Our resources page will change on a regular basis. Come here for regular updates about learning foreign languages and links to learning aids and material to help you child retain their new language. Today we've included some general information about how children learn at a young age.

Pedagogical theories

Generally educational theorists do not agree on one theoretical approach to early childhood curriculum development. However, a combination of the key principles of the major theories is a widely accepted method of developing suitable activities for young children.

Briefly, three theorists that have had a significant influence on the principle's of education are Piaget, Vygotsky and Montessori. Piaget clearly outlined stages in children's development. He believed that children learn and develop thinking processes through repeated exposure to experiences that allow and encourage discovery and exploration. Vygotsky placed emphasis on learning through social and cultural experiences especially through conversation. Montessori believed that children develop best when their interests are met and that they learn by doing. Montessori teachers, therefore, must be close observers of children's behaviour so they can provide the most conducive environment for each child's development.

Another relevant educational theory is multiple intelligences developed by Gardiner. He posited that there are seven types of intelligence: spatial, kinaesthetic, logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, interpersonal and intrapersonal. Children show different strengths in these intelligences and need encouragement to develop all seven.

This is just a brief overview of some of the research material focusing on learning and learning foreign languages at a young age. There are many internet sites dedicated to language learning and many more books. If you would like to learn more we can direct you to more reading material that you can poke a stick at.

The link below gives some interesting facts about languages in society. It could save your skin in a tight contest on the Trivial Pursuit board too!

www.vistawide.com/languages/language_statistics.htm