Little Pim Launches New Language Learning Video Player Apps for Kids

Now, your little ones can learn a new language with Little Pim on-the-go with our new video player apps on iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and AppleTV!

If you’re currently a subscriber or have access to a language volume set, you can login to “unlock” your videos and start watching anywhere, anytime. Click the links below to download the app for your device:

• iOS

• Android and Android TV

• Amazon Fire TV

• Roku

• Apple TV

NEW TO LITTLE PIM? WELCOME, BIENVENUE, BIENVENIDO, WILLKOMMEN...!

Millions of young children worldwide have been introduced to their first words in a foreign language with Little Pim’s award-winning series. You can learn more about Little Pim by browsing our website or if you’re ready to get started, try it free for 3 days by signing up for our unlimited subscription.

App Features:

• 12 foreign language options including Spanish, French, English & Mandarin!

• Our Entertainment Immersion Method® makes language learning fun & easy for kids ages 0-6

• Videos are segmented into 5-minute episodes to accommodate a young child’s attention span

• Teaches your child 360+ words and phrases

• Keeps your child fully engaged as they learn a second language with Little Pim

• Kids respond enthusiastically to Little Pim’s combination of animated and live-action videos

• Simple sentences are broken down into easy-to-understand parts and are reinforced through repetition by native speakers

• No Foreign Language Background Needed (companion guides and scripts available at littlepim.com)

If you have any trouble accessing your videos or login information, please contact us via live chat during office hours, via email: help@littlepim.com, or send us a message on Facebook. Thank you and best of luck on your language learning journey!

10 Reasons for Kids to Learn a Foreign Language

Scientists, researchers, and education experts have been proving the benefits of children learning a foreign language for decades. However, bilingual and multilingual children are still a minority: in the US, only 22% of children speak a language other than English – but the numbers are increasing.

Learning a foreign language is not only fun and educational, but also has dozens of benefits for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development.

In the following article, read about the top 10 reasons why every child should be learning a language next to its native one.

1. Improves Problem-Solving Skills

When it comes to learning, it can be said that “if you can learn another language, you can learn anything”!

Language learning engages parts of a children's brain that's usually under-used. It also promotes thinking from different perspectives and observing a problem from many different sides. 

Vocabulary exercises and practicing foreign language structures will also dramatically increase a child's memory capacity, according to studies. 

2. It Will Be Easier to Learn Languages Later in Life

Even though learning a foreign language as a child is highly beneficial, unfortunately, mostly children from bilingual backgrounds are those who end up learning another language to a fluent level. In teen and adult years, these bilingual or multilingual children will have a much easier time learning new languages.

It’s argued that learning a foreign language at an early age develops a child’s “ear for languages”.

As a person ages, it becomes exponentially more difficult to learn new languages and grasp new concepts. A child’s mind is like a sponge, which takes in everything it’s surrounded with, so if there’s a perfect time to learn a language, it’s definitely in childhood!

3. Exercises the Left Brain Hemisphere

Language skills are located in the brain’s left hemisphere, which is also connected to other logical and rational skills. Some other abilities that are controlled by the left lobe are:

• mathematics

• logics

• science

• critical thinking

• problem-solving

• analytical skills

The best part about this fact is that by exercising a hemisphere in one part (languages) also improves abilities in other, connected segments. 

This means that, according to neuroscience theories, a child that’s learning and practicing a foreign language is simultaneously boosting its skills in math and science.

4. Better Grades

It’s not a surprise that children with a knack for languages achieve better results in school.

This is linked to so-called “verbal intelligence”, which is highly appreciated in modern education and recognized in tests and examinations. 

“Studies have shown that bilingual and multilingual kids achieve better results academically. It’s closely linked to increased cognitive activity and problem-solving skills. Learning a language is like a puzzle, an exercise for a kid’s brain”, says Sheila Jefferson, a children book writer at TrustMyPaper and Studicus. 

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Empathy

When you learn a non-native language, you are not only practicing grammar, spelling, and vocabulary, but you’re grasping the entire worldview of a particular culture.

This notion was outlined in the linguistic Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, which claims that a language directly determines the way a person sees the world. A popular example of linguistic relativity supported by this hypothesis is the fact that Eskimos allegedly have dozens of different words for “snow”. This shows that snow presents an important part of an Eskimo’s life and world.

In terms of cultural sensitivity, language learning will teach children to view the world from another culture’s perspective. They will learn about the differences and similarities between two or more cultures and develop empathy.

6. Increases Understanding of Native Language

Some theories claim that learning a foreign language too early can actually decrease the vocabulary of your native language. With plenty of research and studies, this has been disputed and rejected as a myth.

The absolute opposite is through. Surveys and experiments have shown that children who speak two or more languages have a richer vocabulary and better understanding of structures in their own language. 

7. Career and Professional Opportunities

It’s no secret that people who are multilingual have an easier time finding a job and landing higher-paid jobs. 

This is not only applicable to the language industry (such as the profession of a translator), but across all industries and sectors. Wharton research suggests that people who know two languages earn 2% on average. 

If you want your kid to have a head start, you can sign them up for a children’s language learning academy such as Little Pim (designed from children age 0-6). 

8. Improves Mood and Self-Confidence

Experts claim that language learning can literally make you happier. The feeling of successfully grasping a new concept or a complex structure does wonders for self-esteem, which in turn has a positive effect on mood. 

