You realize the benefits of having a second language but do not know where to turn or how to begin the process for your little one? You recognize the fact that your child will need to speak more than just one language in order to travel successfully through this global society of ours? Read through the following second language learning tips provided by a bilingual mom of three, educator of thousands and leading expert on the subject.

Start the second language learning early! Experts agree the earlier, the better. Play language music CDs during the pregnancy. Talk to your baby from the moment of birth in two or more languages if possible. If you and your family only speak one language, begin introducing a new language with bilingual music CDs and DVDs when appropriate.

Repetition is the key for all your child’s learning. Repeat! Repeat! Repeat!

From birth through age 10, many experts advise using the native and the new language together in a side-by-side presentation (referred to as a bilingual format). After the age of ten to twelve, total immersion is a good option. Early in life, the bilingual approach is best for better retention and higher self esteem for the child.

Find a bilingual language learning program/product for your young child that incorporates these following components: visual cues, music fun, beginning reading and verbal exchange.

Help your child enjoy the new language daily. How much is enough you ask? The following are some simple guidelines by age:

Infants should receive 10 minutes of bilingual music fun each day.

Toddlers should enjoy 20 minutes every day of bilingual board books, music and/or games. Preschoolers easily learn with 30 minutes of fun bilingual DVDs, games and music each day.

Elementary school children should be exposed to 45 minutes of music, movement and creative bilingual learning tools daily.

Make learning the new language fun! Do not ever force it. Avoid saying comments similar to: If you do not speak to me in xyz language I will not answer you. This approach only causes tension and rebellious actions.

Gently guide your child into the new language journey. Show a high level of confidence. Smiling usually works best!

If your home language is Spanish, do not agree to an immersion program of English only for your child under the age of 10. The sink or swim mentality does not work for little children. Young children need the comfort of their native language and connection to their heritage to maintain a high level of self-confidence and desire to continue speaking in their native language while learning a most difficult language at the same time.

If your Spanish-speaking child is learning English, do not listen to school staff members who suggest you give up speaking your native language at home. The myth that your children will be language delayed or have a language disorder is just that - a myth. In fact, bilingual children will ultimately speak both languages better, read sooner and score higher on math and verbal sections of standardized tests (not to mention experience better opportunities later in life).

Show your child that you respect other cultures and value the ability to speak other languages by attending multi-cultural events revolving around dance, music, food and the arts of other cultures and people.

Be patient! Have fun! Even if your child may not be verbalizing the new language right away, remember that repetition is the key to learning. Your child’s brain is processing the new language and is wiring it for future use. Your child is getting a strong foundation for later language learning.

About the Author: Beth Butler is the creator of the BOCA BETH Language Learning Series for young children. Find out how fun and easy it can be to raise a bilingual child. Sample the BOCA BETH bilingual music and movies for free at BocaBeth.com�
Article Source: http://www.freeaffiliatearticles.com/directory

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Have you seen the movie Home Alone? Two burglars looking to break into a house when they find out the family’s going on vacation.ÂÂ

If you’re going on a vacation this summer, the first thing you’ll want to ensure (unlike in Home Alone) is that you’re not leaving anyone behind. Once you know all your little ones are packed and ready to go you’ll want to make sure your house will be safe and burglary free while you’re away.

Here are a few safety tips to follow to ensure your home is safe during your vacation.

Only tell your trusted neighbors and family members that you’re going away. Don’t announce this to too many people as you never know who may overhear or take advantage of the situation. Try to only let a few trusted relatives for friends know. Give them a key (never leave it under the doormat or under a plant pot) to check on your house regularly.

Have them collect mail. A bundle of unopened mail is a sure way to let the world know you’re not home. The person taking care of your home while you’re away should make sure they place the mail inside daily as well as any newspapers, magazines or leaflets.

They should also water the plants and just keep the outside area of the house generally tidy. If you’re going away for a long time have them cut the front lawn if it grows too long.

Another good tip is to have someone move the position of the blinds or curtains every few days. Drawn curtains for several weeks are a sure sign that no one is home. You can also leave the front porch light on. Try to get one that’s either on an automatic timer which goes on in the evenings and turns off in the morning or even better get a motion sensitive light.

Unplug all electrical appliances and turn off computers and the gas supply before leaving. This is an extra added safety measure to help prevent a fire while you’re away.ÂÂ

And lastly, make sure you leave a note in a central area in your house for your relatives and neighbors with all your contact details. So that if there is an emergency they’ll be able to contact you easily. It’s also a good idea to leave your return date and time so that they know when to expect you.

To receive your free family travel tips, sign-up at MomsTravelTips.com

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Starting with a jigsaw puzzle that reveals a mystery, kids become young puzzle detectives. They learn about the people, culture, terrain, history, and geography of the featured country while searching for clues to solve the who, what, and where of the mystery. Top Secret Adventures will help expand knowledge and stimulate curiosity in children as they gain understanding of other cultures.

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