The Benefits of ESL for School-Aged Children
(English as a Second Language)
There are also many benefits of ESL for school-age children. According to the U.S. Department of Education, compared to their monolingual peers, bilinguals have an easier time with the following cognitive tasks:
In addition, while bilinguals are learning a new language, they are also acquiring a blocking technique that helps them choose the right word from one language while blocking the same word from the other. Students use this same technique to ignore distracting information while working on classroom assignments.
There are also some interesting social-emotional benefits of ESL for school children. One is tied to the ability to block out irrelevant information and concentrate on a specific task or direction. When bilinguals experience or witness difficult interpersonal interactions, they can better understand both sides of a situation. Because they can block out what they already know, they can focus on a viewpoint other than their own or see both sides of an issue.
In addition, students who speak two languages can maintain stronger ties with their communities as well as make friends with a greater variety of children.
- Understanding math concepts and solving word problems.
- Developing strong thinking skills.
- Using logic.
- Focusing, remembering and making decisions.
- Thinking about language.
- Learning other languages.
In addition, while bilinguals are learning a new language, they are also acquiring a blocking technique that helps them choose the right word from one language while blocking the same word from the other. Students use this same technique to ignore distracting information while working on classroom assignments.
There are also some interesting social-emotional benefits of ESL for school children. One is tied to the ability to block out irrelevant information and concentrate on a specific task or direction. When bilinguals experience or witness difficult interpersonal interactions, they can better understand both sides of a situation. Because they can block out what they already know, they can focus on a viewpoint other than their own or see both sides of an issue.
In addition, students who speak two languages can maintain stronger ties with their communities as well as make friends with a greater variety of children.