What is ELA? Exploring The Benefits Of Early Language Acquisition
As children develop and grow, one of the most important developmental milestones they reach is being able to communicate effectively. This may sound obvious, but communication has a huge impact on the mental and social development of a child. Despite this, parents often do not invest resources in teaching their children a second language. Consequently, the majority of parents are unaware of the huge potential that comes with early language acquisition (ELA). In this article, we will discuss what ELA is, explore the benefits of ELA, and look at how it can be achieved.
What is ELA?
ELA is a term used to describe the process of teaching a second language to a young child. Early language acquisition is defined as a process in which an individual obtains a new language prior to the biological maturation of the native language. This means that a child would learn two languages at the same time, although their journey to becoming bilingual could still result in the native language eventually being adopted.
Exploring the Benefits of ELA
Learning a language provides children with a variety of benefits, including the development of improved cognitive functions and increased self-confidence. Here are just a few of the benefits that can come with early language acquisition:
1. Cognitive and linguistic benefits – Research has demonstrated that learning a language prior to the maturation of the native language can have a positive impact on the development of children in various ways. It can even result in improved verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
2. Increased self-confidence – Learning a new language can boost a child’s overall self-confidence. They may be more confident when travelling or trying new activities if they can express themselves in the new language.
3. Improved social skills – Another benefit of ELA is that it can encourage children to become more sociable. Learning a foreign language can help them to interact with people in a more meaningful way and even open up new opportunities for socializing.
4. Developed empathy – Teachers have noticed that when children learn a new language, they may develop an improved capacity for empathy and understanding of other cultures, perspectives, and mindsets. Additionally, children may learn how to more effectively express their feelings.
5. Education and professional opportunities – Being bilingual may provide children with further benefits once they reach post-secondary education and the workforce. They may be able to choose more career paths and better evaluate opportunities than their peers who only speak one language.
How to Achieve ELA
There are a variety of resources available to help parents and children develop effective language acquisition strategies. First and foremost, parents should consider providing their children with language-rich environments, such as encouraging them to watch appropriate television shows and movies, read books in the target language, and discuss topics related to the language with family and friends. Additionally, parents may consider hiring professionals, such as a tutor, to help guide their children through the process.
It is also important to make sure that the language is presented in a way that is enjoyable for the child. Instead of traditional forms of teaching a second language, such as Verb-Adjective charts and memorization drills, parents should focus on creating fun and interactive learning experiences. This can include playing language acquisition games, playing music in the language, engaging in multi-sensory activities, and even taking trips abroad to immerse their child in the language they are learning.
Conclusion
Learning a foreign language can provide children with innumerable benefits. From improved cognitive abilities and increased self-confidence to developed empathy and more opportunities later in life, the effects of ELA can be seen even decades after learning has begun. Parents who are interested in giving their children a head start in life should consider using the tips we have outlined in this article to provide them with effective ELA strategies.