Language is like a key to a hidden treasure box. If you have the key, you unlock a treasure trove of opportunities. Is it too late to start teaching my child a second language? No, of course not. As I posted in my previous post here, it’s never too early or too late to start teaching a child a second language. Children and adults can learn new languages. There are obstacles of course to learning a second language later in life but with a will there’s always a way. If the child is willing to learn and you provide an environment conducive to learning, the child will learn quickly. Learning a language in the classroom format is never the quickest way to learn a language. I believe the best way for children to learn another language is through play, conversations, learning through observing, being immersed in the community and finding opportunities to practice the language.
Is it Too Late to Start Teaching a Second Language?
As I’ve been conversing and playing with my daughter in the second language, my husband has also started to pick up some Chinese words now too. If he can pick it up, I’m sure any child can as well. I’ve been chatting and playing non-stop with my daughter since she was born. But I’ve spent a few hours with a toddler speaking Chinese and he was able to understand simple Cantonese words by the end of play. If I was to spend continuous time with him he probably would have learned more. Children are naturally curious and they want to learn. If you give them the opportunity they will seize it. Create a plan if you want to start teaching them another language. Even if one parent is bilingual and not both parents, it is still possible to teach your child a second language. I’ve posted here about if only one parent is bilingual. If results don’t immediately follow, be patient.
Mommy Dragon
