The success of foreign language learning during preschool can be found in Swedish nurseries. In these schools you will find 3 year olds speaking three different languages fluently (Dryden & Vos, 1997). In fact Sweden has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. The languages have been learn through stimulation and play before the children are able to read.
Overall performanceResearch carried out during the last few years has shown that learning a second language enhances children’s overall mental development. This results in increased language skills, higher self-esteem, thinking and reasoning skills, math’s ability, earlier reading and better cultural understanding.
Math’s: a second language increases the ability to solve complex problems (partial evidence as research is underway)
English: a second language increases the vocabulary available to a child. This results in both languages reinforcing each other, giving the bilingual child an edge over their mono-linguistic contemporaries. Children can learn much about English by learning structures and words in other languages.
Reading: there is evidence that the double exposure to language has resulted in children reading (Gail Rosenblum).
PersonalityImproved self-esteem is one more by product of early foreign language instruction. Young children feel good about having this new competence. Also, because of the extra stimulation, young bilingual children find it much easier to learn other subjects as the foundation for learning is there.
Bilingual children have a better understanding of our multi-cultural world, which is a definite advantage in this days of high tech high skilled jobs. In other words they are better equipped for competing in tomorrow’s job market.