Why is English instruction in kindergarten useful?
Linguists agree that Children between the ages of 3 and 5 are the most uninhibited with a language. They babble away cheerfully and become creative. At this age, foreign languages are stored in the same region of the brain as the native language, laying the foundation for learning intonation and pronunciation correctly.
Children quickly learn to distinguish between languages Even if at first the occasional sentence comes out with mixed vocabulary, children quickly learn to keep the languages separate. For this reason, it can make sense to start learning English already in kindergarten.
Other languages promote openness to other cultures Children who come into contact with another language early on become more open to difference and foreign cultures. As a result, they also pick up intercultural skills along the way.
Beware of performance pressure However, the foreign language at this age should always be fun and not a must. In a world where more and more is demanded earlier and earlier, children in kindergarten should mainly be allowed to play and romp.
Learning English playfully in kindergarten: How to make it work
English in daycare sounds good at first. But how can learning English in kindergarten be done playfully and without pressure? Here are a few tips on what to look out for:
By native speakers: Kindergartens that offer English hire either native speakers or educators with a very high level of language proficiency. Only this way can the little ones learn the correct pronunciation and intonation of the language. In addition, teaching in this way feels much more natural.
Immersion principle: In the so-called "language bath" the children simply immerse themselves in the foreign language, meaning: English becomes the everyday language in daycare instead of learning individual vocabulary or sentences. The rule here is: one educator per language. A native speaker speaks exclusively English with the little ones and the children infer from the context what is meant — just as they learn their native language.
Extra time for English: As an alternative to immersion, there is also the option to set specific times during the week when only English is spoken in kindergarten. However, this makes language learning feel much more unnatural and gives it a certain classroom-like character.
Songs & rhymes: In the first contacts with English, it's primarily about the children getting used to the melody and pronunciation of the language. This is best achieved playfully with children's songs or short rhymes. When singing, the little ones not only have fun, but the language also imprints itself along the way.
Learning English in daycare: What you as parents should look out for
Find a kindergarten with English lessons nearby: The non-profit association "fmks" stands for "Early Multilingualism at Daycares and Schools". Here you can find multilingual kindergartens in your area sorted by federal state. This can spare you from, every day having to travel a long distance to English care. And your child benefits from it as well. If friends from the daycare group live too far away, it becomes harder to arrange playdates.
Can I afford this? A kindergarten that offers English does not necessarily have to be more expensive than German-language childcare. However, the costs of individual kindergartens often vary greatly. Don't be put off by the English offering. Asking doesn't cost anything.
Support, don't overwhelm: If your child is already growing up bilingual, you might want to forgo an English kindergarten. Growing up with three languages can quickly be overwhelming. You may also notice that your child still has problems with motor skills or the German language. In that case you should support them in these areas first before approaching another foreign language.
Don't create pressure: Memorizing vocabulary or texts? That doesn't have to happen in kindergarten. Your child should enjoy the language. Instead, find out which songs and rhymes your child already knows. Then you can also sing along when they start singing in English.
Primary school with English lessons? A kindergarten offering English only really makes sense if your child then attends a primary school where the concept is continued. Otherwise, your child can easily forget the English vocabulary alongside learning arithmetic and writing.
Books, audio plays or films: If your child enjoys the language and feels comfortable in English, you can incorporate a few English toys and media into family life. It's also important that your child doesn't feel forced and listens to and learns the foreign language voluntarily.
Learning English in kindergarten – yes or no?
What are the arguments for and against English instruction in kindergarten? Here's an overview of the pros and cons.
Pros
The age between 3 and 6 is the ideal window for learning languages.
English as the everyday language in kindergarten leads to natural language acquisition.
A second language also promotes language skills in the native language.
Children learn playfully without pressure and grades.
Foreign languages learned early help children at school.
Other languages foster openness to other cultures.
Cons
Some children feel overwhelmed by a second language and react by withdrawing or rejecting it.
Parents' ambition can turn into pressure for the children.
For children who speak a language at home other than German and English, confusion can arise
English-speaking kindergartens or English lessons tend to be more expensive.
Kindergartens offering English are often further away from home and long travel distances can result.
If the educators do not have native-level proficiency, the children will also learn the language incorrectly.
