Yesterday, I wrote about the fact that research says that the best time to start a foreign language is after the age of twelve. . .once the child reads and writes fluently in their own language. This is contrary to what most people and most curriculums have us believe–that is that we should start very, very early.
However, some states actually require that you teach a foreign language as early as first grade or your child may simply have an interest. Focusing on speaking the language fluently in the early elementary will only serve to shoot yourself in the foot, assuming that you yourself are not fluent in the target language. So what should you be teaching?
The following list of objectives might help. I am making the assumption that you are not fluent in the target language. I personally start with my own kids very young–before I teach phonics or math I‘m usually working on foreign language vocabulary. However, I am fluent in two languages and live in an area where my children hear and interact with others in another language on a daily basis. In fact, many of the first things they learn come from interacting with children their own age on the playground. (And who said homeschoolers were not socialized?)
Preschool and Early Elementary Learning Goals for Foreign Languages
The goal in early elementary for foreign language instruction is all about exposure. It should NOT be about fluent conversation. In fact, if you wanted to do several languages in the first few years, that would be an excellent introduction to foreign language.
Think vocabulary, appreciation, and comparisons. This the time to help kids associate words with pictures. It is good to help them appreciate Don’t think sentences, grammar, or spending lots of money!
In my next blog, I will share some teaching tips to cover these objectives. Hasta luego!