Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Teaching your children a foreign language might seem daunting. But consider this: you successfully taught your children their first language. Why not a second? It’s not that hard, and learning a foreign language has advantages for students of all ages.

There are great mental and academic benefits to learning another language. Studies show that learning a second language increases cognitive development. Stimulating the language-learning area of the brain also develops critical thinking skills and creativity. And the language-learning part of the brain works like a muscle, so the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Because learning a language is an analytical process, it can increase your student’s test scores in both English and math.

A foreign language can tie in to the other subjects you’re teaching in your homeschool. Your children can study the history, geography, and cultural customs of countries that speak that language. Enjoy the country’s literary and musical heritage. You can also use language learning as a springboard for teaching your child about missions. What a great way to learn about other cultures, their need for the Gospel, and how missionaries are reaching them!

Many colleges require a foreign language on a student’s high school transcript. Whether your child is in kindergarten or his senior year, learning a foreign language will bring him benefits now and in the future.

But can you really teach a foreign language to your student if you don’t know it yourself? Find out on our next program! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.