9. Boosts Other Cognitive Abilities 

We have previously mentioned that language skills are closely connected to logic, science, math, and other critical thinking abilities. However, research has proven that there are many more skills and talents that are advanced with language learning.

One of the most notable ones is music. Given that children who learn a second language have a tendency to pick up new sound patterns and voices, they will also find their way around music and instruments much easier than others.

10. Enables Easier Traveling

Whether you’re a globetrotting family who tends to take vacations abroad or there’s a moment where your child might be interested in a semester abroad, knowing another language makes things significantly easier.

This is not only valid for children, but for teenagers and adults as well. So, even if your child doesn’t do much traveling in childhood and youth, another language will prove to be really handy later on. 

Conclusion

There are tons of benefits for children learning a foreign language. Even if you’re not convinced by any of these, another fact is that language learning has no drawbacks!

If you want your child to have improved cognitive abilities, better memory, increased cultural sensitivity, and better career opportunities, it’s high time to enroll them in a foreign language class!

About the Author: Kristin Savage nourishes, sparks and empowers using the magic of a word. Along with pursuing her degree in Creative Writing, Kristin was gaining experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in marketing strategy for publishers and authors. Now she works as a freelance writer at BestEssayEducation and GrabMyEssay.

9 Chinese New Year Activities for Kids

Xīnnián kuàilè! Happy New Year! 

In China, the New Year is the most important holiday of the year. It's a time for families to come together and celebrate. People enjoy eating traditional foods, watching fireworks, and going to parades. 

When is the Chinese New Year? 

In 2020, the Chinese lunar year will start on January 25th and end on February 11th, 2021. The Chinese New Year starts on a different day each year because it is based on a lunar calendar.

• Each year starts on the new moon that occurs between the end of January and the end of February. 

• Celebrations run for approximately two weeks, from the first day of the year until the next full moon.

• New Year's festivities end with the Lantern Festival.

The Chinese lunar calendar has been in use since the Shang Dynasty during the 14th century B.C. Even though China adopted the Western calendar in 1912, the Chinese New Year is still observed as a cultural celebration. 

Chinese New Year's Activities for Kids

The New Year is the perfect opportunity to introduce Chinese culture and the Mandarin language to your kids. The great part about a celebration that lasts for two weeks is that you'll have the chance to do several activities.

Watch a Parade

Many larger cities hold Chinese New Year's celebrations. San Francisco and New York City are famous for their parades. If you can attend a parade, it will be an experience you and your child won't soon forget! If you can't be there in person, check your TV schedule or live stream a parade. 

If there aren't any Chinese New Year's celebrations near you, there are still plenty of ways you can celebrate right at home. 

Eat a Traditional Meal

Dumplings are a traditional Chinese New Year food. Making them from scratch requires a bit of prep work, but they are so tasty! Get the family together and make this kid-friendly Chinese dumpling recipe. Young children can help by mixing and rolling the dough. 

• If your family doesn't eat pork, you can substitute ground chicken or crumbled tofu.

• Serve with soy sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. 

• For extra fun, try eating with chopsticks. You might be surprised at how well your children do! If traditional chopsticks are intimidating, purchase a "beginner" pair. These chopsticks are made of plastic and are joined at one end.

Get Crafty

Preschoolers love making crafts. It allows them to be creative and spend time with their caregivers. Crafts are also beneficial because using scissors and coloring gives kids a chance to develop their fine motor skills.

• Lanterns are a traditional New Year's decoration. Using craft supplies you probably already have at home, you can help your child create this Chinese lantern. Children can make them in their favorite color, or go with the traditional red.

• Dragons are a symbol of good luck. Chinese New Year's parades feature dancing dragon puppets. The puppets are so large, they are operated by several people. Create your own good luck by making a smaller dragon puppet out of wooden spoons and ribbons. Your child can dance around the house with their new puppet. 

Give Gifts

A traditional New Year's gift for children is a red envelope containing money.

• You can surprise your children with this gift, or opt to have them decorate their own envelope.

• Depending on your child's age, you can give them real money and coins, or play money. 

Gifting red envelopes is an ancient tradition, but the origin is somewhat unknown. One legend states that an orphan defeated a demon that was terrorizing a village. As a show of thanks, the elders gave the child a red envelope full of money.

Learn about Chinese Zodiac Animals

Like the American zodiac, the Chinese zodiac has 12 signs. 

• However, the Chinese zodiac is based on a 12 year, and not a 12 month, cycle.

• The year your child was born determines their zodiac animal.

The rat is the zodiac animal for 2020. You can celebrate by making a cute rat finger puppet.

Read a Book

Visit your local library and check out books about China and Chinese culture. The author Grace Lin has several picture books that are appropriate for preschoolers:

• Dim Sum for Everyone

• Bringing in the New Year

• Fortune Cookie Fortunes

Ask your librarian if they have other book suggestions. 

Clean Your Home

Cleaning the home is a traditional way to prepare for the Chinese New Year's. While it is a chore, you can still make it fun. Young children love to mimic the activities they see you doing.

They can sweep with a small handheld broom and dustpan, or dust with a cloth lightly dampened with water.

Celebrate with Indoor "Fireworks"

Fireworks are a traditional way to celebrate, but there's a safer way to have noise and colors.

