According to science, people who know two or more languages have brains that look and work differently than those of monolingual people. Language abilities include writing, speaking, listening and reading. The younger you are exposed to two or more languages, the better you will become perfecting all language abilities and other mental tasks.
Being bilingual early definitely comes with its advantages, for instance, a better cognitive development. Cognitive development in early childhood refers to a child’s mental capacity for problem-solving, language acquisition, learning about objects and relations between cause and effect, thus the development of what is known as the brain’s executive function. The executive function is a set of mental skills that include the capacity to plan ahead, meet goals, follow complex directions -even when interrupted- develop flexible thinking and self-control.
No one is born with executive function skills, but these abilities are needed every day to learn, work and manage daily life, so they must be acquired. People with executive function difficulties have trouble staying focused, following directions and handling emotions, among many other developmental concerns. This is why being bilingual and building children’s executive function skills are so important for their future success. Other benefits of bilingualism are:
Brain health. Learning two or more languages is a great way to keep the brain healthy and sharp. Being bilingual improves a person’s vocabulary, multitasking skills, attention control, problem-solving and creativity; it also promotes outside-the-box thinking and improves memory.
Academic advantage. Studies have shown that bilingual children can outperform monolingual children in many areas. Bilingualism improves a child’s educational development, cognitive functions, social and emotional skills, critical thinking and helps them reach advanced higher education.
Increases job opportunities as adults. Speaking and writing a second language can provide college and work-related opportunities in a child’s future. The globalized job market of today demands that companies -particularly those with an international presence- consider bilingual candidates above non-bilinguals. Having good communication skills is an asset to becoming great executives and entrepreneurs. Being able to communicate with foreigners is a great business advantage.
Makes learning a third language easier. Bilingual students have an easier time gaining control of a third language than students who are fluent in just one. Usually, a second language helps children gain more vocabulary and a better aptitude towards learning other languages and cultures.
At Wesleyan Academy, all academic instruction is offered in English, except for Spanish, Social Studies, and some elective courses. Spanish as a second language is offered to those students whose first language is not Spanish. The school also offers Japanese as an elective third language.
For more information regarding our educational offering and student life, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wesleyanacademyor www.wesleyanacademy.info. We are committed to providing the highest quality bilingual instruction, in English and Spanish, in a Christian environment. Enrollment is now open!
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