Unlike kids in El Paso, children across the county seldom have the opportunity to learn a second language while in elementary school. Many educators believe that it’s more important than ever to teach young students about other cultures, and that includes foreign language instruction. In our Parenting Report, we visit a group of second graders learning Spanish.

Research says children are best able to absorb a second language before puberty, when the linguistic area of the brain becomes less receptive. In fact, recent findings are part of the reason nearly 1/3 of elementary schools offer students exposure to some kind of foreign language.

Children who have early exposure to languages also have enhanced overall mental development and an appreciation of other cultures. Yet starting a language early doesn’t mean learning it better. Teenagers and other late starters can become just as fluent, though the learning process may be more difficult. If your school does not offer a foreign language, there are still other ways to expose your child. Seek out bilingual kids or adults for talk dates. Hook your child up with a foreign pen pal at a website such as e-pals.com. Or get foreign language books, videos and audio cassettes.

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Note: See the Linguistic Solutions Resources page for other foreign language instruction resources.