Foreign Language Benefits for SPED Learners

Is learning a foreign language practical for a struggling learner? Does it make sense to teach a child words and phrases in a second language when they may be struggling to learn their own? It comes down to your unique learner of course, but it didn’t take long for this former high school French teacher to think about how learning a new language can benefit a variety of learning styles and abilities. 

It’s Fun!

Songs are an engaging way to learn a new language. It is not necessary to know what every word means to sing a song with correct pronunciation. Down the road you can recall a song and point out a particular verb tense or pronoun. For now, just enjoy the song as a novelty. There are curricula that use songs to teach a language, such as the Song School series from Classical Academic Press. Another song option is the Whistlefritz series. They offer songs and videos without any English spoken, but also no role for the parent. Children engage with the content.

Movement can be used to teach a second language. We have a course called Excelerate Spanish that uses Total Physical Response (TPR) to teach Spanish. Kids enjoy the kinesthetic method that helps them remember new vocabulary words and phrases in Spanish. Adults will enjoy the help of instructional videos. This one has fun songs too, like Wheels on the Bus.

Language Development
    

Vocabulary growth is a tremendous benefit to studying a new language. There is an element of novelty that hooks the learner to want more and more. Learning familiar words such as cat, dog, sister, brother, apple, car, friend, etc. in a second language cements those words in English even more in a child’s brain. With those words firmly stuck (the new language to the existing language), we can expand upon them. Ask a question. Make an observation. Express an opinion. 

Grammar is part of vocabulary growth. We can learn about nouns and how to use them as a subject or object in a sentence. Verbs will lead to conjugations. This is necessary to communicate, but many programs will teach conversations that get less in the weeds. It is a fair way to get started, similar to learning songs without knowing all of the words. 

Cultural Awareness

Learning about children around the world, their families, what they like to do, what they eat, and where they live makes a child feel connected to others. For example, apples are a popular snack around the world, they are just called something other than “apples.” This can often be an abstract concept, but language bridges that barrier.

Friendly Materials
    

If you are hesitant because you don’t know a second language, you can relax. Curriculum does not assume that you as a parent know French or Chinese. You typically have an audio component to help guide your pronunciation, and it is amazing how well children can imitate an authentic accent! Teacher guidance will be written in English for you, telling you exactly how to use the materials. 
Color photos with expressive faces are another way learning a new language can open up a child’s world. Flip Flop Spanish uses photo/word cards with real photos rather than illustrations. 

Simple instructions and short lessons are not time-consuming for a parent. You might do a little something each day, a few times a week, or just occasionally. It can be an area of exploration, not formal instruction. But be prepared, you may find surprising benefits and add it to your regular schedule! ~Sara

If you have questions on teaching foreign language at home, please contact me or our team of friendly Curriculum Consultants with any questions. Email consultants at [email protected]  or call us M-F, 8:30-5 CST, at 888.841.3456.