How should children learn a second language?

[Prettygyrl777]

I have worked in the field of early intervention and the subject of bilingualism came up alot (as far as language development was concerned). One of the biggest issues that some bilingual parents have is that their child is delayed in language skills. One of the strategies recommended is that if a child is going to be exposed to a second language, they need to learn it 'in whole part' not in broken terms. One parent should speak to the child strictly in one language, while the other parent speaks the other language. It helps the child compartmentalize the learning process of both languages. In other words, 'spanglish' is never a good idea if you want the child to master either language. I've seen that situation play out many times and every case, we advised the parents to allow the caregiver to speak to the child in the one language that they- the caregiver- is most comfortable with. You can imagine how many people scoff at the idea of having their nanny, or baby sitter speak to their child in a foreign language. But we point out that there is a greater delay if the language is not presented in the full and proper way.

It's hard to actually learn this off of a cd or a dvd. To really learn a language- it has to serve a purpose. Cd's and Dvd's only offer memorization. A child may never have a need to use it or may not have anyone to practice with. Unless they are totally immersed, (reading, writing, speaking and thinking in the language), it might be really difficult.

[bocamom]

there are a few schools (elementary) with dual language programs. has anyone had positive experiences with them?