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Language and BilingualismINVEST IN THEIR FUTURE
Language and Bilingualism
VIVAKIDS IS EXTREMELY PROUD TO OFFER OUR YOUNG STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY
to effortlessly master a second language while obtaining a rich education.
Our bilingual program provides children a chance to learn new skills and enrich their vocabulary in the English language while acquiring a second language naturally – with the goal of becoming bilingual by their kindergarten year – and thus enjoy the life-long benefits of early bilingualism. Our students who are already bilingual in Portuguese and English will also benefit from our program by being exposed to the language and by being immersed in our rich Brazilian culture, being able to preserve their heritage language, customs and traditions.
Dr. Montessori first identified a “sensitive period” for language learning in children from birth to age six, where they can apparently effortlessly absorb language skills from their environment. A bilingual program which starts in the early ages and continues on at least until age six, leverages the child’s “absorbent mind”. By surrounding our Viva kids with the Portuguese language, they can absorb their second language just as naturally as their first.
Research has pointed to clear benefits for children who are raised learning more than one language. Below are some of the areas that dual language proficiency seems to benefit most.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
When someone knows multiple languages, both of those languages are active in the brain simultaneously, and they must mentally separate them when thinking or speaking. In order to operate in one language or another, bilingual individuals are accustomed to tasking their brain to switch back and forth between language systems. Because of this, multilingual kids tend to be better problem solvers. They have better memories and are able to recall things more quickly. Once they know two languages, they have a greater ability to acquire a third language or beyond.
Emotional and Social Development
Especially if they are going to be around family members or groups that only speak one language or the other, it is an advantage to a child to be able to communicate clearly with each group. If, for instance, they frequently stay with one grandparent who speaks only Portuguese, and another who speaks only English, if they know both languages they are able to communicate and form a deeper bond with each grandparent. Studies also show that bilingual children tend to be able to better focus and control or regulate their behavior, making them less likely to act out and more prone to adjusting well in groups of their peers.
Aptitude for Learning New Concepts
Children who know more than one language have a better capacity for learning new concepts quickly. If they are proficient in two languages, children have been shown to more easily grasp new ideas in other disciplines such as math and science.
Appreciation of Different Cultures
If a child is speaking more than one language, they have the ability to connect with others across multiple cultures in a way that monolinguals do not have. They can observe a different culture directly, rather than just reading about it or being told about it. This could lead to a more inclusive view towards others of any culture, not just those that they are associated with.
In addition to these benefits, when children enter adulthood knowing multiple languages they may have a higher chance of employment in certain industries. Education, government, and healthcare are just some of the industries in greatest need of employees who are able to communicate with others in other languages.
Send a Message
Phone & Email
(503) 407-5447
contact@vivakidspreschool.com
Open Hours
M-Th: 8:15am - 5pm
Fri: 8:15am - 4pm
Sat-Sun: Closed
LOCATION
Hillsboro/Beaverton