When considering bilingualism, we typically focus on its benefits and seldom take into account the challenges associated with it. The learning process of becoming a bilingual child, and the lived experience that goes with it, are fascinating topics. It deserves more exploration and research.

I sat down with Erin Quirk, FRQSC Postdoctoral fellow at Concordia University, to talk about these experiences.  Here’s what I learned.

Learning Two Languages at the Same Time 

It turns out that learning a second language can be similar to learning a first language, if one starts learning at a very young age.

“Before the age of three, there seems to be no difference between acquiring a first and second language,” says Dr. Quirk.

According to Dr. Quirk, research indicates that children who start learning a language before about three years of age follow a similar developmental trajectory as children learning a language from birth. This is called simultaneous bilingualism.

“There’s some evidence that beyond that age there do appear to be differences in terms of outcomes, but before that age, it doesn’t seem to be different. So, it would be similar for somebody who started hearing another language at daycare when they were three months old and someone who was hearing both languages at home from the beginning.” 

Of course, this doesn’t mean that children who learn two languages simultaneously are equally fluent in both languages.

“Something to keep in mind here is that very rarely do bilinguals acquire two languages with perfectly balanced exposure to those languages,” says Dr. Quirk.

Do Babies Mix Up Languages? 

In families raising bilingual children, parents may choose to use more than one language with their children. There are different ways of using two languages in one conversation with a child. For example, parents might repeat what they just said in the other language (immediate translation), or they may use two languages at different points in the conversation with the child (one language at a time). A recent 2023 study on three-to-five-year-old bilinguals showed that both strategies offer opportunities for bilingual children to develop their vocabulary.

Some parents are worried that teaching a second language to a child is confusing. Many people believe that babies can’t tell the difference between two languages when they hear them, but actually, they can from a very early age. In fact, researchers have found that even newborns can distinguish the language or languages spoken by their mother from other languages. This finding also shows that bilingual children start the process of language acquisition long before most parents realize it, in utero.

“In terms of the strategies that bilinguals use to learn words, they might do things slightly differently. For example, they are used to hearing two labels for one object because they have two languages being spoken around them” says Dr. Quirk.

Monolinguals can use what’s called mutual exclusivity. Take a bilingual child who speaks Spanish and English. If you compare the number of words they know to a monolingual child their age who speaks only Spanish or only English, they’ll know fewer words in each individual language. But if you take the number of concepts that the bilingual child knows across both languages and compare them to their monolingual peers, they’re the same.

In explaining mutual exclusivity, Dr. Quirk said,

“I don’t know the word for this thing, and you’ve just said a new word I’ve never heard before. I’m going to assume it’s that thing that I don’t have a word for in front of me. There’s some evidence that bilinguals will do this slightly differently. They use mutual exclusivity slightly less.” 

Parents naturally help their children learn words in two languages by translating new words for them. The results of a 2022 study suggest that “bilingual parents code-switch in ways that support successful bilingual language acquisition.”

Can Children Learn a Second Language Through Media? 

Our increased exposure to media (the relatively recent concept of binge-watching is an example) seems like it makes bilingualism a much easier trait to gain today, especially if a child is learning English. There’s a ton of high-quality media in the English language and many children are exposed to it through song lyrics, streaming services, and other forms of media.

“I would be skeptical of anyone saying that they learned a language purely from media exposure because there is pretty good evidence that you need to engage and be interactive in a language in order to acquire it,” says Dr. Quirk. “For children, and I think even in adults, there’s good evidence that you need to use the language and have kind of an interactional motivation to use it and not just passive exposure to it.” 

A study by Tamara Sorenson Duncan and Johanne Paradis published in 2019 suggests that viewing television does not boost language learning and may even have a detrimental effect on learning a second language when studying bilingual 5-year-old children.

Language-learning apps are a popular tool for learning a second language nowadays.

“I think for children there probably are apps that are engaging, but they are not a replacement for actual interaction with people,” says Dr. Quirk. “The most important thing is interaction with people. This means more time talking to, ideally, native speakers, not just one, but maybe multiple. I think apps are not as important as interaction with people.” 

