Why should my preschool student be in a language immersion class?
Preschool is about having fun. It doesn’t matter what language one uses, as long as the class is engaging. Through interesting and fun activities, the children are absorbing the sounds, structure, mannerisms and body language of native speakers. Pathways are very easily formed in their brains at this age, and they absorb the language in its entirety, like sponges. They learn to speak like their teachers. This also becomes tucked away in their brains as the foundation for continued, more formal instruction, as school progresses.
They are learning about another culture, not just another language, and this develops open-mindedness.
Perhaps just as importantly, studies show that children who are exposed to a second language early in life develop stronger critical-thinking skills, creativity, and flexible thinking skills. These apply to every facet of their life and learning, not just foreign language learning.
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