Research studies prove that learning a language results in higher academic achievement on standardized tests, improved reading, linguistic and print awareness and the ability of children to hypothesize better in science. There is also greater cognitive development, improved intelligence and memory, as well as greater problem solving and increased verbal and spatial abilities.
On a personal level, growing up in Delhi, India, in an Irish Catholic school, I learnt 4 languages!!
We used to drive our two daughters to Sunday school at my Sikh church. Despite the major resistance and the endless complaining, my girls (who are older now), are very grateful that now they can understand, speak, and read Punjabi. My older daughter utilizes her French language skills at her job in Development as she travels around the world. My younger one was happy to be able to talk to the Seniors at our church as she was an active volunteer. My mother used to love learning Spanish and French into her late 70’s. She said it kept her young and that is the advice we hear now to stop the advance of age-related ailments!!
As a mother of bilingual children, and a Montessori guide, I am a very strong advocate of our Spanish language program at Paint Branch Montessori School.
Our alumni tell us about how they have been able to move very easily into advanced Spanish in Middle School. So, we invest significantly in our language program to give our students a head-start in life!
For more information visit actfl.org (American Council On The Teaching Of Foreign Languages)
