficiency in a second language enhances executive function: As children learn a second language, they improve their ability to focus, switch between tasks, and solve problems. This is because bilingual kids constantly manage two language systems in their brains, which strengthens their executive function skills. They know which language to use where, with whom, in which context. And again, they will be able to do all of this without even trying.
• Taking up a second language encourages creativity: Learning a second language helps children think outside the box. As they discover new ways to express ideas and thoughts, they become more creative, and this will also boost their confidence. This creativity can spill over into other areas of their lives, from art to problem-solving. Also, they will be able to understand the culture, literature, art of the countries where they speak their second language.
• Divergent thinking is developed through learning a second language: Divergent thinking is the ability to come up with multiple solutions to a problem. When children learn a second language, they develop this skill by figuring out different ways to communicate. This helps them think more flexibly and creatively in all aspects of life.
• Having a second language increases career opportunities: Being fluent in a second language can open doors to more job opportunities when children grow up. Many employers look for bilingual candidates, especially in global markets. Knowing another language gives kids a competitive edge in the future job market. English is the language of the business world, but most of the big companies have markets in different regions of the world, having a second language will bring more opportunities.
• As they get older, bilingual kids have more chances to travel: Knowing a second language makes it easier for kids to travel when they’re older. They can visit more countries, communicate with locals, and experience new cultures more fully. This opens up exciting possibilities for education, work, and personal growth. If they want to go to a foreign country to work or study in the future, they won’t be worried about the language barriers. They can easily find jobs, make friends and build a life anywhere.

Find Spanish Classes for Children

Now we know how a second language at an early age can help your children in the future, but how to help your child learn a second language? On FindTutors, you can many find primary school tutors offering language classes. Whether you’re looking for someone offering Spanish classes or French. Make sure you find a tutor that has experience with children. They can make the language learning process fun and smooth by including games and activities, so that it doesn’t feel like an extra work for your children.