• has a positive effect on intellectual growth.

• enriches and enhances children's mental development.

• gives students more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language and a better ear for listening

• improves children's understanding of their native language.

• gives them practice with important skills, such as reading, writing, speaking and listening.

• helps children communicate with people they might not otherwise have the chance to know

• opens doors to other cultures.

• helps children understand and appreciate people from other countries and cultural backgrounds

• gives students a head start toward high school and college language requirements.

• expands job opportunities - in many careers, knowing another language is a real plus.

Studies also show that learning in a foreign language can improve students overall school performance and help them develop greater problem-solving skills. They are also more likely to score higher on tests given in English.

Families going global

Even if your own knowledge of foreign language is limited, there are many ways that you can help motivate your children to tackle language learning. In fact, being an "expert" in something as unique as a foreign language might provide a boost to self-confidence, something that junior high schoolers often can use. Positive responses from parents also let children know that you value what they know and can inspire them to continue the sometimes difficult task of learning a new language. [top]

Some other ideas for inspiring language learning include:

• Have a fiesta. Though your own Spanish may be limited to "Burrito, por favor," you can still learn a lot about other cultures by sampling new foods. The produce and international aisle of most supermarkets are loaded with foods from around the world. The International Cookbook for Kids by Matthew Locricchio and Kids Around the World Cook!: The Best Foods and Recipes from Many Lands by Arlette N. Braman are two collections of recipes and related cultural facts to look to for inspiration. Ask friends for recommendations or check the phone book or the Internet for local restaurants that specialize in Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian and other global kid-friendly cuisines.

• Look for language in our world. Examples of culture and language are readily available in most communities. Check the listings in the newspaper for cultural festivals where you can see ethnic dances and art, hear music from another country and taste new foods.

• Libros, livres, boeks. Translations of books, from familiar bedtime stories such as Goodnight Moon (Buenas Noches, Luna in Spanish) to the Harry Potter series (Harry Potter et la chambre des secrets in French), are available for your kids to read themselves or to younger siblings. Choosing stories that are familiar to your children make it easier for them to pick up the meaning of the foreign words. Books in many languages are available from local and online booksellers. Similarly, some video stores and the local library offer foreign-language editions of children's movies and others. DVDs often include Spanish or French versions of a film as well as English.

Language Learning in New York State

New York State requires that students pass one proficiency level exam in a language other than English in order to graduate. In general, most formal foreign language instruction begins during the middle school years. Second Language Proficiency Examinations in six (French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin and Spanish*) are offered to students in grades 7, 8 and 9. A passing score on one of these exams counts as credit toward the foreign language requirement for graduation with a New York State Regents diploma. *not all languages are offered in all school districts. [top]