• Fill balloons with glitter or confetti before blowing them up. You or another adult can then pop them with a pin. If your child is adventurous, they can try to pop the balloons by sitting on them.

• If loud noises scare your child, make DIY confetti throwers.  

Learn Mandarin Words

The Chinese New Year is the perfect time to teach your kids some Mandarin words. You can use these words as a starting point:

Rat = Shǔ

Red = Hóngsè

Dragon = Lóng

Lantern = Dēnglóng

Are you and your child ready to learn more Mandarin?

The Little Pim Difference

Over a billion people speak Mandarin Chinese, more than any other language. It's a great choice for a foreign language for your child.

Children are never too young to learn a second, or even third, language. In fact, learning multiple languages is easiest and has the most benefits between birth and six years of age.

If don't you don't speak Mandarin, don't worry! Our program is designed so that parents don't have to already know the language in order to help their child learn it. You'll learn right along with your child. Our companion guides and scripts will make it easy.

Subscribe to Little Pim today and introduce your child to a new language!

Unlinked Sources:

https://www.littlepim.com/choose-a-language

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/chinese-new-year-2020-when-date-what-rats-meaning-zodiac/

https://www.rd.com/culture/history-chinese-new-year/

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/chinese-new-year

6 Benefits of Learning Spanish for Kids

Our brains are like computers with countless programs that help us navigate the various aspects of life through all ages. However, just like computers, as they age, they can become less efficient when it comes to retaining new things. Although learning a second language can be done at any age, this is one reason why children are best suited for it. 

When it comes to learning Spanish, here are a few additional reasons why your child will benefit from learning a second language.

Strengthen Muscles

Not body muscles but the muscle we know as the brain. And - as with any muscle - the more we use it, the stronger it gets. Specifically, the frontal lobe of the brain is where the Broca and Wernicke areas are. 

The Broca region of the frontal lobe is commonly understood as the part of the brain responsible for the movement aspects of speech such as the palate, tongue, and mouth. The Wernicke region assists in comprehension of new languages and sounds, among other things.

Together, these two regions of the frontal lobe are vitally important to learning a second language and the sooner we begin exercising these (or any parts) of the brain, the stronger they will be.

Additionally, children of younger ages (before age six) are able to learn new languages quicker than older individuals. There are a number of reasons for this.

They don't fear mistakes

Children are less likely to be embarrassed when they make a mistake while learning than adults are. They're not as self-critical and are able to learn from these mistakes rather than demean themselves or give up.

They are not linguistically programmed

In the Japanese language, there is no "L" sound and this is why many native Japanese speakers are not able to pronounce it (they pronounce "L" as "R"). Similarly, studies show that young Japanese Americans were able to develop the skills to pronounce the "L" sound with the use of immersion while older subjects were not. Their brains were hard-wired to the point where they could not unlearn what they had been taught.

They retain things faster

Babies and children's brains form neural and synaptic connections much quicker and UNICEF experts report this not only helps them with learning as children, but helps to "form the basis of a person's lifelong capacity to learn, adapt to change, have resilience in case of unexpected circumstances, as well physical and mental health."

Cultural Opportunities

The right teaching methods can help children not only learn Spanish but also help them understand cultures. In fact, research shows that understanding a different culture augments the teaching of the language. With Spanish-speaking communities all over the world, having the ability to speak the language affords students the opportunity to experience the Spanish culture right in their own communities without concern over miscommunication or misunderstanding.

It also allows them the opportunity to make friends with children from Spanish-speaking families who may not otherwise be able to connect with other children or students.

Travel Opportunities

There are 20 nations with Spanish as the official language (and Puerto Rico) but your child doesn't need to go to Argentina or Columbia to find it beneficial to speak the language. Spanish is the second most popular language in the world, spoken by more than 570 million people and experts suggest the number of Spanish speakers in the U.S. will surpass the number that speak it in Spain!

Wherever your child goes, they will have the comfort of knowing they can speak the language of where they are.

Boosts Confidence

Everyone has experienced at least one moment when they felt they did not fit in. Whether in the boardroom, at the office, with the in-laws, or at school. These experiences can wreak havoc on our confidence levels but when we understand what is needed and/or expected, we are better able to feel confident that we can handle the situation.

The same can be said for children who are attending school or activities with Spanish-speaking peers. Fitting in at school is often a challenge. When a child can merge themselves into a crowd of foreign language speakers and be able to speak their language, this not only boosts their confidence because they can relate to them, but also because others can see their capabilities.

Another bonus? The Spanish-speaking peers can learn from your child and your child can learn more from them.

Career Advantages

It's no secret that having a resume stuffed with additional training and certifications on top of your specialty can boost you to the top of applicants but experts say that being able to put "bilingual" on your resume has multiple benefits. In fact, companies who demand bilingual workers has doubled in the past five years and some of today's largest employers such as Bank of America, H&R Block, and Humana are among them.

Additionally, today's workforce is different than those in the past. Remote work is increasing allowing individuals to work from anywhere in the world for anyone in the world - including Spanish-speaking companies. In the global workforce, over half of companies report they are using flexible workers and that "dynamic" teams (ie, teams made up of different cultures) are becoming the norm and experts predict this trend will continue to increase.

What this means is bilingual children who speak Spanish and grow up to go into the global workforce, will have far more opportunities to work for companies overseas without ever having to leave their homes.

