FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Why should my child learn a foreign language?
Research shows that advanced knowledge of two languages has numerous benefits for children, including greater creativity and higher test scores in school. Being familiar with another language also prepares children to be comfortable in different cultural settings. Children who are bilingual also demonstrate increased problem-solving skills. A second language will help your child better compete in the multi-ethnic workforce of the 21st Century. It may also enable her/him to go to College abroad - where higher education costs are often a fraction of the US costs - for a year or more.

When can a child start learning a foreign language?
An infant has twice as many brain connections as an adult. Indeed, young children manage to master the complex system of their own native language without formal instruction. Our classes start at 18 months and use songs, games, storytelling, movements, and dance to make learning a second language fun. Researchers tell us that at birth children’s brains are hardwired to learn multiple languages, but this ability decreases with time. By the age of 10, it has decreased so much that it is close to the one of an adult.

Will learning a second language confuse my child since he is in the process of learning the first one?
Not at all. Children can distinguish between multiple languages, and do so easily and with enjoyment. In our own experience, we have students speaking primarily English at home, and studying Spanish and Mandarin with us. Our parents report that their children don’t mix up the languages, and in fact can recognize them when heard on the street.

Why should we trust Be Lingual! with teaching a foreign language to our child rather than another school?
BeLingual! uses the latest research and curriculum. We immerse kids in the language from day one, and we support and encourage parents to continue the learning process at home with our age-appropriate materials. Our teachers are all native speakers and most have master’s degrees in education. We’re local and convenient, offering classes in both Jersey City and Hoboken. We’re founded by a multi-lingual mother who is raising her own trilingual child.

My child does not seem to focus during the class. What can I do?
Research shows that even if it seems like children aren’t listening, they are soaking up the new language. Even if their focus seems to stray, they are absorbing the language as the teacher – and their peers – speak and sing it. In general, we’ve found that focus improves over time.

Which language to choose?
Exposure to any language is excellent, especially for young children. We recommend choosing a language that has a family connection, or one that parents are comfortable/familiar with, or are particularly motivated to learn themselves. We offer this advice since it is important for parents to support their children’s learning process.

Can my child start learning two new languages at the same time?
Research shows us that the makeup of children’s brains means they can easily handle multiple languages. Our approach is to suggest starting one class and waiting one or two quarters before adding a second foreign language.