One area in the early childhood field that I would like to study further is the benefits of children learning two languages at an early age. Since all of my students enter the school speaking Spanish, it is crucial to help them learn the English language. By the end of the year, they leave speaking a great deal of English, allowing them to hold whole conversations. I will like to conduct research on how the dual language ability affects the children later on in life. Were they more successful than those who only speak one? Were they able to help their families more because they spoke both languages? Some might feel that we already know the answers to those questions. I would like to stay with the same family and do research over the years to see what differences occur between a child speaking two languages versus the other speaking only one.
I can see there being positive contributions to the field by this research. A key component might be how more advanced the children’s thinking and problem solving ability may be from having to switch the language in their brain back and forth between the two. They might be more qualified at jobs and have no trouble being accepted into college because they possess the dual language ability. The children might also be able to help their family better understand ways to better themselves such as how to defend their rights and attend better school systems.
Jacqueline,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question! I have been curious about dual language learners, as well. During my last Walden course, I researched more about this and found that it is a great thing for children to learn two languages in their early years. Where it may seem that they are lagging while learning a new language, in the long run, it ends up to be a very positive benefit. My course instructor shared this great website with me. If you haven't seen it, you may want to check it out.
http://www.colorincolorado.org/
Michelle
Hello Jacqueline: Colorin Colorado is such a great resource to use for your self and your families. Dual language learner do have a great benefit on their learning approach, they important thing is for parents be able to know how to help their children. A study like this would be so interesting to do.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great research topic. I also share a very similar topic, with regards to children and learning a second language. I live and work in Japan so I see how much they place on the importance of learning a second language at a very early age, sometimes even from the womb!
Hello Jacqueline, great post and great topic to learn about because I work with children who speak dual language as well. When I was young I did not speak any English it was hard for me but education was always big in my family therefore I was able to pick up the language fast. Well done Sophia
ReplyDelete