Increases Ability to Learn More Languages

Many Spanish words have similarities to other languages, including - but not limited to - English and Italian because of their Latin roots. For example, the word "Love" is rooted in the Latin word "amare." In Spanish, it is "Amo" and in Italian it is "Amore" and in French, it's "Amour."

Learning Spanish is a start to learning many Latin commonalities the language has with other languages so that even if they don't know the full language of Italian, they might be able to gleen a little bit just based on the similarities with Spanish.

Additionally, researchers have found that students who learned a first language were better able to learn third and even fourth languages. If being bilingual looks good on a resume, imagine the career benefits of being trilingual or quadrilingual.

We believe in the many benefits that come from learning a second language and we believe the sooner the better. We invite you to contact us today to find out more about our specialized language training program.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Strengthen Your Child's Language Skills on a Nature Walk

Being outdoors among the birds, insects, plants and puddles gives your child endless hours of interesting things to do and study. Taking a nature walk with your young child has so many benefits! Being outdoors helps with important developmental things, like improving attention span and increasing creativity. It gives your child a chance to use his "outdoor voice" without getting in trouble. It gives you and your child physical exercise. Plus, the natural benefits of fresh air and sunshine give you both a healthy physical and emotional boost. Did you know that a nature walk is the perfect time to help strengthen your child's language skills? It's true. Learn more about the different ways you can incorporate language learning into your nature walks.

First and Most Importantly, Be Present

As a parent, you should be right there with the child, marveling over a wildflower, wondering about a birdsong, examining the sky for cloud-shapes. Spending time with your child helps them feel secure and free to play, imagine, and learn. Spending time outdoors with your child also lets your little one know that you think it is important to get fresh air and exercise. If it's important enough for you to take time to be outdoors, they will also learn to make it a priority. When you are spending quality time with your child (and not tuning out your child while you look at your phone), you have a connection with your child. It's this type of connection that makes you perfect for teaching your child language skills. You know the right times and right approaches to best reach your child. No one knows your child like you do! Take advantage of that fact.

Provide Plenty of Free Time, and Watch for Opportunities to Play Language Games

Although some trips outdoors might be only a few minutes, make sure there are times when your child can explore nature unhindered for long periods of time. You don't need to hike a 5-mile trail. Your nature walk could be a meander around the neighborhood park. Allow your child to get bored outdoors! A bored child soon finds ways to amuse himself. Boredom also provides an opportunity for you to step in and introduce something in another language. For example, if your child is learning the names of colors in Spanish, you can begin a game where you find objects that are rojo.

Explore Different Scenery

Take your child to different outdoor locations. Walk a nature trail in a wooded area. Visit a beach. Spend time on a farm. Sail toy boats in a small stream. Travel to the mountains or the plains. Go sledding in the winter, or play in the yard with umbrellas while it's raining. Don't leave out the beautiful night sky! A safe adventure in the dark, catching fireflies or running around with flashlights, could be one of your child's favorite memories. Nature has many faces; go out and meet them! When you are finished exploring, ask your child to tell you what she saw. Encourage her to use vocabulary words from the language she is learning. After some practice, this exercise becomes easier and helps your child focus. You might be amazed by what she notices, and you might also be amazed by the words she remembers!

Take Your Meals Outdoors

Nothing says fun like a picnic! Make a special occasion of the first picnic of the year, and then continue to eat out as often as possible. Picnics can be enjoyed on a blanket in the backyard, on your front porch, at a park, or even in the back of your pickup truck. Be sure to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks; fresh air and exercise works up a little one's appetite! As you set out the food, point to each item and say its name in the language you are teaching. Have your child repeat it. Keep up the fun by being lighthearted. If you come to something particularly delicious, rub your tummy and call it "All mine!" Your child will probably know you're teasing, and you can share the joke again later.

Take Books and Toys Outdoors

Do you and your child share special times reading books together? Many special things you do indoors can also be done outdoors. Pack some picture books written in the language you are studying. When you are taking a rest from your nature walk, you can enjoy the book together, perhaps sitting on a low branch in a tree. Other small toys can be brought along in a bag, too. Bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll and have your child be a tour guide to it, using words from the language you are learning.

Find a Special Place to Call Your Own

Your home is your special indoor place, but you can have a special outdoor place, too. This could be a spot under the big oak tree at your favorite park. It could be a picnic table that you return to again and again. Maybe it's a big rock that your child loves to sit on. Whatever it is, it's a special part of the outdoor world that your child claims as his own. Possession and familiarity with just a small part of nature really helps your child feel comfortable outdoors, and he'll want to return again and again. When you're at your special spot, make sure you notice certain things about it, using the vocabulary you're learning. Reinforcing these words will really help your child connect the real object to the word.

Remember that language is a natural part of our lives. It grows out of our everyday habits and conversations like flowers grow out of the ground. Extending your child's language skills into the natural world should not be difficult or feel unnatural. In fact, it may be the perfect way to grow enthusiasm and love for your child's second language. If you would like to know more about Little Pim's natural immersive method of teaching languages, please contact us.

Photo by James Wheeler on Unsplash

Eight Children's Books to Help Your Kids Learn About Other Cultures

Reading books is an excellent way to expose your children to new cultures or deepen their understanding of the ones they already know about. With recent social shifts paving the way for improved cultural diversity in our every day lives, a number of authors and publishers have happily stepped up to the plate and started putting out compelling, meaningful children's books designed to improve cultural awareness.

