About the bilingual baby

Scientists have now documented the great abilities of babies to distinguish vowels, consonants, rhythmic patterns and tonal inflections in languages the infants don't yet speak, even in languages that are not native to them. This new research suggests that babies growing up in bilingual households are better able to retain that ability to visually perceive a switch to another language, whereas such a skill declines among those raised in unilingual settings.

Research has shown that babies, toddlers, and infants who learn a foreign language do better with abstract ideas, are more flexible thinkers, and are more imaginative. Add to this the statistics which show that children exposed to foreign languages score significantly higher on standardized tests such as the SAT and have access to greater career opportunities.

The younger the child is, the easier it is to teach them a foreign language. That doesn't mean it's easy - especially for families with no bilingual parents. Words that are learned before the age of around 12 are stored in a different part of the brain than vocabulary learned later in life. What's more, toddlers and babies have fewer inhibitions when it comes to trying out a new language. Lastly, learning a language for a baby or toddler is more intuitive when compared to adult learning.

Helen Doron Early English offers a total of 10 different courses in English for children from only 3 months up through 14 years. This encompasses 10 years of learning; 7 years of spoken English for the young and very young (with optional reading and writing) and an additional 3 years of spoken English, plus reading and writing for older children. Learning is fast, fun and natural, with preparation for International English examinations conducted in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.

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