Q: Does my child really need to start learning a foreign language at such an early age?
A: While children can certainly be successful studying languages in the middle and
high school years, studies show that children are more likely to develop language
proficiency and native accents when a foreign language is introduced during the
earliest stages of cognitive development — even as early as 6 months old.
Q: Will learning a second language interfere with my child‘s English language
development and comprehension ability ?
A: Learning a second language actually enhances a child’s English language skills.
According to linguists and child development experts, children who learn second
and even third languages acquire vocabulary at the same age and rate as children
who speak English only, and they do not experience any long-term language delays.
In fact, regular study of a foreign language is statistically proven to improve a
child’s skill, vocabulary, and comprehension of his or her native language.
Q: Will my child become bilingual by attending classes at the Spanish Clubhouse?
A: Most experts agree that a child becomes bilingual most easily and naturally
in a home of bilingual parents where one parent speaks exclusively to his/her
child in the native language. However, the benefits of introducing and
exposing your child to a second language at an early age are tremendous.
While immersed in weekly or bi-weekly Spanish classes, children are exposed to
the distinct phonetic sounds of Spanish and are taught vocabulary and
conversational skills that can easily be incorporated into their daily lives.
Each session, Clubhouse parents are provided with a parent education book
that enables them to reinforce and practice the Spanish vocabulary and songs
learned each week. Periodic take home activities and games supplement the
Spanish lessons presented throughout the session. You will be amazed at how
quickly your child will start singing songs and using vocabulary and
conversational skills that are learned while attending classes at the
Spanish Clubhouse.