Those who are interested in a more immersive learning experience for their little ones may even want to consider reading books in the language (or languages) their children are learning. While this can prove difficult, particularly if you aren't bilingual yourself, the benefits of reading a language you're trying to learn are well-known. If your language skills are shaky, consider leaving out board books for little ones to gain exposure to the written language and letting older kids head off on their own with age-appropriate chapter books.

We know that figuring out what's best for your kids can be tough; that's why we've taken the initiative to round up the best children's books to help your kids learn about other cultures. Whether the messages are overt or not, each of these books carries a special meaning designed to build kids' understandings of cultures outside their own. 

Eight Children's Books to Help Your Kids Learn About Other Cultures

Global Babies, Global Baby Girls, and Global Baby Boys by the Global Fund for Children

1 - 3 years

Too literal? We don't think so! Learning at this age is all about sight; so what better way to start teaching your little one about cultures around the world than by showing them pictures of children who look just like them, only different? These three books all give our tots the opportunity to meet other babies from around the world. Whether it's a little girl in Guatemala or a young boy in Bhutan, your baby will be making friends with kiddos thousands of miles away. 

I Love My Mommy Because... by Laurel Porter Gaylord

1 - 3 years

While not explicitly a cultural undertaking, I Love My Mommy Because... is a fantastic book to introduce to toddlers and little ones. You may not be reading aloud about life in other countries, but you will be teaching your kiddo about empathy and the fact that we all communicate the same things a little differently. This book is a great chance to introduce the concept that not everybody's life or language looks like yours-- and that's okay!

Ramadan Moon by Na'ima B. Robert

4 - 7 years

Ramadan Moon offers children a peek into the festival of Ramadan and the way it's celebrated around the globe. This thoughtful, slow-paced book helps explain to children how faith and religion play into the lives of other kids regardless of where they are or where they come from. Lyrical, inspiring, and full of gorgeous illustrations, this book manages to capture the delight of an incredibly sacred annual event in the Muslim community. 

Fly, Eagle, Fly: An African Tale by Christopher Gregorowski

5 - 8 years

This book presents a dramatic story in a simple, intuitive way. Children will have the opportunity to learn about freedom, fulfillment, and African culture as they read the story of a baby eagle raised amongst chickens. One forward, written by Archbishop Tutu, proclaims that the piece will delight and encourage children to "lift off and soar."

Handa's Surprise: Read and Share by Eileen Browne

5 - 9 years

Most of us are familiar with the tale of the very hungry caterpillar. Handa's Surprise is yet another mouthwatering children's book that focuses on food and counting, but this tale brings in a little cultural twist. The books centers around Handa, a young Kenyan girl, who sets out to visit her friend. She brings along a basket of seven different fruits to offer as a gift, but hungry critters along the way foil her plans.

Fruits: A Caribbean Counting Poem by Valerie Bloom

5 - 6 years

It must be the fact that summer is just around the corner-- we can't get fruit out of our minds! Much like Handa's Surprise, this short book reminds us of the tale of a hungry little caterpillar munching his way through a smorgasbord of delicious foods. The book is essentially one long rhythmic counting poem. Your kiddo will get the opportunity to learn about the beautiful variety of Caribbean fruits that help enrich local cuisine and culture.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

8 and up

While perhaps not an easy read for the more sensitive among us, Esperanza Rising serves as a sobering reminder of what happens when you're separated from the culture that you love. Children will follow along with the story as Esperanza goes from a beautiful life on her family's ranch in Mexico to the struggle to survive a Mexican farm labor camp in California. The novel teaches us that culture can help us rise above difficult circumstances and find our way home-- literally and figuratively.

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

10 and up

The Breadwinner is certainly a book best left to children with a little more age and maturity to their names, but it's worth the wait. The novel explores how a young girl, Parvana, and her mother and sisters struggle to make life work following Parvana's father's arrest. The catch? The women are house-bound under the Taliban's law stating girls and women aren't to enter public on their own. Tweens and teens will be faced head-on with the ugly truth that sometimes, other cultures look different from ours in ways that aren't so pleasant. 

Teaching your kids about cultures other than their own doesn't need to be difficult. Bringing these cultures into your reading routine is an excellent way to make learning about other people and countries a fun, easy, and natural experience. Tell your kids that you're excited to hear about any questions or comments they have once they've set their books down-- you may just be surprised by what you hear. 

Reading books is an excellent way to expose your children to new cultures or deepen their understanding of the ones they already know about. With recent social shifts paving the way for improved cultural diversity in our every day lives, a number of authors and publishers have happily stepped up to the plate and started putting out compelling, meaningful children's books designed to improve cultural awareness.

Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

How Does Learning a Language Change Your Child's Brain?

It is truly never too early to start teaching your child a second language--in fact, the earlier she's introduced to another language, the easier it is to master. The way a child's brain develops makes language learning one of the earliest skills they can master--before they can crawl, hold a toy, or speak, they can hear--and their brains can process and retain the sounds and words they're exposed to. 

