Children are often described as sponges, soaking up the language around them. While this is certainly true, it is our responsibility as adults, caregivers, and educators to ensure they absorb language that is developmentally appropriate. During early childhood, children's brains exhibit high plasticity, allowing them to adapt and change rapidly. Learning two languages at a young age helps create complex neural pathways, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities. We can visualise this as building a flexible, multi-lane highway in their brains, rather than a one-way path.
At Britannica, we recognise the presence of bilingual and multilingual learners. Bilingualism—the ability to fluently use two languages—offers numerous benefits. Bilingual families help children maintain strong connections with extended relatives, engage in community activities, and understand their cultural heritage, which is crucial for shaping their personal identity.
Children aged zero to five who are learning two languages are known as Dual Language Learners (DLLs). DLLs primarily learn language through relationships with caregivers and peers. High-quality interactions and meaningful programming in both languages are essential for supporting their development. Young DLLs may acquire languages simultaneously or sequentially, influenced by factors such as timing, exposure, and the quality of language input. Each child's unique personality, motivations, and interests also play a significant role in their language journey.
Research indicates that developing two or more languages can lead to various benefits. Social-emotional advantages include improved self-control and the ability to form friendships in a second language. Cognitive benefits encompass enhanced executive functioning, better focus, cognitive flexibility, and improved logical reasoning. Additionally, early literacy skills are enriched, enabling children to learn additional languages and transfer their literacy knowledge between them.
To support DLL children aged zero to five, parents can provide resources in the second language, such as books, music, and videos, to create opportunities for interaction. Engaging in community activities and seeking out native speakers for playdates can also be beneficial. Encouragement, having fun, and showing genuine interest in the language-learning process are key, as is promoting the use of both languages in various contexts.
In conclusion, bilingualism in the early years is a powerful tool that supports cognitive, social, and emotional development. By exposing children to two languages early on, we equip them with critical thinking skills, deeper connections with others, and a pathway to academic success. Supporting bilingualism cultivates a brighter future for global citizens who are ready to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world through cultural appreciation and expanded horizons.
As the temperatures drop, Reception embraced the change by donning our jackets and continuing our outdoor play, explorations, and learning. This week, the children observed the beautiful transformations in nature. Our featured story, Stick Man, captivated the children with its delightful rhymes and rhythms, highlighting themes of family love and helping one another. We also collected and compared sticks, practicing our comparative language skills. Additionally, we’ve begun rehearsing for our winter performance and diving into festive art projects. In Phonics, we focused on the letter sounds for "f" and "l," along with the tricky word "go" and continuously practicing blending. It's been a week full of engagement and creativity!
This week in Nursery, they explored the story ‘After the Storm,’ where a storm damages the forest, leaving animals without homes. Through teamwork, they find a new place to live. The children also began learning their song for the winter production, just as the chilly weather arrives. Creativity blossomed as the children experimented with paints and various techniques, each creating a unique picture for the Christmas card competition. This inspired further artistic exploration, resulting in even more beautiful artwork.
This week, Pre-Nursery has continued exploring feelings through the story of ‘Elmer.’ The children have enjoyed revisiting colours and collaborating to create their own large Elmer, which has helped them develop their teamwork skills. They’ve had a great time counting elephants and practicing their movements, pretending to be elephants with big trunks! We finished the week by creating colorful Elmer fruit kebabs and decorating our class Christmas tree.
