Between birth and adolescence the brain is hard-wired to acquire language naturally. As a child approaches puberty, the nature of language learning and storage changes, becoming less flexible:
- Learning a second language at a young age is cognitively as easy as learning a first language.
A child’s brain processes multiple languages in parallel paths, building a second language system alongside the first.
- A young learner can access a second language separately, without having to translate, or go through the native language as a path.
- After puberty, the learner stores new languages in a separate area of the brain, requiring translation and explicit grammar training to learn.
- The diminishing plasticity of the brain makes early learning optimal.
Taking advantage of this window of opportunity by exposing your child to a second language young allows a child to optimize his or her learning potential, helping to shape the brain at its most flexible stage. The more stimulation language centers in the brain receive during this critical window, the more neural connections develop, enhancing not only long term language skills, but
overall intelligence development.
According to the Wall Street Journal, "learning a second language later in life is fundamentally different from learning it early in life... Toddlers who learn a second language along with their native tongue store this capability in a single sector in the brain... but if the second language is acquired later -- say, in a French class in high school -- the brain designates a separate area for processing it... those who learn two languages at a young age retain an [unique] ability to speak both as if each was their native tongue."
Preschool
Our Preschool classes, allow parents to determine when they are ready to attend alone. Within two or three classes, our Preschool kids learn to repeat songs and chants. These kids will surprise you as they absorb basic vocabulary, in an unobtrusive way. Meanwhile, they become familiar with more complex aspects of the language by engaging in "Lango Adventures" that require them to solve simple problems - in their new language, and all by themselves! These adventures starring the Lango Kids, our multicultural cast of characters, are straight from the Lango storybook chapters. Teachers re-create each episode in class and use hoops, cones and brightly colored scarves to engage your child and have fun, all while learning a second language!
Early Elementary/Elementary
Our Early Elementary and Elementary classes are for kids in 1st and 2nd grade and 3rd-5th. Our curriculum takes students on imaginary journeys where the students have fun and enjoy problem solving adventures built around cultural themes. At the Early Elementary level, a reading element is introduced through our Adventure Learning Challenges, also known as 'thinking games'. Writing and gramatical exercises are added for 3rd and 5th grade Elementary students. Non-verbal responses are key at first, as kids grasp a basic understanding of their new language.
Survival phrases are taught to build student confidence and encourage verbal responses. Through dramatic teaching strategies our Early Elementary and Elementary kids are quick to grasp the meanings of words without direct translation. In most cases, our Elementary classes are combined. Teaching kids in a vast age range is practical, because the ease of learning a new language diminishes with age. Teachers focus on keeping activites and games "age appropriate" for a broad spectrum. With our small class size, teachers are able to easily engage all students to teach to their age and language level. Teachers encourage kids to respond based on their level of understanding and comfort. Kids are made to feel confident by creating a fun-filled learning environment, that is always entertaining and even silly at times!
Private school-based
Lango's private school-based classes are contracted specifically with each location. Terms vary and are usually not open to the public.
Camp Week
Enjoy a week of language immersion at summer camp! Kids have fun as they explore the cultures and foreign language of another country. Whether it's the beaches of Mexico, the City in China, or the French Riviera, Lango and Cultured-Kids packs a week of art, drama, storytime, and games based on a different weekly themes. Kids can register for Spanish, French or Mandarin and will learn vocabulary, common phrases and develop their foreign accent! (Space is limited.)