Hola! Bonjour! Ciao! Are you following me so far? Many of us have become familiar with simple phrases like “Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Where’s the bathroom?” in other languages. This helps alleviate some of the stress of traveling and can help us connect with people from other cultures. While familiarizing yourself with a few words in new languages can be done with a quick Google search or a few days on Duolingo, putting the work in to become fluent in a second language is a whole different ball game.
Becoming fluent in any other language requires hours of learning vocabulary, grammar, the alphabet, and more. Repetition and practice are a must when fully grasping a language. Not only that, but you should be exercising several different styles of studying, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The learning process varies from person to person, with some being able to pick up new languages easily, and others having to put extra hours in. However, no matter how we learn, it is easier to learn a second language as a child, rather than as a fully grown adult.
Young children form neural connections quicker than adults, allowing them to better absorb and understand languages. The first few years of life can be extremely beneficial for the process of language learning. Raising children on a foundation of more than just one language is a skill they can take with them through the rest of their lives, as long as they continue to keep up practicing. Learning a second language can also improve a child’s cognitive abilities, including problem-solving and creativity.
PBS KIDS provides children with programs, games and apps that act as supplementary learning. Various shows incorporate other languages in order to show children how these languages are used in day-to-day conversations and can act as a refresher when the child isn’t studying. It can be challenging at times to be able to motivate your child to focus on a lesson. With programs that incorporate second languages, the child most likely won’t even realize that they’re being taught. Instead, they enjoy a colorful and engaging show, while simultaneously learning.
Rosie’s Rules, Oh Noah!, and Alma’s Way incorporate Spanish into both the characters’ stories and how they engage with the viewer. Molly of Denali shows a young girl who is half Gwich’in and is working towards learning the language of Gwich’in.
While these shows may not directly teach the language you want your child to learn, they still show the importance of a second language. Young children may not see the value of speaking two languages until they grow older, and regret not studying more in those formative years. Seeing characters on their devices incorporates a second language into their life and can motivate them to learn more outside of just what’s on the screen.
PBS KIDS offers an array of characters that teach various lessons. Even if a second language isn’t something you’re actively seeking to teach your child, there are countless other things to be learned by putting on a PBS KIDS for your child. Check out the library of PBS KIDS shows and find whatever is best suited for your child.