Bilingual at home

I have been working with kids and teenagers for 5 years, I had the wonderful opportunity of teaching them in person and online. My experience has given me the chance to evaluate how children respond to an online class versus an in-classroom class when it comes to learning a new language. While there are different opinions on this matter, I can share a perspective from my experience as a teacher. Firstly, it is important to understand that children have a natural ability to learn languages. Studies have shown that younger children are more receptive to language acquisition due to their developing brains. Experts believe that the optimal time to start learning a new language is between the ages of 0 to 7 years old. During this period, children’s brains are more plastic, meaning they are more capable of absorbing and retaining new information. However, this does not necessarily mean that children who start learning a new language after the age of seven will be at a disadvantage. Older children have certain advantages that younger children do not have. For instance, they have more developed cognitive skills, better attention spans, and are more capable of understanding complex grammar rules. Additionally, older learners have a greater motivation to learn a new language, which can be a key factor in their success. Another important consideration is the type of learning environment the students have.

What can lead to a sucessful learning process?

Children who grow up in bilingual households or attend schools that offer language immersion programs are more likely to develop fluency in a new language. On the other hand, children who are exposed to a new language only in a classroom setting may struggle to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. The best age for kids to start learning a new language depends on a variety of factors:

• Their learning styles.
• The language they want to learn.
• The learning environment.
• How frequently is the learner practicing the language he wants to learn?

I believe that if a kid is enjoying what they are learning everything is possible, Virtual classes have become extremely popular. Technology can make the class more dynamic and fun for kids during this time. But classroom classes can be a good environment to learn if the classes are engaging, fun, and well-structured for the learner’s goals. Both types of learning are good when learning something new, you just must choose the best option for you, your students, or your kids. 

It is important to remember that language learning is a lifelong process, and children can continue to develop their language skills well into adulthood. In conclusion, it is important to consider all the factors involved and make a decision that is best for your child’s individual needs. Remember, language learning is a wonderful way to expand one’s horizons and connect with people from diverse cultures, and it is never too late to start!

We offer Spanish, English, and French classes for kids, feel free to look at them by clicking the following LINK or by going to our website home and clicking the option “Online classes”. From there you will be directed to all our classes and you will get a $20 USD credit to spend on any class when you sign up.