1. What are the benefits of learning a foreign language?
2. How and why is EarlyBirds^SM Learning qualified to teach my toddler/child a foreign language?
3. What does foreign language immersion mean?
4. Will learning a foreign language confuse my child or hinder his/her ability to learn and perfect English?
5. How often should my toddler/child attend class?
6. Does EarlyBirds operate in a traditional academic setting?
7. Are we missing out if we start in the middle of a session (ie. Fall term)?

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1. What are the benefits of learning a foreign language early?

Learning a second language makes sense at any age. However, children have an exponentially greater capacity to learn multiple languages than adults. This capacity is greatest between ages 6 months and 6 years, and slowly declines over time. By the time a child reaches puberty, he or she actually stores language in a different part of the brain. Therefore, as a parent, the window of opportunity to expose your child to foreign language is both narrow and early.

Researchers have identified a number of benefits from early 2nd language exposure, including:

• Building foreign language comprehension and speech
• Improving English verbal and listening skills
• Strengthening math and analytical skills
• Increasing exposure to new cultures and different backgrounds
• Building self-esteem

In addition, many English words share Latin roots with Spanish, French and other romance languages, and if children know the foreign words, they can analyze the meaning of English words. Researchers have shown having this ability leads to higher scores on the verbal portions of college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT.

For more information on the benefits of early foreign language acquisition, click here.

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2. How and why is EarlyBirds Learning qualified to teach my toddler/child a foreign language?

EarlyBirds has teamed with foreign language experts from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. With their guidance, EarlyBirds created a proprietary curriculum and teaching methodology that has been road-tested and continually improved upon since the company opened its doors in 2004.

Just as important, EarlyBirds selects its instructors carefully. Most are native speakers and share the company's same passion for children and foreign language.

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3. What does foreign language immersion mean?

Immersion programs allow children to spend an entire class learning in a second language. No English is spoken once class begins, allowing children to absorb a language naturally rather than think in English and be inclined to translate.

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4. Will learning a foreign language confuse my child or hinder his/her ability to learn and perfect English?

No. Studies have shown that learning another language actually improves listening skills and helps kids of all ages better understand words in general. According to Kidsource, "In most cases, learning another language enhances a child's English ability. Children can learn much about English by learning the structure of other languages. Common vocabulary also helps children learn the meaning of new words in English. Experimental studies have shown that no long-term delay in native English language development occurs between children participating in second language immersion classes and those schooled exclusively in English.

In fact, children enrolled in foreign language programs score statistically higher on standardized tests conducted in English. A number of reports have demonstrated that children who have learned a second language earn higher SAT scores, particularly on the verbal section of the test. One study showed that by the fifth year of an immersion program, students outperform all comparison groups and remain high academic achievers throughout their schooling."


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5. How often should my toddler/child attend class?

We recommend children attend class twice a week. However, if your child can only attend once per week, he or she will still acquire the many benefits of exposure to a second language.

Additionally, EarlyBirds Learning provides materials for at-home parental review and reinforcement. Private tutoring classes at our center are also available for those interested in supplementing classroom learning with one-on-one instruction.

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6. Does EarlyBirds operate in a traditional academic setting?

No. While we strive to promote higher learning and enrichment for your little ones, we work in a play-based and pressure-free environment — similar to how a child learns his or her primary language. EarlyBirds does not grade children on performance. Instead, we slowly increase the complexity of the lessons, allowing children to grow with the program.

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7. Are we missing out if we start in the middle of a session (ie. Fall term)?

No. Part of the idea behind immersion-based learning is that it is continuous and one can jump in at any time. Lesson plans will change from week to week, but the structure of the class remains the same. If you join our program after the beginning of a term, we will pro-rate your tuition.

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