#2 (permalink) Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:04 am Re: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin |
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Topic: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Nowadays, it is common to know more than one language. It is easy to learn a new language when you are young. The question is when should children begin learning a new language? As soon as they start SCHOOL, OR LATER? I think children should start learning a new language when they are 10 years old, so in other words, when they start the fifth grade. The reason why IS because children have already developed native language skills, they are better able to use the tools around them to assist with the new language, such as dictionarIES, computerS or materialS AVAILABLE IN THE library, and being young, they have more time to practice.
First of all, if children begin learning a new language WHEN they are TOO young, for example six years old, actually this is the age when they start school, they have not developed enough words in their vocabulary, or pronunciation, because they are still growing and learning basic reading and writing skills, or their native or home spoken language firsT. It would be easier for children to learn if they begin studying a new language when they are more mature, say ten years old. AT this particular age they are able to understand and pronounce better. They have learned all of the basic reading and writing skills of their home language in school. In this case it won’t be necessary to learn two languages at once which makeS it easier for the child to learn the second language. It’s more advantageous for a child to develop reading and writing skills in their native language first, and then it will be easier for that child to learn another language, but this is not the only reason.
Secondly, when a child is in the sixth grade he is able to use more of the tools around him it order to assist in developing skills necessary for the second language. The child has learned to use a dictionary and is able to process the information contained therein. They will have some basic skills IN using a computer and can take advantage of the various language learning programs available for learning a second language. A child at the age of 10 or in sixth grade will have the ability to use the school library to help in learning. They can check out books or even audio and videos DVD’s.
Third, a child at age ten years or older is MORE able to practice the language. They have plenty of time to practice the foreign language because they have already developed native language skills, do not have TOO MUCH homework. The school program is easier, so after school they can learn and practice more the new language that they are studying. In order to improve learning the new language children need to talk as much as they can, at home if their parents know this language, or with their friends. Moreover, around this age they have more friends at school to talk with in THE foreign language which will make it easier for them to improve and learn. All in all, learning a new language is always better when a child has finished elementary school. Children will be able to have more improvement in studying a new language because they have already developed THEIR OWN native language skills; they are competent, and are able to practice more. If they start to study earlier if they can, is not a bad idea, but the understanding and the improvement will be slow. All it takes is work, courage and THEIR USING the new language as much as a child can, by talking, reading, listening and writing. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Good work Vilma, but I don't think you could manage this amount of work in the available time. Try to be more concise, because some of your work was almost repetitive.
Kitos. 9/10 _________________ Keep it simple ... Keep it interesting. |
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Kitosdad Language Coach

Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 13417 Location: ESSEN, Germany, (but English.)
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