The bottom line is that though technology can be used to enhance bilingualism in children, it can’t substitute human interaction.

The Earlier the Better

If you want your child to know more than one language, the rule of thumb is: the earlier, the better. That said, it’s certainly possible to learn a new language at any age. When learning at a young age, developmental milestones are usually similar between bilinguals and monolinguals.

“Keep in mind that exposure has an impact. So, if a child is learning a language that they hear very rarely, it’s totally natural for them to develop this language slightly slower.”

She went on to say that languages that children hear more frequently may develop similarly to monolinguals’ development of their first language.

Conclusion

Learning a second language can be an amazing skill and open up a person’s perspective to a whole new worldview. Not to mention, the cognitive skills that are boosted by learning a second language. But no matter how desirable this is, much of early bilingualism isn’t controlled by parents.

What parents can do is provide their children with as many opportunities to hear and speak in the languages they are learning. Under the right conditions, the human brain has an amazing capacity for learning multiple languages at a young age. What parents need to do is trust the process.

Related Reading

Read Learn about the future career benefits of being a multilingual.

Creating an effective at-home study space is imperative, yet incredibly challenging, for students engaging in online tutoring. Between distracting environments, subpar tech setups, and general life clutter invading your focus, it’s no wonder learning from home often feels fruitless.

But it doesn’t have to be this way! By strategically optimizing your home study corner and habits around key pain points that hinder productivity, you can transform any space into a thriving educational oasis.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore practical, affordable solutions to elevate your environment for streamlined learning, better workflow, and enhanced focus specifically tailored to the unique needs of remote tutoring students.

From minimalist organization hacks to ergonomic desk adjustments, let’s work through frustrations together to construct a personalized hub where knowledge absorption can flourish.

Establishing a Dedicated Study Space

Having a well-defined space for studying is key to productive learning. Choose a spot that is relatively quiet and free from distractions, even if it’s small like a corner area. Add necessary furniture like a desk and chair. Customize it to suit your needs with lighting and organizational tools. Make it a functional, inspiring space just for schoolwork so when you’re in that zone, your mind knows it’s time to focus. If you are having a math online tutoring class, be sure to have space to access resources from and collaborate with your chosen online math tutors for the high school or middle school curriculum.

Optimizing Your Study Area for Focus and Efficiency

Simply having a designated study space is not enough – you need to optimize the area for maximum productivity. Given below are a few tips to optimize your study space.

Essential Furniture and Equipment

• Desk and chair: Prioritize ergonomics for long study sessions
• Bulletin board: Display goals, calendars, and inspiration
• Organization station: Label and store supplies conveniently

Ergonomic considerations

• Position your screen at eye level to prevent strain
• Use lumbar support for your lower back
• Alternate sitting and standing with an adjustable desk

Lighting and Its Impact on Productivity

Natural lighting is optimal but supplement with:

• Task lighting aimed at your workspace
• Blue light-blocking bulbs or device filters
• Darkening curtains on windows prone to glare

Minimize clutter for Mental Clarity

Minimizing Distractions

Distractions are the enemy of productive studying. Common intrusions like background noises and phone notifications negatively impact concentration. Designate your study time as a “digital detox” to curb wanderings into social media, email, and irrelevant websites. Silence electronics alerts if possible or add background white noise to drown out unpredictable sounds. Keep your area tidy and free of clutter to prevent visual disruptions.

Technology Setup for Seamless Online Tutoring

As with any remote learning setup, a stable internet connection and reliable devices are mandatory, especially for subjects like math. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and required hardware like a webcam to support interactive sessions with your best online math tutor without technical disruptions. Favor a wired ethernet cable over WiFi whenever possible for the most consistent speeds. Also, take preventative measures to solve connectivity issues like using your phone as an internet hotspot if needed. Prepare backups—they will ensure your tech functions smoothly instead of derailing lessons.

