Foreign Language Fun

Secretary of Education Duncan’s Remarks about Foreign Language Study

Published on June 13, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Foreign Language Fun, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

A few weeks ago (May 2009), Rep. Rush Holt and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan discussed math, science, and foreign language education. Take a look: It’s encouraging to hear both Holt and Duncan agree that foreign language education must begin early. Here are some of Secretary Duncan’s remarks (to the best of

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Case for Early Language Learning: Cultural Awareness

Published on February 21, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Culture, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

The rationale for early language learning series continues with a core issue: Culture. Languages help children develop cultural understanding to live in a multi-lingual society. There is no denying the fact that we live in a pluralistic society and a global community. According to the National Virtual Translation Center, we are far from a being

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Teach Your Young Child a Foreign Language

Published on February 8, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Foreign Language Fun, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

I found a fantastic Parents.tv video highlighting early bilingualism. Watch and learn about foreign language classes for little ones, bilingual caretakers, and language learning dvd’s. (Professor Toto) Hope you enjoy! Amazon.com Widgets

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher SAT Scores

Published on January 29, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

The graduate paper continues . . . Here’s the third installment of the Case for Early Language Learning series. In my research, I tried to zero in on a topic that might perk the ears of school administrators: test scores. I’ll let the data, facts and figures speak for themselves: Elementary language programs allow for

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Better Brains!

Published on January 28, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

Here’s the second post in my Case for Early Language Learning series. For me personally, this is the number one reason I want my kids to learn a second language. Early language learning leads to denser brain development and higher cognitive ability. Several studies indicate that learning a second language as a child increases cognitive

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A Case for Early Language Learning: Higher Standardized Test Scores

Published on January 23, 2009 by Diane in Case for Early Language Learning, Foreign Language Fun, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

I’m hoping my little blog isn’t going to feel too neglected these next few weeks. I’m taking a graduate course on elementary foreign language methods. As you can imagine, I’m wildly enthused about every shred of information I’m learning. But graduate work sure is different when you’ve got high school papers to grade, kids to

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Introduce Your Child to a Foreign Language! Here’s One Reason Why.

Published on October 15, 2008 by Diane in Foreign Language Acquisition, Foreign Language Fun, Rationale for Early Foreign Language

As a career language teacher, I have read all sorts of research that strongly supports introducing children to foreign languages. Now that my oldest child has officially entered our local public school system, I’m collecting research and study results to pass along to the school board. Yes, I’ll probably be a pest. I desperately want