Learn a language is during early childhood

 Many believe that the best time to learn a language is during early childhood when kids are naturally soaking up their first language. This belief has led to a push for introducing foreign languages as early as kindergarten. However, while there are benefits to early language exposure, there are also significant drawbacks to this approach, especially when it comes to teaching a second language in elementary school.

Consider what a kindergartener is already facing. In that first year of school, children are expected to learn a lot—phonemic and phonological awareness, basic reading and writing skills, and adapting to a completely new environment. They're just beginning to grasp the sounds of their native language, learning to read simple words, and figuring out how to answer questions about a story. Adding another language to this already challenging mix can be overwhelming, both academically and emotionally. Mastering literacy in one language is tough enough and takes years; expecting a child to balance two languages simultaneously is asking a lot and could end up being counterproductive.

There’s also a practical issue to consider: school budgets. Introducing foreign language instruction in kindergarten is not just a matter of educational philosophy; it's also about finances. Many school districts might not have the resources to fund such programs, and even if they do, they might prefer to spend that money elsewhere. Kindergarten is a crucial time for children to associate school with positive experiences. Districts often prioritize funding for activities that contribute to a well-rounded and enjoyable school experience—sports, art, music, and field trips—leaving little room in the budget for foreign language classes.

Moreover, there's the question of whether young children even want to learn a second language. Kids this age are driven by curiosity and fun. They want to play, color, sing, and explore the world around them. Forcing a second language on them might lead to resentment, especially if it's not something they find enjoyable. When learning feels like a chore, it’s unlikely to stick, and it could even turn them off to the idea of learning languages altogether.

Another issue is the timing of language acquisition. Experts often agree that the best time to learn a language is during the early years when a child is naturally picking up their first language—between the ages of two and four. At this stage, children can become bilingual almost effortlessly. By the time they reach kindergarten, however, that golden window may have passed, and introducing a second language might only confuse them.

So, if kindergarten isn't the ideal time, when should kids start learning a second language? Some studies suggest that starting too early might actually be detrimental, leading to "double semilingualism," where a child never fully masters either language. If a child hasn’t picked up a foreign language by kindergarten, the next best time might be between 11 and 13 years old. At this age, they’ve likely mastered their first language and can use that understanding to grasp the structure of a new one more effectively.

While the idea of teaching children another language from a young age is appealing, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides. The pressure to learn a second language in kindergarten could be more of a burden than a benefit, both for the child and the education system as a whole. Perhaps waiting until they’re older and more equipped to handle the challenge would be a smarter, more effective approach.