Creating an Inspiring and Motivational Environment

Surround yourself with physical and visual elements that spark inspiration and positivity to keep your motivation for learning strong. Consider sources you find encouragement in like imagery with uplifting quotes or photos of family and friends cheering you on. Keep decor cohesive with a color theme and balanced composition to aid concentration as an overstimulating space has the opposite effect. Try to customize your study space according to the tutoring class you take. For a math online tutoring class, display any inspiring materials provided by your math tutoring online instructor, such as formulas, charts, or words of motivation. When it’s time for kids to take a break in their bedroom, ensure it’s a relaxing space.

Effective Time Management and Scheduling

One of the perks of studying from home is schedule flexibility, but that can quickly turn detrimental without structure. Establish regular blocks of study hours and commit to them as non-negotiable priorities. Schedule mandatory short breaks to prevent mental fatigue and burnout. Use alarms to transition between subjects to avoid hyperfocusing on non-productive activities. Consistency, focus in sessions, and rest in between is key.

Support System and Clear Communication

Loop in household members to back your studying endeavors through open communication about your schedule and policies around minimizing disruptions during sessions. Brief loved ones on your breaks and when you’re unavailable for errands. Express appreciation through gestures like short catch-up chats or study-fuel snack shares. Signs on doors indicating your classroom hours can quickly hush interruptions.

Health and Wellness Considerations

As you optimize your study corner, don’t neglect self-care that enhances learning. Given below are a few tips to take care of your health.

Foster good posture: Ensure your desk and chair are at optimal heights tailored to your body. Invest in a headset to avoid cradling your phone while taking notes.

Prioritize hydration: Keep water at your desk and set a reminder to drink every hour.

Practice eye breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away.

Replenish snacks: Stash non-perishable proteins and fruits in your top drawer to refuel during long sessions.

Take movement breaks: Stretch, do desk yoga, and walk around the house for a few minutes periodically.

Breathe deeply: Simple inhales through the nose and long exhales out the mouth quickly reduce stress between tasks.

Diffuse soothing scents: Essential oils like lavender promote calmness.

Transforming any ordinary area into a thriving hub focused on furthering your education is achievable with some strategic optimizations. Your future starts from within the walls of your personalized learning zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I create a productive study environment in a small or shared space?

Use organizing furniture like storage ottomans and wall-mounted shelves. Vertical storage opens up floor space. Install privacy room dividers when possible, and hang blackout curtains to minimize outside distractions. Noise-cancelling headphones also create a sense of solitude.

2. What are some affordable ways to enhance my study environment for online tutoring?

Funky desk organizers, bulletin boards, and motivational wall prints provide functional and inspiring upgrades without breaking the bank. Use items you already have at home, like unused shelving, frames, extra lighting, or small indoor plants. Rearrange existing furniture like chairs or sofas temporarily during scheduled study hours.

3. How do I deal with tech issues during online tutoring sessions?

Have a backup device charged and ready to swap like another household computer or tablet. Tether to a smartphone hotspot as a temporary internet solution. Save your tutor’s email and technical support contact number to reach out immediately for troubleshooting assistance if a session gets disrupted.

Conclusion

Creating an optimal learning environment at home can transform online tutoring from a constant struggle to a smooth and enjoyable experience. By taking the time to intentionally design your physical setup, technology, ambiance, schedule, and communication around proven strategies that enhance focus and productivity, suddenly knowledge retention soars while frustrations plummet. Tiny tweaks make a big cumulative difference. It may feel daunting at first to overhaul study habits and spaces you’ve used for years into a system that fuels (rather than thwarts) your academic goals.

However, staying committed to self-improvement through ongoing adjustments tailored to your unique needs paves the pathway to success. Gradually implement changes across these key areas we’ve explored, and soon you’ll have a personalized hub engineered specifically around you as a student, one where you can finally realize your full intellectual potential through a tutoring journey that sticks for the long haul.

When it comes to hosting a kids’ party, blending fun with creativity can turn an ordinary gathering into an extraordinary adventure. Just imagine the laughter and joy filling the air as children dive into candy-themed games and activities, sparking an unforgettable experience.