Pediatric Brain Development

The human brain is the only organ that is 80% developed by the age of two--and all the neurons your child will ever have are already present by then--about 100 billion. The synapses that connect the neurons have not developed; there are about 2500 per neuron at birth, and 15,000 by the time a child is three. As your child grows, the connectors continue to expand and the neurons and neurotransmitters do their magic until the brain is fully mature--in the early twenties.

Children have "windows of opportunity" in brain development; sensitive times when specific kinds of learning happen. There's a reason to expect your child's first words at 8 or 9 months, and their first steps around a year--these are the times the circuits wiring the brain for speech and balance go into overdrive. Babies have fuzzy vision when they are born; it's not until they're between 8 and 16 weeks that the synapses that control sight start to connect, and your baby responds to visual cues for the first time. 

Neurologists believe that we are most receptive to learning a language during the first ten years. The brain starts to build the neural network it needs when a child hears the same sounds repeated, and as she learns words and sounds, the neural network explodes. She picks up on household conversations, music, stories, and any sounds she hears, and thus learns her native language. 

The Right Time To Introduce A Second Language

There is no "right time" to start teaching a second language--experts in pediatric neurology only agree that by the late teens, a child's ability to become truly fluent in other languages decreases. If you live in a bilingual household, you've noticed how effortlessly your children have picked up both languages--so it's never too early to begin teaching a second--or third--language. 

The above-mentioned windows of opportunity for learning certainly apply to languages. If you haven't started another language by his first birthday, wait until he's about two and a half--when he's gotten a solid grasp of his native language, and has a large vocabulary. Beyond toddlerhood, any time is fine to start teaching a second language.

What Are The Benefits Of A Second Language?

Some parents wonder why they should teach their children to be bilingual? Are there any real benefits? The answer is a most emphatic Yes. Children who know multiple languages exhibit the following characteristics.

• Improved mental acuity

• More imaginative and creative thinkers, better understanding of abstract concepts

• Better understanding of the native language

• Awareness of more than one point of view in a given situation, see a variety of perspectives

• Improved ear for listening, and sensitivity to language

• Improved social skills and ability to understand nuance

Neuroplasticity And Second Languages

Neuroplasticity has become a buzzword of late in brain research circles, and the consensus is that it is a real phenomenon, one that is advantageous for future neural flexibility. 

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to create new connections and pathways and change the wiring of the circuits. There are two kinds of neuroplasticity, structural and functional. Structural neuroplasticity is a change in the overall strength of the neurons or synapses, regardless of whether the connections grow stronger or weaker--a change in the actual structure of the brain. Functional neuroplasticity refers to permanent changes in synapses due to development and learning. 

Neuroplasticity in children is more defined, with four distinct types. 

• Adaptive--brain changes that occur when a special skill is learned and the brain adapts to that skill

• Impaired--changes due to acquired disorders or genetics

• Excessive--rewiring of the brain that results in new, maladaptive pathways that can cause disorders or disabilities

• Plasticity For Injury--pathway develop that make injury more likely

These four traits are more pronounced in young children, allowing them to recover more quickly from injury or illness. For educational purposes, the adaptive neuroplasticity is relevant; learning a new language expands the pathways and neurons in the brain. One fascinating thing about neurons is that of the 100 billion a child is born with, the "use it or lose it" philosophy applies--any of the trillions of neurons in the brain that aren't connected eventually die off. Learning new things that force new synapse connections keeps those neurons active in the brain's circuitry--structural neuroplasticity.

Cultural Awareness

Learning a second or third language doesn't happen in a vacuum, especially with children. So much of their instruction is interactive, they learn about native cultures and traditions while they are learning the language itself. Knowledge of other cultures helps children understand more social nuance and non-verbal cues, highly desirable traits in a digital world where so much communication is digital.

Being bilingual also contributes to what the French psychologist Jean Piaget called "decentering"--becoming less self-centered and ego-driven, and more empathetic to others. This is the manifestation of the ability to see a range of perspectives for a given situation, which is a lot of adult-speak for saying that bilingual children tend to be more mature than their monolingual peers. 

Executive Function And Cognitive Ability

Bilingual children also have better executive function--they have highly developed communication skills that allow them to reason their way through complex problems and ideas, and then expressing their thoughts in a clear manner. Strong executive function will come in handy throughout their academic and professional careers. Cognitive flexibility is also more pronounced when children know a second language--they can better filter through unnecessary information and target the task at hand. 

Looking ahead, bilingualism and neuroplasticity are thought to be two ways to deter memory loss and even Alzheimer's disease in adults. 

Learning a second or third language does nothing but benefit children, and it's never too early to get started. At Little Pim, we use a natural immersion teaching method for our young pupils, contact us today to learn more about our language programs. 

Sources:

https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4356e/

https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/neuroplasticity/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2989000/

https://www.muzzybbc.com/bilingual-benefits-for-kids

Photo by Colin Maynard on Unsplash

Spanish for Kids: How Grocery Shopping Helps Strengthen Their Spanish Skills

Grocery shopping with your children is sometimes tough simply because there is so much to ask about and question in a shop so full of items! One way to make the grocery shopping trip fun for your child while also teaching them a valuable skill is to use the store as an object lesson for learning Spanish words. Children learn very quickly but usually appreciate concrete items they can see and touch, so the grocery store and food preparation time can be wonderful opportunities for learning.

