There is a lot of evidence pointing to the benefits of children's learning English as a second language. However, choosing to raise a bilingual child is something it takes a lot of thought, preparation, and time. It is, therefore, a very personal decision that will affect the life of the child for years to come. This essay will explain the benefit for children of learning English as a second language and that online English courses offer something that other programs may lack.
According to Joan Kelly Hall and Guillaume G. Eggington, anglophones have a specific economic advantage. English offers increased educational and employment opportunities. By encouraging children to learn ESL at an early age, we are establishing they gain several benefits that will work for the rest of their lives. The 2002 U.S. Census indicated that approximately 14% (over 7.5 million) of children between 5 and 17 years of age are fluent in more than one language, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years.
However, the benefits of learning English extend beyond economics, education, and job benefits. It also increases a child's language skills because he is bilingual. Children can better understand the complexities involved in the meaning and grammar of language. Since some words in different languages share the same similar pronunciation and vocabulary, the connection is made for children from the very beginning and makes learning a new language more accessible. In addition, children learning English as a second language can expand their vocabulary in both languages at a faster rate than their monolingual peers.
Due to extensive vocabulary and a deep understanding of many languages’ structures, it is believed that these children can also be more creatively active, have an increased attention span with the ability to block distractions, and exhibit superior reaction times, which prevents reasoning cognitive decline later in life. The areas of the brain involved in understanding and communicating in two languages are thought to be the same areas of the brain that affect most forms of cognitive reasoning. Because this area of the brain is reinforced, bilingual children can develop faster and better than monolingual people.
Bilingual children also develop improved social skills. Social interaction is an essential part of our lives and affects the quality of life in society, educationally and professionally. As a child learns a different language and a different culture into which he is more integrated community, and as he progresses in life, he is able to communicate at a higher level at all levels. When a child looks back and recalls the challenges he has faced while learning English, he can relate to sensitive issues and struggles others say poor meet each other. This common ground gives bilingual individuals a feeling of compassion towards others. In addition, bilinguals are generally more balanced and more comfortable in a multicultural environment.
Online English lessons have advantages that traditional classroom methods do not have. For example, with an online English course, parents and children can use it as a moment to reinforce and extend the learning process. In this way, the child actually experiences a bilingual lifestyle, because both parents and children can communicate in English as their mother tongue on a consistent basis. In addition, online English courses allow parents to encourage their children to pursue further education, in their areas of interest related to the English language and culture. Some online English lessons allow children to watch movies, play games, and learn geography or common food in English-speaking countries. Can decide based on the program they will find most beneficial to be rewarding, interesting, and less stressful than the traditional classroom method. Another benefit of learning English through online lessons is that children can experience the freedom that comes with learning another language and culture in their own homes. Being thrown into another culture or a classroom full of new faces can be scary for many children. On the other hand, it is possible to self-study speed allowing them to gain the confidence they need before joining the community or traveling to the United States.
Summing up, we can say that raising a bilingual child has many advantages. Some of these include economic, educational, and employment benefits, as well as improved language and creative abilities, improved attention span with the ability to block out distractions, better reaction time, improved social skills, and prevention of cognitive decline later in life. Promoting bilingualism through online English courses can benefit from the following advantages: a stronger relationship between parents and children when they learn together, less stress, a positive and helpful learning environment, as well as more freedom to structure the program according to their interests.