Why it is important to start young
In 1993 The Reading Evening Post ran an article on Northumberland Day Nursery “…whizz-kids from Berkshire are proving that learning a foreign language at the tender age of three is mere child’s play.”  Sixteen years later the Banbury Guardian’s headline read: "Ooh la la! Three year olds are getting French lessons." 

You might be forgiven for thinking that not much has changed between those two articles. People still seem to be surprised and impressed by children’s enthusiasm and readiness to learn another language; yet attitudes have changed a great deal in recent years as more and more research has been completed on the subject.  

One of the key changes is the introduction of the National Languages Strategy which is basically a commitment from the Government to provide language learning for every pupil throughout Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) by 2010, with many schools exposing children to some language learning at KS1 as well. It’s been a long, slow process, but the message seems to be getting through to those who matter: language learning should start as early as possible.

French entering the upper primary school curriculum is clearly a very good thing but why should it come at such a late stage? The enormous advantages of foreign language learning at pre-school age are now fully recognised. By learning another language in tandem with the rudiments of English, very young children soon adopt an unquestioning attitude towards forming new sounds and are thrilled that they can use these sounds to communicate.

It is now known that during the first five years of life, the foundations for thinking, language, attitudes and aptitudes are laid down.  During that period, the brain absorbs information like a sponge but after that, a child will lose the ability to speak in languages that he or she does not hear on a regular basis and any further learning has to be gained through long and often less effective traditional learning. That is why foreign language teaching should begin when children are in pre-school to maximise a child’s willingness and ability to learn.

Research carried out during the last few years has shown that learning a second language enhances children’s overall mental development. This results in increased language skills, higher self esteem, thinking and reasoning skills, mathematical ability, earlier reading and heightened cultural awareness. In other words they are better equipped for competing in tomorrow’s competitive and demanding job market.