The benefits of learning a foreign language at a young age

Do you speak English? With this phrase begins the conversation between two people, that speak different languages and want to find a common language. But if I ask you-does your son or daughter speak English? What will you answer?

English is the official language of 53 countries. More than 750 million people speak English, either as a first or a second language. This language has really lifetime benefits and starting young is the best choice.

1. The obvious benefit of children learning English from a young age is to widen their career prospects later on down the line. Being able to speak English allows people to work abroad and is also a great skill for moving up the hierarchy within their own country or climbing the social ladder as some would say.

2. We’ve all heard kids described as “sponges” for learning language. English help grow your child’s brain, improve the problem solving skills, developing communication skills, help do better on standardized tests, build creative thinking skills. Learning a foreign language helps children see the world through different lenses. The ability to consider multiple viewpoints to a problem is a cornerstone of creative problem solving.

3. Learning English open a window to other cultures and help kids more deeply understand how others see the world. The way we see the world is shaped by the language we use. Language and culture are so intertwined so if getting along really depends on being able to put ourselves in other peoples’ shoes, being able to speak their language helps kids more deeply understand how others see the world. And really why in England lion says roar, cockerel -cock-a-doodle-doo, dog-bow wow?

4. International travel is an amazing way to broaden children’s perspectives and help them experience the diversity and beauty of the world first hand. There’s something very special about watching children use their language skills to develop cross-cultural friendships. Speaking the language allows access to experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have – and builds memories for life.

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to help our children get off to a great start in life and be prepared for the future. There are so many amazing benefits to children from learning a foreign language. What’s the most important reason for you? Remember-giving your child the chance to learn a foreign language is like giving him a gift for life.

What if I say there was one thing you could do that would help grow your child’s brain, improve her problem solving skills, help her do better on standardized tests? You would be all in, right?

And there are not all benefits English gives.