I AM jealous of other people’s ability to speak more than one language.
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I also know how picking up a new language gets harder the older you are.
I went through the curriculum-imposed French lessons in early high school, but that competed for my brain space with the much more interesting chemistry, physics and ancient history lessons later on.
I even studied first-year Italian at university and then put that basic knowledge to practice in a third-year Italian literature course – mainly because it sounded more interesting than some of the other far drier English lit subjects on offer.
Despite having a stronger interest in learning Italian than French, I still can only recall a handful of words, phrases and grammatical rules (mainly revolving around cursing for some reason!).
With that in mind it is incredible to see the ability of my two young daughters to comprehend Finnish, with my wife speaking it as often as possible since they were born.
Unfortunately the same can’t be said for my Suomi skills.
The Federal Government has announced the delivery of a language program trial for pre-schoolers, to begin from next year (click here for the story).
I think it’s great that languages could be taught from such an early age, as Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley says, “our youngsters are inquisitive and soak up large amounts of information like sponges”.
However, I’m not convinced “custom play-based apps on tablet devices” is the way to deliver the lessons.
As a bit of a tech-lover I find it hard to limit my own children’s exposure to computers, iPads, iPhones, DVD players etc.
While I’m regularly fascinated at their ability to easily pick up the use of such modern technology, I am also aware of recommendations to limit “screen time” to youngsters.
I know the use of technology has filtered down through the age groups since my own school days (we were only allowed to start using calculators in Year 7).
However, is preschool the best place for beginning such reliance of technology-assisted learning?
Shouldn’t we just let our three and four-year-olds continue to engage in social play, arts and crafts and creative group activities at preschool?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Email me at ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au