French News-Bilingual Education

Benefits of bilingual education

Bilingual education is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and for good reason. I wanted to share some of my reasons with you, especially about why learning French can help your child’s English and cognitive development, leading to a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

1. Improved cognitive abilities: Learning a second, third or fourth language has been shown to improve cognitive function, including enhanced memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Bilingual education requires students to use both languages, which can improve their ability to switch between tasks and think critically.
    
2. Increased language awareness: When children learn French, they become more aware of the structure and rules of language. This can help them better understand the structure and rules of English and improve their overall language skills.
    
3. Improved vocabulary: Many English words have roots in French, so learning French can help children better understand and remember English vocabulary. French words are also often tier 2 vocabulary, which are words that are more complex and content based. These words can often appear on the NAPLAN test. By understanding the origins and meanings of these words, students can improve their language skills and perform better. For example; comprehension in French is      "compréhension" or consequence is "conséquence" in French.
    
4. Enhanced reading comprehension: Learning French can improve children's reading comprehension skills in English. This is because many of the skills required for reading in French, such as identifying cognates (words that are similar in both languages), can also be applied to reading in English.
    
5. Increased cultural awareness: Bilingual education promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures. By learning another language, students can communicate and connect with people from different backgrounds and understand their perspectives better. Learning French can expose children to French and Francophone culture, which can help them better understand the cultural influences on the English language.

Overall, bilingual education can provide numerous benefits that extend beyond just language proficiency. It can enhance cognitive abilities, promote cultural awareness, improve job prospects, and boost academic performance.

Come and have a chat with me if you’d like to discuss this further!

-Rebecca Grimaud,

French coordinator