These memorable moments of joy resonate well with the ethos of bliss life products, where enhancing lifestyle and well-being through positive, health-focused products is key.  Pure delight in a wholesome environment captures the essence of what children’s parties should embody.

Sweet Scavenger Hunt

Nothing quite says adventure like a scavenger hunt, especially when it’s sprinkled with sweet surprises along the way. You can create clues wrapped in candy wrappers that lead children from one spot to another, each step revealing a small treat or a clue toward the ultimate prize. This not only keeps the party lively but also sparks teamwork and problem-solving skills amongst the little adventurers. Ensure the final treasure encompasses a bundle of goodies that encourage healthy living, subtly blending fun with wellness.

To kick things up a notch, consider incorporating riddles that incorporate candy trivia, making the scavenger hunt not only a test of physical prowess but also of sweet knowledge. This can be an engaging way to blend learning with play, as participants unravel fun facts about different types of candies during their quest. Plus, the inclusion of a modest prize for everyone at the end ensures that each child feels rewarded for their effort and participation, which can foster a sense of inclusion and accomplishment.

For a refreshing twist, why not include a ‘garden of sweets’ where each clue leads to a different plant or flower that somehow resembles candy? Children can learn about nature while indulging their sweet tooth, making discoveries like how certain flowers might share the vibrant colors of their favorite treats. Wrap up the hunt with a DIY fruit candy kabob station, where kids can skewer their own combination of fruits and small candies, reinforcing the delight of natural sweetness along with a controlled portion of candy.

Candy Craft Corner

Unleashing creativity can be as simple as setting up a candy craft corner. Here, children can engage in activities like making edible jewelry or designing candy mosaics. This interactive zone not only keeps their hands busy but also “fosters artistic expression while teaching them how to problem solve and refine their motor skills,: according to Zach Isaak from The Uzzle.

For a healthier twist, include activities such as decorating containers that can later be used for storing fruits or nutritious snacks, thereby promoting an organized and health-conscious lifestyle.

Dedicate a section of the craft corner to ‘candy science’ where children can participate in simple experiments, such as observing candy colors mixing in water or creating static electricity with candy wrappers. These science-based activities can make the creative process even more engaging by introducing basic scientific concepts in a fun and tangible way. Providing this educational twist helps support a growth mindset, showing that learning can be as enjoyable as indulging in your favorite treat.

Tasty Relay Races

Races and active games always bring an electrifying energy to children’s parties. Incorporate candy-themed relay races, like balancing candies on spoons or a three-legged race where partners pass a candy baton. Midpoint hydration stations emphasize the importance of water, turning the simple act of drinking into a fun part of the game. These activities not only fuel the children’s energy and enthusiasm but also impart valuable lessons on teamwork and the importance of staying hydrated.

Candy-Themed Guessing Games

Challenge the little minds with candy-themed guessing games. From estimating the number of candies in a jar to blindfolded taste tests, these games are perfect for sparking curiosity and sensory exploration. Incorporating such guessing games into the festivities engages critical thinking and enhances sensory experiences, making learning fun and interactive. It’s about making each guess and giggle a step towards fostering a joyful and inclusive party atmosphere.

Creative Cooking with Candy

Inspire young chefs with a creative cooking segment, focusing on making healthy treats with just a hint of candy for flavor. This not only introduces children to the joys of cooking but also educates them on balancing treats with nutritious ingredients. A decoration competition, using minimal candy on healthy snacks, inspires creativity while emphasizing the value of moderation. Such activities demonstrate that making healthier choices can also be a fun and creative process.

Capping the party with a casual chat about balancing sweet treats with wholesome foods, and fun ways to stay active, ties all the fun activities back to the core message of wellness and happiness. It’s a gentle nudge towards a lifestyle where fun and well-being go hand in hand, echoing the principles behind encouraging a blissful life through positive, healthy choices. Through themed games and activities, children not only enjoy a memorable party experience but also learn valuable lessons on living a balanced and joyful life.

