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Benefits of Learning a Second Language
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According to a 2019 Harvard paper, only 20% of primary and secondary students in the U.S. study a foreign language compared to 92% in Europe. The benefits of learning a second language are plentiful and long lasting - studies show that learning a second language at a young age can improve focus, problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, as well as set a child up for more positive social interactions and career opportunities as an adult. While all research suggests that starting language development earlier is best for children, it is better to start late than never. Even adults have the ability to learn a new language and reap the benefits. This week, we've gathered our favorite apps and tools to support second language development.
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Apps and Tools to Help Learn a Second Language at Any Age
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PBS World Languages: PBS offers resources to support students learning Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese. Lessons are searchable by language, age, and type of content (videos, interactive content, work sheets etc). Appropriate for those in Pre-K through Grade 12.
Rosetta Stone: The well-known program is excellent for helping with over 20 languages. The program offers pronunciation feedback, live coaching with native speakers, interactive content, and preparations for real-life scenarios. Consider opting for the "lifetime" subscription, which includes access to all Rosetta Stone language content in perpetuity. Appropriate for children as young as 7 years and adults.
Duolingo: This free and easy to use app helps users learn over 30 languages. Appropriate for children and adults, the app offers quick and playful lessons that can be done anywhere and anytime. While it can be used on its own, we love Duolingo as a supplement to a more intense language app. It's perfect to reinforce vocabulary on the go.
BBC Muzzy: Developed by the BBC for children, this program teaches a variety of languages through stories using the natural immersion method. Toddlers through teens can choose from Italian, French, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and German and receive ago-appropriate movies, sing alongs, printable worksheets, and more.
Little Pim: For younger children (under age 6), we love Little Pim. The app offers programs in 12 languages geared towards little ones; quick, bite-sized themed videos teach children key vocabulary, and it is reinforced over time through repetition. The service offers companion guides so you can work to support what your child is learning on your own time.
Pimsleur: This is a great choice for languages that aren't as common on the other apps, including Icelandic, Arabic, Punjabi, and Urdu. Appropriate for ages 13 and up.
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Further Language Resources
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British American Household Staffing can help your family find a bilingual nanny or governess to help build second language skills. Contact us today to start your search.
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As CDC guidance has recently changed to recommend N95s and KN95s when possible, we've gathered some trusted sources to purchase masks from. Be sure to choose a reliable seller as there are many imitation masks on the market at the moment (click here for the CDC's guide to spotting counterfeit masks). And remember, the best mask for you is one that provides a close fit and is comfortable enough to be worn properly consistently.
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Project N95: Offering both adult KN95 and N95 masks, as well as masks for children, this is our favorite source for masks of this kind. The non-profit only sells options that it has thoroughly vetted so you can be sure you're receiving safe, reliable products. The site also sells other forms of PPE and has helpful resources on mask fit and more.
Armbrust: This US-based company is another reliable source for legitimate, good quality masks. They sell surgical masks, N95s, children's masks, and a mask sampler pack to help you find which type is the right fit for you.
HappyMasks: You've likely heard the hype recently regarding these masks boasting 99.9% bacterial and viral filtration. These are currently sold out but available for pre-order to ship out in mid-March. We'd recommend these as a good option for those unable or unwilling to wear a N95 or KN95 for long periods of time.
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Follow Us On Social Media
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As always, we're here to assist with all your household staffing needs during this challenging time. Both childcare and cleaning professionals are considered essential workers and we have implemented strict protocols to make sure your family is as safe as possible. Contact us today to learn more.
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