As globalisation occurs, bilingualism has become a valuable asset in our everyday life, from education to the workforce. Research has suggested that the optimal age range for language acquisition typically happens before puberty. This is when children’s brains are still developing and are more receptive to new information. Moreover, it is also revealed that exposure to a second language during early childhood offers numerous benefits for your children. With this in mind, bilingual preschool serves as an important consideration in your children’s academic path. This article will share three reasons why you should consider bilingual preschool for your child.
1. Helps children to boost confidence
Prior to preschool registration, it is vital to understand the preschool curriculum. For instance, take the availability of bilingual lessons into account. Attending bilingual preschools helps to boost a child’s confidence and outspokenness. This is because mastering a second language can foster a sense of accomplishment, eventually contributing to higher self-esteem. On top of that, they are also able to express themselves more easily in different social situations, which further builds their confidence.
2. Improves agility
Being bilingual enhances cognitive flexibility and improves problem-solving skills, as shown by studies. This helps children to build agility and excel in both curricular and extracurricular fields. In other words, bilingual children can process information faster than monolingual children. They are able to multitask at the same time and achieve optimal results. Here’s exactly how bilingualism helps in achieving cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills:
- Cognitive flexibility
This refers to the ability to switch between different tasks, mental sets, or perspectives in order to respond to dynamic situations. Bilingual children are constantly exercising this ability when they switch between two languages. This mental exercise strengthens the brain’s ability to be adaptable to different circumstances.
- Problem-solving skills
When your children are placed in a study environment that requires their full attention, their problem-saving skills can be honed. Imagine your child listening to someone speak in one language, while trying to process information in another language at the same time. This situation requires them to filter out irrelevant information so that they can focus on the language they are trying to understand. As a result, they can better recognise patterns and make connections between different pieces of information, boosting their problem-solving skills. At The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees, we empower your little one to learn future-ready skills and problem solve through play. We impart 21st century skill sets that meet 21st century values including empathy, collaboration and more to thrive in communities. Looking to improve your children’s cognitive abilities? You may want to consider kindergartens in Singapore that offer bilingual curriculum. The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees facilitates effective language acquisition from young, paving the way for meaningful interactions among children and their peers.
3. Helps to embrace cultural difference
Being bilingual offers children a unique opportunity to not only communicate effectively in two languages, but also to embrace cultural differences. When children are exposed to various linguistic nuances, idioms, and expressions of each language, they also learn about the diverse cultural values, traditions, and ways of thinking. This enables bilingual children to be more equipped when connecting with people from different linguistic backgrounds. The willingness to communicate with a person in their language fosters intercultural friendships. No doubt, bilingual preschools expose children to a new language and benefit them in the ways listed above. The learning process can be rewarding as it sets your little one up for success in their career path. The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees is now running 15 preschool centres and 4 infant care centres in Singapore. We remain as one of the best preschools nationwide. Ready to enrol your child in an enjoyable learning process? Visit us today for more information. About The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees With over three decades of fostering young minds and establishing a solid groundwork for numerous children, The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees operates 15 preschools and 4 infant care centres across Singapore. Continuing our well-regarded play-based approach infused with inquiry, our diverse literacy curriculum enhances each child’s grasp and connection to culture, society, environment, and technology, equipping them to navigate the constantly evolving world.