Every young child dreams of becoming an astronaut, an actor, or a professional athlete. As they grow older, they may develop additional passions for fields like science, math, or literature. As a parent, it’s your job to support your child’s career journey and empower your kids as they discover new interests.

Guiding your child’s career journey can help them figure out what they do not want to do, too. This is crucial, as you don’t want your child to realize that they have hemophobia during their third year of a surgery program.

Giving your child a little boost is also a great way to help them gain experience early on in life. For example, if your kid shows an interest in entertainment, you might want to help them along the way by signing them up for acting classes or content creation. This will make things that much easier when they start applying for entry-position roles in the industry.

Becoming a Learner

No matter your child’s goals, a strong set of grades is sure to help. No employer will turn down an applicant because of a GPA that is too high, and great grades will open doors when applying for universities.

Foregrounding the importance of education helps your child become a lifelong learner, too. This is crucial, as your kid will need to know how to learn new skills when they enter the workforce. By teaching them how to learn and placing a premium on education, you show them that they have the skills and aptitude necessary to overcome challenges and adapt to their new job.

Becoming a lifelong learner isn’t just good for your child’s career prospects. Folks who consider themselves learners benefit from improved mental health, exhibit practical skills like speaking a second language, and are more likely to connect with supportive communities. This will serve them well in the professional world, where they’ll stand out from the crowd due to their resilience and aptitude for learning.

Building Skills

If you want your child to find success in their career, you’ll need to help them build key professional skills. The educators from McCann insist that this aspect largely starts in the classroom, as this is where students learn to communicate their ideas effectively and work with others.

Ideally, this will be a blend of employable hard skills (like coding or content creation) and soft skills (like leadership and communication). Emphasizing skills is crucial, as they’ll lean heavily on the skills they develop in childhood when they enter the workforce.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a professional programmer or a polyglot to teach your kid key skills. Instead, focus on signing them up for educational experiences like:

• Sports teams that suit their skills
• Exchange student experiences
• Coding classes
• Music Lessons

You can also help your child learn how to create content and start a social media side hustle. This can be deeply empowering, as they’ll be able to earn a little extra pocket money from ad revenue while building the skills that content creators use in the professional world.

Volunteering

Volunteering for your local community with your child isn’t just a moral thing to do. Civic engagement opportunities look great on your kid’s CV and will help them gain experience in the real world. This is key if you want to help guide your child towards a career that serves the community in some way.

For example, if your kid has a passion for reading and research, they may want to become a librarian. Becoming a librarian requires strong interpersonal skills, curiosity, and a passion for analytics. Many libraries offer voluntary positions to folks who are interested in the career, and high school students may qualify for internships and work-study programs.

Volunteering helps children understand how to work as part of a team. This can be deeply empowering for kids who have lofty career goals but struggle to work well with others. By signing your child up for volunteering activities, you help them get hands-on experience in the real world. This can help your kid mature quickly and give them insights into work-life that their peers may not have developed.

STEM Based Careers

Careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) tend to pay well and are professionally rewarding. Pursuing a career path in a field like cybersecurity can help your child use their passion for tech in a professional context. Cybersecurity roles come with great job security and will be around for years to come, too.

If your child is civic-minded and has a passion for sustainability, you may want to guide them towards a career in renewable energy. Renewables are on the rise currently, and there are plenty of great career paths to choose from, including:

• Solar photovoltaic installer
• Wind turbine technician
• Software developer
• Green building architect
• Data scientist

These careers lean heavily on the skills your child will learn in STEM classes. They serve a social good, too, as data scientists and software developers minimize our carbon footprint and empower folks to use more renewable energy. This can be a great way for your child to express their interest in STEM while pursuing a career that brings them pride and personal fulfillment.

Conclusion

Guiding your child’s career journey can be tricky if they do not know what they want to do with their life yet. However, you can still set your kid up for success by fostering a lifelong passion for learning. This will help you foreground the importance of transferable skills and will motivate them to sign up for volunteer opportunities. This is crucial if they’re hoping to break into a demanding field quickly, as they’ll need a strong CV when they leave education.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.