Bilingual education at an early age is becoming increasingly popular among parents who are aware of the importance of speaking two or more languages. At Oxbridge Kindergarten, we actively support and develop bilingual education, realizing its enormous benefits for children. Let’s look at what bilingual education includes, why it is important and how it can contribute to your child’s development.
What is bilingual education?
Bilingual education involves teaching a child in two languages at the same time. This can include both formal training (lessons, classes) and informal (daily communication, games). Regular use of both languages in different contexts helps the child to master them both academically and at the everyday level.
Advantages of bilingual education
✨ Cognitive Benefits
Children who learn two languages demonstrate higher cognitive abilities. They are better able to cope with tasks that require attention, flexibility of thinking and problem solving. Bilingual children also have more developed memory and the ability to multitask.
✨ Academic advantages
Bilingual children often show higher academic results. Knowledge of a second language improves understanding of the grammar and vocabulary of the native language, which contributes to the development of literary skills. In addition, bilingual language skills provide access to additional educational resources and literature.
✨ Cultural advantages
Learning a second language helps children better understand and respect other cultures. This contributes to the development of empathy and tolerance, as well as expands their worldview. Children who speak two languages feel more confident and comfortable in a multicultural environment.
✨ Social benefits
Bilingual skills improve children’s social skills. They can communicate with a wider range of people, which contributes to the development of communication skills and social adaptation. This is especially important in today’s globalized world, where knowledge of multiple languages is becoming increasingly valuable.
Practical tips for parents
For successful bilingual education, it is important to create a favorable environment both in kindergarten and at home. Some recommendations will help parents support their child in this process.
✨The creation of a language environment is a key factor for the successful development of a second language. At home, you can use books, games, music and cartoons in both languages. In kindergarten, we offer classes and activities in two languages, which promotes immersion in the language environment.
✨ OPOL method (One Parent, One Language) assumes that each parent communicates with the child in one of the languages. This helps to avoid confusion and promotes the even development of both languages.
✨Frequent repetition and practice are important for learning new material. Regular repetition of new words and phrases in various contexts helps the child to remember and apply them.
✨Supporting the child’s interest and motivation plays a significant role. Learning a second language should be interesting and exciting. Games, books, cartoons and communication with native speakers will help make the learning process exciting.
Examples of successful programs and research
Many educational institutions around the world are successfully implementing programs aimed at developing bilingualism in children.
A 2016 study in Canada found that children who learn a second language from an early age demonstrate higher cognitive abilities and better academic results compared to their monolingual peers. Another study conducted in 2018 in the United States confirmed that bilingual children have a more developed memory and better cope with attention tasks.
The Dual Language Immersion program in the USA is aimed at teaching children in two languages at the same time. Research shows that children participating in this program demonstrate higher academic results and better cognitive skills.
Oxbridge Kindergarten and Bilingual Education
At Oxbridge Kindergarten, we pay special attention to bilingual education. Our teachers use modern techniques and approaches to ensure effective and engaging learning. We create a supportive language environment where children can learn and practice both languages in different contexts. Our classes include games, songs, reading books and other activities aimed at developing language skills.
Conclusion
Bilingual education at an early age has many benefits, including cognitive, academic, cultural, and social development. Creating a favorable language environment and supporting a child in the process of learning a second language are key factors for successful bilingual education. At Oxbridge Kindergarten, we work hard to provide your children with the best conditions for learning two languages.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our approach to bilingual education, please contact us by phone at (+998 71) 263-00-14 or (+998 71) 263-22-33. You can also visit our Oxbridge Kindergarten website and our blog for more information. We are always happy to help your child become successful and self-confident!
