FAQ


Why is it important to expose kids to languages at such a young age?
Studies have shown that in infancy, babies have the incredible ability to hear all sounds necessary to pick up any language. At a young age (between birth and around eight years old), kids develop language in approximately the same area of the brain as their primary language. During this time, kids can naturally pick up a language without much need to translate a target language to their primary language. Therefore, kids can naturally, without much effort, learn any language just by being exposed to that language and do what they do best: play, sing, dance, color, read books and explore the beautiful, magical world around them.

What are the benefits of Language Buddies?

  1. Exposes kids to new languages and cultures when they are most receptive to the experience.
  2. Embraces kids’ individuality and appreciation of other languages, values, customs, and traditions.
  3. Helps set the foundation for greater academic achievement in other areas of study including reading, social studies, and mathematics.
  4. Prepares kids for a world whose diverse cultures are increasingly interdependent.
  5. Most importantly, it’s FUN getting to know your new Language Buddies!!!

What approach do you use to influence your language program?
We’ve done quite a bit of research to come up with a program that will be most effective for your child. We understand that kids learn a foreign language best when they are actively involved and all their senses are being stimulated while keeping their anxiety levels low. This is why many activities that we do during the class are fun, physical activities that the kids are already familiar with. It will just be done in a different language.

Our goal is for kids to eventually understand and communicate in the target language on topics that are most relevant to them without much emphasis on grammar instruction, and non-contextual memorization and recitation.

We also understand that no single method or tool will work for every kid. That is why we do our best to get to know your kids and create an environment that is safe for them to learn. We also request constant feedback from the parents/caregivers so that we can all work together to make this experience rewarding for everyone.

Will the teacher only speak in the target language?
As much as possible, the teacher primarily communicates to the kids in the target language using lots of animated gestures and visual aids. We do realize, however, that especially young children, go through a silent period where they primarily observe and listen to the new language until they start understanding the language and feel confident enough to verbalize the language. This is part of the language acquisition process and we do not ever force kids to speak in the target language until they are ready.

Is parent’s/caregiver’s participation encouraged?
At Language Buddies, we highly encourage the participation of the parents/caregivers because we believe that at this age, it is the parents/caregivers who make the strongest impression on their child. It is during these precious years that children look almost exclusively to the parent/caregiver as their primary role models. If the children see their parents/caregivers engaged during their exploration of a new language, they will also want to participate.

What is the class to teacher ratio?
As much as possible, we would like to keep the classes small. Our ideal class size is between 6 to 8 kids. We want to have a chance to really get to know every child and give them as much individual attention as we can.