The current academic requirements of the United States for foreign languages does not start until high school.
What are the United States requirements for foreign language in school?
Across the country, a foreign language is considered an elective.
Yet their education department websites state the benefits of learning a foreign language.
They acknowledge that research supports improved test scores, more cognitive skills, and improved skills in their first language.
But many districts still don’t have a foreign language requirement beyond 1 semester of a ‘world language other than English’.
In fact, it’s considered an elective in so many districts, and only offered in high schools.
As a former elementary school teacher I understand the need for learning reading, writing, and math as well as introducing science and history. Don’t forget time for music, PE, and art.
But postponing that requirement of learning a second language until high school greatly inhibits students’ abilities to learn that second language.
Would you be surprised to know that many European students know 3 languages by highschool?
What are the foreign language requirements in Europe?
Other countries around the world start their students in preschool or kindergarten. Which is why if you go anywhere in Europe, they will know two, three, or sometimes four other languages.
They might not be fluent in all four languages but more fluent than most of our American students in a public school system will be.
There are numerous cognitive, academic, and social benefits to learning a second language so I don’t understand the current US standard of high school.
Zurich schools in Switzerland start 2 foreign languages (French and English) in Kindergarten.
Bayern schools in Germany start English in Elementary school.
Paris schools in France start a foreign language in primary school as well.
When I lived with a host family in Germany, my host-sister was studying English as her third language. Her second language was French, which she was fluent in.
And at the time when I was there my host-sister was only 15.
So at 15 she was already learning her third language and was conversational enough that we could easily chat.
So at 15 in Germany, they are learning their third language. At 15 in the United States we’re maybe starting to learn a second language.
How early can you start learning a second language?
Whenever you want to start!
The best time to start learning a second language is now and even a little goes a long way.
You can start speaking to your child in 2 languages from birth.
Scientific studies show the metaphorical door for learning a second language closes around puberty. (I talk more about that here)
So while you can learn a second language after puberty, it’s easier and there are more benefits to starting earlier.
What if I want my child to learn a Second language?
But wait, learning a second language has so many benefits!
What if I want my child to learn one before high school?
You have a few options:
Find a school that offers it earlier
Just because the state or districts require only 1 semester doesn’t mean schools don’t offer more!
Bilingual preschools and elementary schools are becoming more popular but many are private schools.
The private school I went to from Kindergarten through 8th grade offered French every day and every grade. My school is no longer around (management changed) but that means there are options out there.
Searching for ‘bilingual preschools near me’ opens up many options.
Some examples:
Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles
Denver International Schoolhouse
Benefits include:
- Smaller class sizes
- Immersion in your target language.
Downside can be:
- the cost
- Potential difficulty finding a preschool with your desired language.
Private or small group Tutoring
You can enroll your child in a tutoring program specifically for your target language.
Benefits include:
- Small groups or one on one attention
- Even tailored instruction.
Downsides include:
- Cost
- Finding an instructor
- As well as extra time outside of school.
Online or at home programs
The benefits of a second language aren’t limited to those who are fluent.
Even a little knowledge of a foreign language can reap benefits so introducing it at home can benefit the whole family!
If you already know a second language, why not introduce it at home! I’ve written more in depth on that topic here.
One parent can speak English and the other German, both can speak both languages, or you can focus on a language at a mealtime.
Benefits include:
- Flexibility
- Control over what your child is learning
- With the right resources can be free or lower cost.
Downsides can be
- Difficulty getting started
- Lack of parent knowledge
my Solution
I created my program and started Getting into German to bridge this gap between the benefits of a second language and the lack of education in schools. I created a parent guided program for introducing German to your preschooler through play! Check out Mit Mir Jahre here!
As a homeschooling mother, I agree with you that a second language is easier to teach and learn when a child is younger. I do feel that American’s fall behind in this area. I definitely don’t remember any of the Spanish I was taught.