Cognitive Benefits of Learning Language
DUKE GIFTED LETTER: Volume 8, Issue 1, Fall 2007
Martha G. Abbott, Director of Education for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
The advantage for younger learners is that they have the ability to mimic closely the native pronunciation and intonation of a new language. In addition, literacy skills that are being developed in the native language transfer to the learning of the new language. For this reason, research studies have shown academic gains by students who have begun learning another language at an early age.
Beginning foreign language instruction as early as 3, sets the stage for students' to develop advanced levels of proficiencies in one or more languages. In addition, younger learners still possess the capacity to develop near native-like pronunciation and intonation in a new language. Finally, young learners have a natural curiosity about learning which is evident when they engage in learning a new language. They also are open and accepting of people who speak other languages and come from other cultures.
CHINESE CLASS
The Chinese class is traditional based and teaches vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar fundamentals as essential elements in reading, writing, and understanding basic Chinese. The purpose of this class is to teach children how to speak, read, and write Chinese at a basic level.
Class Schedule: Monday and Wednesday
Class Monthly Fee: $120.00 Monthly
Discounted Semester Fee: $400.00
1st Semester: September 4 - December 21 (No classes Thanksgiving week)
2nd Semester: January 7 - April 26
Book Fee: $25.00 per semester
*There are no make up classes.
Hi, my name is Mrs. Kelly and I will be the Chinese Teacher at Planet Preschool. I can speak both Mandarin and Taiwanese fluently. I grew up speaking both languages daily with my family. I love being bilingual and I feel that young children should have the opportunity to learn and explore other languages and cultures. I strongly recommend parents to encourage their child to learn a second language. I hope through my Chinese class, my students will be able to understand words and phrases in Chinese, read vocabulary words specific to our lessons, respond in Chinese, get a taste of writing Chinese characters, and most of all have fun!
SPANISH CLASS
Hi, my name is Ms. Tanya and I'm excited to be teaching your child Spanish! I grew up speaking Spanish fluently in a bilingual household. It is impossible for me to overstate the importance in teaching a child another language. Taking advantage of children's critical period of learning language will help them achieve native pronunciation and a nuanced understanding of the language. Learning Spanish will also give your child more opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons and increase their overall early language skills. I try my hardest to make my Spanish class educational and engaging at the same time. Through my class, I hope children will recognize and understand Spanish vocabulary and phrases, basic commands, and identify Spanish sight words.
Class Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Monthly Fee: $120.00 Monthly
Discounted Semester Fee: $400.00
1st Semester: September 4 - December 21 (No classes Thanksgiving week)
2nd Semester: January 7 - April 26
Book Fee: $25.00 per semester
*There are no make up classes.
SPANISH CLASS
Hi, my name is Ms. Tanya and I'm excited to be teaching your child Spanish! I grew up speaking Spanish fluently in a bilingual household. It is impossible for me to overstate the importance in teaching a child another language. Taking advantage of children's critical period of learning language will help them achieve native pronunciation and a nuanced understanding of the language. Learning Spanish will also give your child more opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons and increase their overall early language skills. I try my hardest to make my Spanish class educational and engaging at the same time. Through my class, I hope children will recognize and understand Spanish vocabulary and phrases, basic commands, and identify Spanish sight words.
Class Schedule: Tuesday and Thursday
Class Monthly Fee: $120.00 Monthly
Discounted Semester Fee: $400.00
1st Semester: September 4 - December 21 (No classes Thanksgiving week)
2nd Semester: January 7 - April 26
Book Fee: $25.00 per semester
*There are no make up classes.
