Spanish - Toddlers Can Learn it Too?

By Noah M. Benjamin

The best gift a parent can give their child is the ability to speak a second language, like Spanish. The best time to teach a new language, like Spanish, is when a child is a toddler. Teaching a second language has been proven to not only strengthen a child's ability in their first language, but it also:

Leads to higher scores on standardized tests when they're older

Better retention of language

Better memory

And many more benefits.

To understand why "toddler time" is the best time to learn a second language, it's important to go over how a first language is acquired. Think about when your child was born. Obviously, they couldn't speak any language, and going through formal language training with them would be a waste of time. But, after about two years, your child was conversational in their first language!

How did this happen? Through the process of language immersion. The child's brain is wired to, essentially, solve puzzles at such a young age. This is why children, before their teens, are able to pick up on patterns and learn new processes very easily. This ability is at its strongest from ages 0-5, and then slowly goes down from 6-12.

The best way to give your child the benefit of a second language is to take advantage of this brain development time, and start when they're toddlers. Simply follow the same "language immersion" process that you inadvertently used to teach them their first language!

Instead of asking your child if they want to eat an orange, ask them if they want to eat a "naranja". Sprinkle the Spanish language throughout their every day lives. See if you can get a baby sitter or nanny or who speaks Spanish, and will only speak Spanish when they are around your toddler.

If you don't know any Spanish yourself, don't worry! You can pick up enough useful phrases and words in the language within about two weeks that you can use to start benefitting your toddler right away.

The best time to teach Spanish to a child is when they're a toddler. Take advantage of this age and help your child grow to their best potential. Good luck!

The top-performing students in American schools today are bilingual. Find out for FREE how to get your child on the same path to success learning Spanish.