At what age can a child start learning an additional language?
No child is too young to start learning an additional language. In fact research shows that the sooner they are exposed to a new language the better.
Very young learners acquire an additional language through hearing and experiencing lots of the target language, very much in the same way they acquire their mother tongue. They learn through play and repetition of words and phrases, without noticing it, in a fun and natural way. This is why our products are designed for children from the time they are born.
Why is early language learning important?
Research indicates that the foundations for thinking, language acquisition, attitudes, aptitudes, and other characteristics are laid down during the first three years of life. Consequently, by exposing children to additional languages early in life we are using a child’s natural ability to learn. We are providing them with an opportunity to acquire a second or third language when it is as easy as learning the first during their most vital years.
Scientists suggest that when it comes to ease of learning and proficiency in a foreign language, earlier is better. There is a “window of opportunity” for easily acquiring additional languages from the moment a child is born.
May learning a foreign language harm the development of the mother tongue?
Early language learning is not reported to have caused any real problems to mother tongue learning and use. On the contrary, the awareness of the sounds and rhythm of languages is strengthened. Furthermore, most of children who learn a foreign language at a very young age have an easier time learning additional languages.
What if I don’t speak the language I’d like my child to learn?
With our unique approach and our Curriculum Resources in digital format with picture books read aloud, songs and audio clips for the dialogs the teaching-learning process occurs in an easy way. This format facilitates the acquaintance of the language with a correct pronunciation. In addition there are online activities that help children practice the vocabulary and concepts in a fun and natural way.
Should children master their mother tongue before they learn a new one?
No. It is not necessary to postpone starting additional languages. The children will still develop their mother tongue as long as they receive regular input, for example from their parents and family.
Can My First Spanish Curriculum Resources be used by any individual?
Whether you are a parent, a child-care expert, a language teacher, or someone that would like to start up his/her own educational business we encourage you to use our curriculum resources. With our materials you can open your own language studio, lighten up and update the one you own or simply teach.
Where can I use My First Spanish Curriculum Resources?
With our Curriculum Resources you can teach at your own studio or you can offer teaching at different facilities , such as, companies, clubs, cultural centers, churches, dance or music studios or any other facilities that may be adapted for teaching young children or you can teach online.
Why teach with our Curriculum Resources?
Our Curriculum Resources allow you to bring the world of languages to the children in your community in a fun and natural way. The materials and the methodology used make it easy for children to acquire an additional language early in life. Our resources help you get started and prepared to deliver the curriculum and provide you with the support necessary to be successful.
What makes My First Spanish Curriculum Resources different and unique?
- Our Spanish curricula include infants and toddlers as opposed to most curricula available.
- No other language curricula out there offers detailed lesson plans that are developmentally appropriate for use with young learners.
- Our curriculum materials and resources have been designed to “immerse” children directly and immediately into the target language.
- The methodology used combines several techniques and strategies to concentrate efforts in teaching the language by using the language.
- Our materials have been developed keeping in mind the stages of second language acquisition, children’s overall development and the best practices used by educators around the world.
- Our Children’s Book Collections with appropriate digital and physical activities as well as other materials allow parents to continue the teaching-learning process at home.
- Our Curriculum Resources foster parents and/or caregivers active participation together with babies. In this way parents can learn the target language too and be inspired to continue their own learning themselves. Both ensure that the language taught in the program will be reinforced at home and possibly have parents encourage friends, co-workers and relatives to participate and benefit from a positive language experience as well.
What are My First Spanish products?
My First Spanish has created 3 main early language products:
- My First Spanish Entrepreneurs and Teachers’ Manuals, Getting Started I and II
- My First Spanish Curriculum Kits, and
- My First Spanish Book Collections for Home Kits
Getting Started I provides teachers with important information about teaching and learning an additional language at an early age, characteristics of very young children, parents as active participants in their children’s learning, and curricula developed.
Getting Started II covers the basics of starting your own business.
Our Curriculum Kits include Teacher guides with detailed lesson plans and a variety of age-appropriate activities; collections of books with simple and clear vocabulary; downloadable enrichment activity booklets and songs, finger games, rhymes and read aloud that allow the teaching-learning process to continue at home.
Our Book Collections for Home Kits have been designed to foster the development of young children’s language skills and helping them grow with important values such as, friendship, love, diversity, self-esteem, cooperation, empathy, and respect for other people and other cultures.
How are My First Spanish Curriculum Kits presented?
The Curriculum Kits are divided into four age groups:
MPI for Babies
MPI for Toddlers
MPI for Preschoolers
MPI for Young Children
There are actually a total of 13 units for My First Spanish Program.
The Curriculum Kits are based on thematic units that are universal and applicable to all cultures. They are arranged within the six “themes” similar to those from the Primary Years Program of the International Baccalaureate: Who we are – Where we are in place and time – How we organize ourselves – How the world works -How we express ourselves – Sharing the planet.
The activities designed for each age group aim to develop not only children’s language skills in English but the skills children need to be successful global citizens in the 21st century: critical thinking, natural curiosity and imagination, knowledge of both local and global significance, open-mindedness and a strong sense of fairness, justice, and respect for other people and other cultures.
What is the methodology used in the curricula?
The content of our curricula mimics the natural way in which children learn their native language. First they listen, then they speak and later on they learn to read and write. Through meaningful interactions, repetition, body language, puppets, songs, finger plays, games, drama, Total Physical Response (TPR) exercises, arts and crafts projects, and aural and visual aides children acquire the target language in a fun and natural way.
Can I make student copies of all the resources?
The curricula includes a variety of printable activities for children. These activities are available for children in the HOME KIT, available to families through their teachers.
Can I buy MFS digital products if I’m not in the US?
Yes! Our digital products are available worldwide.
Can I use your videos/books for a book reading or event?
Please email info@languages4kidz.com with your event details and we will review your request.
