The Importance of Language Education in Early Childhood

Maria Lee Kim, Director & Founder of iPlusOne Academy

With over 20 years of experience in education, specializing in early childhood and bilingual education, Maria Lee Kim shares her insights on the significance of language education for young children.

Emphasizing Language Development

Languages are primarily tools for expressing thoughts and feelings, and they serve as a medium for listening, understanding, and communicating with others. During the first three years of life, a child's brain develops rapidly, making this period crucial for acquiring language skills.

Maria Lee Kim underscores the importance of language education in early childhood, emphasizing its role in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. As children's initial language teachers, parents have a vital role in nurturing their child's language abilities.

Research indicates that children are particularly adept at absorbing language during these formative years, highlighting the need for dedicated language development efforts.

Tips for Supporting Language Growth

Engaging in daily conversations and reading with children forms the cornerstone of language development. Here are several strategies for encouraging this growth:

1. Talk Using Simple Sentences: Keep conversations short and simple.
2. Read from an Early Age: Begin with board books and progress to picture books.
3. Incorporate Music: Listen to and sing songs together, as young children enjoy music and movement.
4. Tell Engaging Stories: Share narratives that cater to the child's interests.
5. Give Ample Thinking Time: Allow children to process information and respond.
6. Repeat Words and Phrases: Repeated exposure helps in learning new vocabulary.
7. Limit Screen Time: Prioritize direct interactions and playtime over digital media.
8. Focus on the Native Language: Encourage learning in the home language first, as English can be acquired later in school settings.

Upcoming Columns

January Issue: Methods to Support Speech and Language Development in Early Childhood  
February Issue: The Advantages of Bilingualism and Why Bilingual Children Excel

Author Maria Lee Kim brings her expertise to this series, aiming to provide valuable insights for parents and readers.