Text 1 – How children learn languages
Questions 31 to 39
How long does it take to learn a language?
Many different factors affect the time it takes. These include
your child’s age, first language, their reason for BLANK I English and their teachers. You can help your child learn quickly
by BLANK II them lots of opportunities to use English. It helps
to have real reasons for BLANK III a language, rather than just
BLANK IV grammar.
Is it true that boys and girls learn languages differently?
Yes. At early ages, girls tend to develop language more quickly. Remember that it’s OK for children to develop at different
speeds. It will be more similar by secondary school age. However, by this stage children might think that languages are ‘more
of a girl thing’. Attitudes to learning can have a big impact on
educational success so it’s important to find ways to encourage
your child and help them enjoy their learning.
Do primary and secondary children learn languages differently?
Yes, there are differences.
Primary school children are learning their first and second languages at the same time. It’s really important
to support both languages. Children with a strong foundation in their first language will find it easier to learn
a second language. Encourage your child to play, sing
and read in both their first and second languages. Remember to plan separate times to focus on each language.
If you say something in English and then in another language,
your child will automatically listen for their stronger language
and ‘tune out’ the other language.
Teenagers are interested in exploring their personalities and
identities. This creates lots of opportunities to use popular culture, films, TV, music and video games. Teenagers also enjoy
challenging authority, which provides opportunities for debates
and discussion.
Will learning another language affect how well my child
does at school?
Multilingual children learn at a young age that they can express their ideas in more than one way. This helps their
thought process and makes them better, more flexible, learners. Research has found that children who speak more than one
language do better in school, and have better memories and
problem-solving skills.
What kind of learner is my child?
Watch your child playing. What do they enjoy doing? Puzzles and problem-solving? Physical play and sports? Word games?
Writing stories? Creative play? Try doing these types of activities in English and make a note of what your child responds to
best. Alternatively, ask your child to create in English their own
one-week ‘dream timetable of activities’. Let them choose how
to present it. For example, they could act it out, prepare a written
fact file, make a video, draw pictures, go on a treasure hunt or
make a scrap book.
Source: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/parents-and-children/how-to-support-your-child/howchildren-learn-languages/. Accessed on 01/22/25