EDUCATION
The benefits of starting a Bilingual Education at an early age By Nicholas Otten, co-Founder L’Ecole des Petits & L’Ecole de Battersea
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Choosing where to send your child to school is a big decision, one of the most important things that you will ever have to consider. After many years of educating children, there is no doubt in my mind that starting them off at an early nursery age with a bilingual education has enormous benefits to their development. At this age, a child’s mind is like a sponge, it can more easily absorb new information presented to it than an older child’s in assimilating a second language, as it is not yet conditioned by previous learning. The younger the child, the easier it is. The beauty of starting early (age three) is that you have pretty much a blank sheet of paper, so whatever your nationality is, or whichever language you speak at home, it is easier. If your child only speaks one language with you and you give them a bilingual education this can help them to acquire an additional language as part of a natural process. By immersing your child in a second language at an early age, this not only helps the child to become proficient in this second language but also opens up other opportunities. And if you are already a bilingual family, learning in a bilingual school can only reinforce these languages.
CHILDREN WITH A BILINGUAL EDUCATION ARE MORE ADAPTABLE • Language is not just about learning sets of words and grammar, it is also learning about another culture. • The advantage of a bilingual education gives children a broader outlook and greater awareness of different races and nationalities. They become more understanding of others, tolerant and aware of the world in general, whilst also gaining self confidence and a sense of responsibility to themselves and to others. • In a world that is constantly changing, communication is becoming increasingly important. Children who are able to communicate with a variety of cultures are the ones who will have more advantages in life.
PRACTICAL & COGNITIVE BENEFITS OF A BILINGUAL EDUCATION • An early years bilingual education helps to develop the brain. Children become able to use two languages at the same time, switching constantly, developing skills in overcoming inhibitions, increasing concentration skills and working memory. Familiesonline.co.uk
• Consequentially children who are educated bilingually often perform better on tasks that require multi-tasking, decision making and problem solving, even though the particular situation may have nothing to do with language. • And for sure a second language learnt at an early age is one that will be useful throughout a child’s education and remain for life. • This will allow you and your child more choices when choosing further education, be it secondary school, university or abroad (A Levels, BAC or IB) • Being fluent in an extra language can make a candidate stand out from other prospective employees. It can open doors to extra opportunities that others without these skills may miss out on. In today’s growing global economy those with a bilingual education have the advantage.
AND WITHOUT DOUBT THIS BILINGUAL EDUCATION IS BEST STARTED AT AN EARLY AGE Some Tips • Enrol early, availability is limited and demand high. • Visit schools to see if you like the culture. • Do not worry if you are of a different nationality. • You do not have to speak a second language yourself, but it helps if you do, so use it at home. • Try to have a nanny at home who speaks the second language. • Use books and TV to reinforce the second language at home. • Take holidays in the country in question. • Early assimilation of two languages is slower, but do not worry, they soon catch up in both languages.
International & Bilingual Schools ages 3 -11 years 020 7371 8350 L’Ecole des Petits, 2 Hazlebury Road Fulham SW6 2NB www.lecoledespetits.co.uk L’Ecole de Battersea, Trott Street Battersea SW11 3DS www.lecoledebattersea.co.uk
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