Bilingual children

Bilingualism is defined by the ability of a person to communicate naturally in two languages.
In fact, a child raised with two languages ​​acquires two independent language, which explains why translating from one language to another is difficult for them. The child also grows up with two cultures.
At Les Petites Classes, we help children to reach a “coordinate” bilingualism (same level of mastery of the two languages).

Cognitive research has shown that, beyond two languages ​​and two cultures, bilingual children develop complex thinking characterized by an ability to approach a problem from several angles and with a good critical mind.
In addition, bilingual children also show greater openness, tolerance and curiosity towards others than monolingual children.
Bilingualism therefore represents a double asset in tomorrow’s society.

The acquisition of bilingualism in young children naturally takes place in a bilingual family environment where parents are attentive to the balance of languages ​​at home. The question of the volume of language received by the child is decisive in the installation of bilingualism, and this from birth.
When the child is 2 to 5 years old, language acquisition explodes: the lexicon and syntax evolve considerably. This period is crucial to establish a balanced bilingualism.
From 5 years old, the child learns to read and write. It is therefore essential to set up learning to read and write in French alongside English, at the risk of unbalancing bilingualism.
The child acquires language by reception of course, but also if he is invited to practice it himself: ask your child to have him answer / speak French to you from a very young age. Later, do not deviate from your family rules. To date, the rule 1 parent = 1 language is recognized as being the most effective in mixed families.