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Elementary World Language Task Force
Sub-Committee Meeting #4: Educational Benefits for Elementary Children who Study Languages
January 9, 2008
Both Dr. Bucci and Mrs. Kelly attended this meeting. The meeting lasted from 7:00PM until 8:45 p.m.
We thank Madeleine Hombosky for her outstanding work in documenting the most pertinent research facts which will be written in the final report for the Board. They are as follows:
1. Learning correct pronunciation at an early age will be retained better by children.
2. Primary students are more receptive to learning a second language.
3. Learning a second language improves communication skills.
4. Primary students are more receptive to a variety of learning and teaching styles.
5. Primary students have less fear of failure among peers and are more confident.
6. Mastery of a second language provides a competitive edge over peers who are not exposed one.
7. Exposure to diversity and different cultures provides a positive experience for all children.
8. Early second language experience allows for the opportunity to learn additional languages at the secondary level.
9. Learning a second language improves reading and comprehension skills.
10. Learning a second language improves analytical skills.
11. Beginning a second language at the primary level allows the fulfillment by all students of the requirement of four years of a second language. (from the ACTFL performance guidelines for K-12 students)
These facts were taken from the following sources:
Curtain,Helena. ”Foreign Language Learning: An Early Start.” ERIC DIGEST 2003-2005. ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics Washington DC. (07-01-08).
“New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for World Languages.” State of New Jersey Department of Education. May,1996. (07-01-08). http://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/archive/1996/12wlangintro.html
Saunders-Semonsky, Carol, M. Foreign Language in the Elementary School: The Creation, Implementation and Assessment, June, 2004
