Developing a Second Language

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Learning a second language is something that everyone can benefit from at any age. At birth, a child has no language comprehension, but already has the building blocks with which to learn. Teaching a child early on to speak multiple languages has been proven to help students while learning.

It’s a common misconception that dual language learning may cause speech delays, when in fact, the opposite may be true. Bilingual children often know more total words (in both languages combined) than children who speak only one language. Of course, being bilingual also helps to enable social and career opportunities in the future. Once in the teen years and older, the brain does not process language learning the same way as it does in childhood. To learn some ideas for getting started, check out this article from Parents Magazine and this one from PBS.

The Sound of Music

Music education helps children learn on many different levels, and music therapy is an important field that reduces stress for many children. Consider some of the numerous ways music education can help a child:
- Learning to use multiple skill sets at the same time (singing, dancing, playing an instrument)
- Helping develop part of the brain that processes languages
- Absorbing new information through music and making connections with it
- Exercising the brain - scientists have noticed more neural activity in children who have music education compared to children who haven’t had any musical training
- Improving fine motor skills and sound cognition
- Increasing spatial intelligence and the ability to visualize different elements working together
- Solving problems that arise with architecture, engineering, math, art, gaming, and working with computers

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Learning an instrument, singing, and dancing have so many intrinsic benefits that can help a child abundantly. What is your experience with music education or music therapy? Leave a comment below!

For more information about music education, check out this PBS article. To learn more about music therapy, see this article featuring a program at the University of Alabama.

Starting the New Year Fresh and Clean

As you start off the new year, you may have been thinking about positive changes you can make in your life and your family's. If you've been considering improving cleanliness and hygiene, the following ideas might help! We know convincing a child of the importance of hygiene and instilling healthy habits can be a challenge. Here are a few helpful hints as children age and begin to take on more responsibility for their own cleanliness.

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- Routine: Children thrive on routine. Once they perform these tasks daily, they will begin to accept them as the norm.
- Fun: Make a beard out of those bath bubbles or turn a runny nose into a horn blowing impression. Children love repeating fun tasks.
- Example: Let them witness you getting ready or washing your hands before you cook. Your child won’t naturally pick up on these habits; he needs to see them practiced!
- Talk: Explain the importance of grooming. Children are naturally curious creatures, so explaining germs can help them understand why hygiene is so important.
- Reward: When a child knows that they have a new toothbrush or a cool bath toy waiting for them to use, the task is less of a chore and more of an exciting new experience.

Let us know some of your favorite ways to keep your child clean in the comments. For more tips and ideas, check out this article!