At Little Zak’s, we want to ensure we give children the best possible start for their lives. Among a range of complementary extra-curricular activities, we offer language lessons, as we understand the benefits of learning a second language at an early age, and we want nothing but the best for our little ones.
Studies have shown that bilingual children are faster learners, more creative, have improved problem solving skills as well as have more career opportunities in adulthood.
When you choose a childcare centre for your little one, you should ask if the childcare offers a second language to learn. Learning a second language will allow your little ones to more easily connect with other cultures in the future, which makes them more open-minded and tolerant of diversity.
We make learning a second language fun and entertaining for children as we adopt the latest methodologies that scientists have developed to help childrenlearn faster. This includes storytelling, educational apps, interactive songs, nursery rhymes and Simon says.
Sponge Approach
Children are like sponges, with their brains designed to absorb new information unconsciously. They do this similarly to the way that we, as adults, unconsciously learn song lyrics, rhythms, and melodies. This slows down at puberty age.
Time & Simplicity
Children think in a much simpler way than adults. They use fewer words, simpler sentence structures, and think less abstractly. This allows them to confidently learn a new language since they don’t have to express themselves in a complex way while they also have more time dedicated to learning the language and mature their skills as they grow.
Problem Solving
Children who learn a second language eventually become better at problem solving and creativity, since their brains experience a constant workout from a young age as they try to sort out which language to speak, when and with whom. They are also better at planning, concentrating, and multi-tasking.
Divergent Thinking
Bilingual children learn to see the world from different perspectives. This makes them more diversified and better at critical thinking, as every new language we learn presents us with new obstacles in terms of conveying meaning. For example, Turkish and Russian have no equivalents for the English verbs “to have” or “to be” – two of the most common English verbs. As bilingual minds try to sort out ways to bypass these barriers, they constantly engage in intensive divergent thinking – the same way it stimulates creativity.
Career Opportunities
It is logical and expected in the modern age of globalisation that many companies see the benefits of hiring employees who speak more than one language. Even if that is not required, if two applicants are equal in all requirements by the employer, with one speaking an additional language, the employer will probably go for the bilingual applicant. Many employers understand the benefits of having a bilingual person among their staff.
Avoid Age-Related Illnesses
Many recent studies have hypothesized that people who speak a second language regularly may be able to delay Alzheimer’s disease by 4.5 years. Recent research also revealed that bilingualism makes changes in brain structure that are linked with resilience against Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, due to the constant workout that a bilingual brain experiences since they constantly filter through information in two languages.
Want your littles ones to have all these benefits? Join our Little Zak’s family, with over 20 centres across Sydney & NSW. Your child will benefit from a nurturing environment – it’s childcare with a difference.
