The ‘Bilingual Kids’ teaching approach stems from several observations:
The earlier a language is introduced to a child, the easier it will be for him/her to pick it up. Recent research on bilingualism and the learning of languages shows that learning a language before the age of 7 leads children to explore and accept more openly foreign cultures and traditions.
Learning a foreign language achieves the best results if taught by a native speaker, as a language is not just a succession of words, and grammatical rules: it encompasses a culture and a way of thinking.
The relationship between the tutor and the child is of the utmost importance when learning a foreign language. From a psycholinguistic point of view, the best environment in which to learn is in one of ease. Thus, activities in daily life offer situations in which you can communicate best with a child (for example: on the way to school, bath time, or cooking meals.) The child learns the language through interaction and speech.
The foreign language being taught should reflect the child’s individual level of development and skill.
The expressive dimensions of a language are as important as the motivation for learning it. Thus, a child who is 3 or 4 can be introduced more easily to a language through games and songs, whereas a teenager will be more open to learning in accordance with their own individual interests (music, sports, films etc.).
Finally, true immersion in a foreign language is only possible if the child has the opportunity to hear and speak the language taught regularly and consistently for several years.
