Being bilingual is a major asset. As such, many families are now enrolling their kids in bilingual education programs, so their little ones can start learning two languages early on. However, parents often wonder how this approach will affect their kids’ development. Below, the professionals at Reading in PreSchool in New York City share three ways children are affected when it comes to bilingual learning.

3 Effects of Bilingual Education

1. Code Switching

Have you ever listened to someone who is bilingual having a conversation? If so, you might have noticed they often interchange words from both languages. This is called code switching. A Spanish-speaker, for example, may start a sentence in Spanish and then switch to English for a word or two before returning to the original language. As children learn two dialects at once, they will likely follow this pattern when speaking with others who are also bilingual.  

2. Performance May Start Off Slow

Students who are learning two languages in preschool or kindergarten may initially perform at lower levels, as they have to develop twice the level of language comprehension to learn two alphabets. Additionally, children may be quieter than usual for the first few months after they begin a bilingual education program. However, this is normal, and they will soon start talking more and performing better as they learn additional words and phrases in both languages.

3. Improved Socialization Skills

Studies have shown kids who learn two languages at once have better communication and social skills than those who are monolingual. You may notice your little one becomes a social butterfly, chatting away in one language at home and in both on the school playground. These abilities can be helpful throughout the rest of their academic career and later in life once they enter the workforce.

If your little one is struggling with mastering their reading skills, turn to the education professionals at Reading in PreSchool in New York City. They will work with your child on a personal level to ensure complete academic success in both languages. Give them a call today at (917) 723-1159 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn about their in-home private tutoring programs.