More and more parents are paying attention to early childhood English education and are willing to let their children learn English. Generally speaking, it is more appropriate for young children to start learning a foreign language after they have mastered their mother tongue well. But if there is a bilingual environment at home, with both Chinese and English speakers, then learning both languages can be done simultaneously.
What should babies pay attention to when learning a foreign language
Learning a foreign language for young children is different from that for adults, and they cannot be forced to memorize by rote. Teaching young children a foreign language should not start with learning letters or memorizing words, but should first stimulate their interest in learning a foreign language, create a good language environment, and initially cultivate their ability to use language for simple daily communication. This will allow young children to accumulate a lot of listening experience and develop oral expression skills on the basis of being able to understand.
When teaching young children a foreign language, they often have a stage of silent perception. At this point, parents should not rush to ask their children to "speak quickly" or "read this word". Instead, they should allow the children to naturally accumulate the vocabulary they hear and gradually express themselves orally through sensory participation such as sight, hearing, and speaking.
How to teach babies to learn foreign languages
1. Comprehensive activity response method
Firstly, start with some intuitive and easy to understand words. Parents give instructions in a foreign language, asking their babies to make corresponding body movements according to the instructions. Through repeated "instruction action" connections, the babies naturally understand and learn to express themselves. If the head of the family says "eye, ear" or "shake your head (No), nod your head (yes)..." in a foreign language, let the baby follow the instructions and use gestures to express themselves. Learning to speak foreign words through natural physical activities can stimulate a baby's interest in English; Adding the participation of actions is more beneficial for babies to understand the meaning of vocabulary.
2. Game activity method
Combine learning a foreign language with daily gaming activities. Parents can use simple foreign languages and gestures to guide their babies in playing games. During this process, a large number of gestures, actions, and drawings can be used to help babies understand the purpose, requirements, and methods of the activity. During the process of playing games, babies only need to respond to the requests and opinions made in foreign languages.
3. Various forms of auxiliary methods
Based on the intuitiveness and concrete imagery of young children's thinking, parents can use various forms such as nursery rhymes and cartoons to help their babies learn foreign languages. Catchy and rhythmic songs are more easily accepted by babies.