Making the Shopping List

If you have a child who is learning to read and write, have them help you with making the shopping list for the week in both English and Spanish. If they are not writing any letters yet, you'll still begin their curiosity about language learning if you let them look on as you write, watching you form letters with a pen. If they are children who love getting up and looking around the pantry and the fridge, have them survey the cabinets and cupboards and ask, "what are we missing? What do we need more of?" Each time your child identifies a needed ingredient, translate the word into Spanish and have them try saying it one time, or even multiple times.

Inside the Store

You can visit a traditional grocery store, since many have an aisle with Latin American specialty products that have Spanish on the product packages, or you can choose a local specialty store that focuses on Mexican or another Latin American country's products. Have your child remember or read the items on the list and look around for them. Have them say the names of the different products as they are looking for the products and as they put them into the cart or basket. Ask them questions about the different products as you shop - it may seem like shopping takes longer this way, but with a little preparation, this kind of shopping actually creates more engagement with your child which means they are less likely to get bored and get into mischief. 

• In the produce section, have children practice Spanish colors with "the green cucumber" (el pepino verde), teaching the basics of article use and adjective use from the start. Don't worry if they see it all as one jumbled word at first - small children are amazing at learning auditorily and they may have an easier time remembering than you think.

• In sections where you want to comparison shop, like choosing a box of crackers from 20 different varieties, you can introduce Spanish numbers: "tres" for three, or "dos" for two, and see if they can figure out which one is less expensive (menos caro)!

• Little games, like playing "I Spy" in Spanish can keep small ones entertained when you have a long walk to the next section or need to backtrack. In Spanish, there is a version you can use called "Veo Veo: the exchange goes like this:

  • Veo veo (I see, I see)

  • Response: ¿Qué ves? (What do you see?)

  • Una cosita (A little thing)

  • ¿Qué cosita? (What thing?)

  • Empieza con la "A" (It begins with the letter A)

  • Then the child begins guessing; clearly, children who know their alphabet well will do best in this game.

Putting Groceries Away

Repetition is the key to growing one's vocabulary in Spanish, and luckily, a perfect repetition opportunity exists with groceries, since they need to be put away. Have your child take out groceries, mention how they feel - cold, dry, etc. - and remind them of those words in Spanish. See if they remember what the item is called or if they can sound out the Spanish writing on the package. As they put the items away, you can introduce more words: refrigerator, cabinet, kitchen, and more. Clearly, if you and your child are full-up on Spanish words for the day, that's fine! Grocery shopping happens often in most families, which means that each grocery trip is an opportunity to reinforce past words and encourage the next ones!

Cooking With Kids and Spanish

Children love feeling skilled and independent, and the kitchen is a great place to begin giving children the opportunity to help around the house and feel proud of the food they create. Let them look through recipe cards with you or through parent-approved recipe boards on Pinterest to help you select a recipe that fits the ingredients you have. Many fun words will come up, from apron to whisk, as you assemble the needed ingredients and begin to practice the actions needed for preparing food. You can combine Spanish with kitchen safety, reminding your child that the tasks involving knives or extreme heat, for instance, are for the parents. Your child can practice writing the letters of the Spanish name for the food you create and make a label for the dish before it is served to the family. Once again, the ingredients in your dish will be another reminder of the words your child has learned: you'll be amazed how this simple 4-step repetition exercise will teach your child so quickly!

Many children's books exist that include information about food; look for Spanish language picture books to read together that will help to inspire your child to come up with the next recipe for cooking. Spanish-language children's television programming can also provide a source of excitement to get your child interested in groceries, food, and cooking with you. This can be a good way to ease into cooking together if your child tends to be a picky eater, since many children take much more ownership over meals they come up with themselves and become slightly more adventurous eaters in the process.

The process of grocery shopping with children can seem tough when they get the wiggles or decide to run around the store, but engaging them with a lesson in Spanish can help them to feel focused and engaged. With a little prep ahead of time, grocery shopping can be the educational highlight of your week.

Photo by David Veksler on Unsplash

How to Raise Your Kids as Global Citizens

"I am a citizen, not of Athens, or Greece, but of the world." — Socrates

As parents, it's our goal to raise children who feel a deep connection to their community — both locally and globally. By raising kids as global citizens, we're not only exposing them to fascinating world cultures, we're also teaching them to be kinder, more compassionate, and more inclusive individuals. Because that's what global citizenship is all about, isn't it? Embracing our part in communities and the wider world while working cooperatively to make this planet a better place for all. 

While these goals may seem lofty, they're certainly achievable — especially for children. In fact, you can easily nurture your kids' natural tendencies towards morality and empathy in a few simple and achievable ways.

What Makes Someone a Global Citizen? And Why Does it Matter?

You don't necessarily have to travel the world to be a global citizen. Rather, a global citizen is someone who recognizes that there are no boundaries to our shared humanity, and that human rights and civic responsibilities transcend our individual cultures, communities, and countries. Global citizens tend to stand behind common goals that benefit everyone, like greater ecological sustainability, human rights, and the end of world poverty.

Obviously, there are many benefits to raising children who think like global citizens. Firstly, kids raised like this will find it easier to be more open and inclusive in social situations. They'll understand that other members of the human community are just like them, which will deepen their empathy and compassion. And when you teach your kids about other cultures and ways of life, you'll help foster in them a lifelong love of learning, education, and curiosity.

