English at an early age

Sonia Ollero | Docente Inglés en Educación Infantil

The importance of early exposure to English language learning cannot be overstated.

Children who are exposed to English at a young age have a significant advantage over those who begin their language learning later in life.

One of the critical components of this early exposure is the development of oral language and listening skills.

Research has shown that children's brains are most receptive to language acquisition between the ages of zero to five years old.

During this time, children are like sponges, absorbing information from their surroundings, including the sounds and rhythms of a language.

This is why it is crucial for parents and caregivers to provide opportunities for children to hear and speak English from an early age.

One way to ensure that children are exposed to English is to have regular interactions with native speakers.

This daily contact with native speakers helps children to develop their listening and speaking skills in a natural way. They are exposed to the nuances of the language, such as accents, intonation, and colloquialisms, which they may not learn from textbooks or language classes alone.

In our school we are very aware of this, and that is why our students as young as one year old are exposed to the company of native English speakers. Their interactions are far beyond just conversation: they play together, they enjoy themselves while slowly acquiring the language.

In addition to language development, early exposure to English can have numerous cognitive benefits for children.

It has been shown to enhance problemsolving skills, memory, and concentration. It can also improve academic performance in other subjects, as English is often used as the language of instruction in higher education.

Overall, early exposure to English language learning is essential for children's success in today's globalized world.

Parents and educators must recognize the importance of oral language and listening skills in language acquisition and provide ample opportunities for children to interact with native speakers.

By doing so, children can develop a strong foundation in English that will benefit them throughout their lives.