September marks the beginning of the school year, bringing with it the preparation of uniforms, books, school supplies, schedules, and extracurricular activities. Organizations such as UNESCO and the OECD emphasize the importance of extracurricular activities in the cognitive and social development of children and adolescents.
Roberta Madrazo, educational director of Nominis, points out that these activities, whether English, skating, or robotics, should enrich children by providing specific knowledge, creativity, and social skills.
Although these activities are part of the daily routine for children, there is growing concern about not overloading their schedules. This has sparked a debate about the best options for extracurricular activities.
Madrazo emphasizes the importance of English as an extracurricular activity, considering it essential to prepare children for the challenges of the 21st century. She describes it as an investment in comprehensive development, improving cognitive abilities and cultural openness.
English is the official or de facto language in more than 50 countries and is widely chosen as a second or third language. However, in Spain, 7 out of 10 families have an English level below B2.
Historically, learning English has been an unachieved challenge for many, becoming a “pending subject” associated with frustration.
“When these people have children, they want to avoid this feeling at all costs, which is why English is non-negotiable. Knowing English is perceived as a means to a happier and more prosperous life. This, together with the widespread concern that the English learned in schools is not enough, turns this activity into a golden extracurricular”, emphasizes Roberta Madrazo. But beyond long-term reasons, the earlier children start to be in contact with English, the easier they will learn it because they will internalize it alongside their mother tongue, following the same natural process.
From Nominis, they point out that “when we are young, we are more predisposed to learning, and pronunciation and intonation improve; learning a language also provides more security and fluency when speaking, increasing oral comprehension and reducing the need to translate into the mother tongue.”
6 advantages of choosing English as an extracurricular activity for young children
In the modern era, learning English has become a crucial skill for the comprehensive development of children. Beyond being an academic requirement, mastering this language opens doors to a world of educational, cultural, and professional opportunities. From Nominis, the online English learning method for children aged 6 to 12 years that awakens a passion for languages and reading through stories, highlights 6 advantages of choosing English as an extracurricular activity for young children:
1. Preparation for a globalized world: In a globalized context, English has established itself as the international language par excellence. Learning it from an early age not only facilitates communication with people from different cultures but also prepares children to effectively integrate into a constantly evolving global society.
2. Improvement in academic performance: Studies have shown that learning a second language, such as English, can improve children’s cognitive skills, including memory, problem-solving, and multitasking. It also strengthens their concentration and attention capabilities.
3. Access to global educational resources: Mastering English expands access to a vast array of educational resources online and bibliographic materials available in this language. This enriches children’s formal learning and provides them with additional tools to explore their interests and curiosities.
4. Preparation for future professional opportunities: In the professional field, English is a fundamental requirement in many sectors, from technology to international commerce and tourism. Offering children the opportunity to develop solid language skills from an early age provides them with an invaluable competitive edge in the future global job market.
5. Boosting confidence and self-esteem: English extracurricular activities not only teach the language in a structured and effective manner but also boost children’s confidence and self-esteem by providing a safe environment to practice and improve their language skills.
6. Cognitive improvement: Numerous studies have shown that children who learn other languages develop better problem-solving skills, increased concentration, and greater creativity. These children tend to have an easier time learning other languages in the future, giving them a significant advantage in their education and personal development.
via: MiMub in Spanish