Finally, it's more important than ever to prepare kids for a future in which they're comfortable interacting with people of different backgrounds. This sets them up for a lifetime of good citizenship, and even prepares them to pursue careers and educational opportunities in pursuit of the greater good.

5 Ways to Raise Your Kids as Global Citizens

Every family is different, but some of these tips might help your kid on their path to becoming a global citizen:

1. Teach the Core Values: Empathy & Curiosity

Global citizenship requires a person to look outside themselves and their own limited community in order to extend their energy and compassion outwards to others. This requires a healthy knowledge about other peoples and ways of life, which is something your child will naturally want to explore if you encourage them to remain open and curious.

Sometimes children ask questions about other people that they perceive to look or act different from themselves. Instead of shutting these questions down, work with your kid's curiosity by taking the time to explain people's differences — and underlying similarities.

Most importantly, encourage your children to think and act with empathy. Validate your child's emotions ("I see you are feeling frustrated/sad/excited") so that they can identify feelings in themselves. By teaching them the value of their own feelings and emotions, you're setting them up for the next step — extending that compassion and understanding to others. 

2. Read Books on Global Citizenry 

You don't have to go that far to teach your kids about different cultures around the world. In fact, incorporating children's books that celebrate other ways of life is an easy, inexpensive way to expand their horizons. Here are just a few to get started:

• What is Your Language? by Debra Leventhal. Geared for pre-K to second grade children, Leventhal's delightful children's book celebrates music, language, and communities the world over.

• What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers. It's so important to teach your young global citizen about what citizenship actually means, and Dave Eggers' book seeks to do exactly that.

• Babies Around the World by Puck. Looking for something for babies and toddlers? Babies Around the World is a simple and colorful celebration of the world's babies, suitable for little ones.

While books that teach children about diversity as a whole are great, it's also important to find children's books that celebrate specific cultures. If your child is bilingual or learning another language, consider foreign language versions of treasured classics. 

3. Teach Your Child A Foreign Language

"Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where it’s people come from and where they are going." ‒Rita Mae Brown

Learning a second language can support your children's development in so many ways: it helps keep their brains active and sharp, boosts memory, and improves listening skills. 

When it comes to supporting young global citizens, learning a second language can also create a powerful connection to another culture. Understanding a foreign language helps foster a deeper connection to another culture's art, music, literature, and lifestyle. And when you can communicate with another person in their native tongue, you improve social connections and enrich relationships with others.

In addition, learning a foreign language sets your children up for future educational opportunity, internships, jobs, or initiatives that involve speaking a different language. If they want to make a global difference as adult citizens, a bilingual background will help them reach their goals.

4. Set Goals to Travel as Often as Possible

Of course, almost nothing can beat travel as a way to support your children on their way to becoming global citizens. Not only is travel a fun and enriching experience for the entire family, it offers children a way to immerse themselves in another culture. Make sure you get creative while traveling:

• Visit playgrounds and parks so your child can play with other children

• Go to museums and events that highlight culture

• Engage openly and respectfully with the people that you meet, encouraging your kids to do the same

• Enjoy local cuisine, art, and music 

More than anything, it's important to bring your curiosity with you when you travel. Encourage your children to remain open to learning about a culture from the individuals who live in that culture daily. Often, the most important traveling experiences won't take place in a museum — they'll happen in a local marketplace or on line at a cafe.

5. Explore Your Community: Art, Music, and Volunteerism

If international travel isn't necessarily in your budget — or you simply want to take advantage of opportunities close to your home, then you might find that your community is a surprisingly rich place to teach your kids about the world at large. To get started:

• Check with your local library to see if they have any upcoming classes, workshops, or events celebrating diversity or world culture

• Scan your local news outlets for any parades or events that highlight a particular culture in your area

• Many universities have multicultural events and resources; check out the schedule of events at your nearest institute of higher education

• Keep an eye out for the arts: any upcoming international musical festivals or art exhibits upcoming in your area?

• Celebrate the World Day for Cultural Diversity every May 21st with your family

Volunteer. Celebrating art, music, and dance is an incredible way to connect with your larger community. However, one of the best ways to explore your community while strengthening the key values of global citizenry is to volunteer with your children. Even elementary-age children are mature enough to visit a local nursing home, clean up your local community, or participate in a food drive. Volunteering helps them understand how their individual actions can make a difference in the world at large — and helps them see the value in global citizenry.

Get Started Today

Children have a unique and incredible ability to absorb new information, develop their neural pathways, and strengthen their compassion and empathy. By exposing your children to other cultures, teaching them to learn a new language, and celebrating multiculturalism in your community — you can help raise your child as a true global citizen. 

Little Pim's Easter Coloring Page [PRINTABLE]

Hop, hop, hop into a new language with Little Pim! Celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday by printing out this free Little Pim Easter Coloring Page for your little ones.

We’d love to see their finished creation, so please share your photo with us using the #littlepim on Instagram, Twitter, or tag us on Facebook! Also if you’re teaching your child a new language with Little Pim - Languages for Kids, post a photo or video of them watching our series and we’ll send you a free panda plush!

We hope you all have a fabulous Spring and Easter holiday for those celebrating!

If you’re interested in teaching your child a foreign language, take advantage of our Spring sale for 50% off your first 3 months of Little Pim’s Unlimited Subscription with code HOP50.