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7 Advantages Bilingual Children Have Over Their Peers
Choosing a kindergarten for your child is a significant decision that can impact their development and future opportunities. For many parents, enrolling their children in a Chinese preschool allows them to develop important bilingual skills.
Such skills offer numerous benefits that extend beyond language proficiency. This article explores seven key advantages that bilingual children have over their peers.
Enhanced cognitive abilities
One of the most compelling reasons to enrol your child in a Chinese preschool is the enhancement of cognitive abilities. Studies prove that bilingual children outperform monolingual peers in various cognitive tasks.
Learning and switching between two languages strengthens the brain’s executive functions, such as problem-solving, multitasking, and critical thinking. These enhanced cognitive skills provide a solid foundation for academic and personal growth.
Improved language skills
Bilingual children naturally develop superior language skills. Learning two languages from an early age helps them understand the structure and mechanics of language more profoundly.
This dual-language proficiency extends to a better grasp of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in both languages. Furthermore, bilingual children find it easier to learn additional languages later in life, thanks to their early exposure to multiple linguistic systems.
Cultural understanding and empathy
Enrolling your child in a bilingual kindergarten also promotes cultural understanding and empathy. Exposure to different languages and cultures from a young age fosters an appreciation for diversity and a broader worldview.
Bilingual children are more likely to be open-minded and empathetic as they learn to navigate and respect cultural norms and practices. This cultural sensitivity is a valuable trait in our increasingly globalised world.
Greater career opportunities
In today’s global economy, being bilingual is a significant asset. Bilingual individuals have access to more career opportunities, as many employers value language skills and cultural competence.
Fluency in Chinese, one of the most spoken languages in the world, can provide a competitive edge in various fields such as international business, diplomacy, translation, and education. Enrolling your child in a bilingual Chinese preschool is an investment for their future career prospects.
Neurological benefits
Learning and using two languages engages various parts of the brain, improving brain function and plasticity. Bilingual children tend to have better memory, concentration, and mental flexibility.
Moreover, bilingualism can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, providing long-term cognitive health benefits.
Improved social skills
Bilingual children often exhibit better social skills. Navigating two languages and cultures enhances their ability to communicate and connect with diverse people.
These children are generally more adept at understanding social cues and adapting to different social situations. This adaptability and improved communication foster stronger relationships and a more inclusive social environment.
Is my child ready for a bilingual kindergarten?
Determining if your child is ready for a bilingual kindergarten involves considering several factors. Here are some key points to help you assess your child’s readiness:
Interest in language
Do they enjoy listening to stories, singing songs, or conversing? A curiosity about language can be a good indicator of readiness for a bilingual environment.
Exposure to both languages
Consider your child’s current exposure to both languages. If your child already hears or uses the target language (Chinese, in this case) at home or in the community, it can ease their transition into a bilingual preschool. However, even if your child has minimal exposure, bilingual preschools are designed to support language acquisition from the ground up.
Parental support and involvement
Your involvement is crucial in your child’s bilingual education. Be prepared to support their learning at home by incorporating both languages into daily activities, reading bilingual books, or encouraging language practice.
Little Skool-House’s Chinese Preschool curriculum
Little Skool-House is one of the preschools in Singapore that offers a comprehensive bilingual Chinese preschool curriculum to maximise these advantages. The curriculum integrates language learning with various cognitive, social, and cultural activities, providing a holistic educational experience.
Children are immersed in a bilingual environment where they learn through engaging activities such as storytelling, music, art, and play. That’s why we are Singapore’s first and only preschool to centralise Drama Pedagogy in our curriculum. Your child will develop a love for the Mandarin language as well as the all-important creative thinking and social skills.
This immersive approach ensures that children develop language skills naturally and enjoyably. Little Skool-House’s curriculum also strongly focuses on academic readiness, preparing children for future educational success.
Enrol in Little Skool-House bilingual Chinese kindergarten
Enrolling your child in a bilingual Chinese kindergarten at Little Skool-House is an investment in their future. The skills they gain will benefit them personally and professionally throughout their lives. Give your child the gift of bilingualism and open the door to a world of opportunities.
Other resources you may like
Parent’s Guide: Expected Reading Proficiency by Age
Private preschool vs government preschool: What’s the difference?
6 considerations when choosing a Chinese preschool
