| o Start the second language learning early! Experts | | | | approach only causes tension and rebellious actions.o |
| agree - the earlier, the better. Play language music | | | | Gently guide your child into the new language journey. |
| CDs during the pregnancy. Talk to your baby from the | | | | Show a high level of confidence. Smiling usually works |
| moment of birth - in two or more languages if possible. | | | | best!o If your home language is Spanish, do not agree |
| If you and your family only speak one language, begin | | | | to an immersion program of English only for your child |
| introducing a new language with bilingual music CDs | | | | under the age of 10. The "sink or swim" mentality does |
| and DVDs when appropriate.o Repetition is the key for | | | | not work for little children. Young children need the |
| all your child's learning. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!o From | | | | comfort of their native language and connection to |
| birth through age 10, many experts advise using the | | | | their heritage to maintain a high level of self-confidence |
| native and the new language together in a side-by-side | | | | and desire to continue speaking in their native language |
| presentation (referred to as a bilingual format). After | | | | while learning a most difficult language at the same |
| the age of ten to twelve, total immersion is a good | | | | time.o If your Spanish-speaking child is learning English, |
| option. Early in life, the bilingual approach is best for | | | | do not listen to school staff members who suggest |
| better retention and higher self esteem for the child.o | | | | you give up speaking your native language at home. |
| Find a bilingual language learning program/product for | | | | The myth that your children will be language delayed |
| your young child that incorporates these following | | | | or have a language disorder is just that - a myth. In |
| components: visual cues, music fun, beginning reading | | | | fact, bilingual children will ultimately speak both |
| and verbal exchange.o Help your child enjoy the new | | | | languages better, read sooner and score higher on |
| language daily. How much is enough you ask? The | | | | standardized tests' math and verbal sections (not to |
| following are some simple guidelines by age: | | | | mention experience better opportunities later in life).o |
| Infants should receive 10 minutes of bilingual music fun | | | | Show your child that you respect other cultures and |
| each day. | | | | value the ability to speak other languages by attending |
| Toddlers should enjoy 20 minutes every day of | | | | multi-cultural events revolving around dance, music, |
| bilingual board books, music and/or games. | | | | food and the arts of other cultures and people.o Be |
| Preschoolers easily learn with 30 minutes of fun | | | | patient! Have fun! Even if your child may not be |
| bilingual DVDs, games and music each day. | | | | verbalizing the new language right away, remember |
| Elementary school children should be exposed to 45 | | | | that repetition is the key to learning. Your child's brain is |
| minutes of music, movement and creative bilingual | | | | processing the new language - wiring it for future use. |
| learning tools daily.o Make learning the new language | | | | Your child is getting a strong foundation for later |
| fun! Don't ever force it. Avoid the, "If you don't speak | | | | language learning. |
| to me in xyz language I will not answer you." This | | | | |