Are preschoolers ready to learn a foreign language? According to many researchers, educators and early childhood specialists, the best time for children to learn a foreign language is as early as possible and touch screen apps bring languages to life. Advantages and benefits of learning foreign languages at a young age can last a lifetime. Learning a foreign language at an early age helps children improve communication skills. It will also enhance their English skills and enrich mental development.
Research suggests it is best to expose a child to a foreign language when the child is young, before language and speech patterns are fixed. Young children have the ability to stream languages into separate compartments without getting confused. According to Francois Thibaub, founder of the Language Workshop for Children: “Young children who learn second languages often score higher on standardized tests, such as the SAT.” Studying Latin based languages gives a child a tremendous head start in building the inventory of words roots they will need to achieve high SAT scores.
Since preschoolers are naturally wired for mobile technology, interactive learning provides the ideal method for teaching them a foreign language. Not to minimize the value of books, mobile technology brings the foreign language to life. Train Puzzle, an interactive iPhone book app from MobiStories, is a perfect example of streaming English and Spanish words for preschool kids. Parents have the option to select either an English or Spanish version of the book. Along with telling a story about a train, the app features fun puzzle activities to keep a child engaged and challenged. All this adds up to better word retention with two languages.
Touch screen apps that feature programs in two languages treat young children to a higher level learning experience. It also broadens a child’s understanding and acceptance of other cultures. Children remember words through visualization and reinforcement and mobiles apps are the perfect medium.
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