In past years, teaching the Italian language to young Australian children was believed to be unproductive. These days, much research on language studies indicates that the very best time to learn two or more languages is starting at birth. According to neurologist, a child's brain is like a computer waiting to be programmed. Whilst functions such as heartbeat and breathing are fixed in the womb, trillions of other functions such as motor or language skills are just waiting to be programmed. During these early childhood years, vocabulary, maths and logical skills are most determined. These early experiences are those most firmly implanted and most likely to stay with us for life. Many articles have been written about this "window of opportunity". Brain researchers believe that about the age of 10, a child's brain has become fairly structured and some basic neuron connections can no longer be made. This is evidenced in children with hearing problems. A child with hearing problems and unable to speak before the age of 10 will always have difficulty in speaking their native language well. This does not mean that a child older than 10 or adults can't learn a second language. Other powerful tools such as motivation or necessity are great learning forces. However, acquiring a flawless accent is highly unlikely and the learning process is just that much more difficult. So what can I do to expose my child in learning two or more languages? As a Director of Language Champs http://www.languagechamps.com.au/Italian_Language_School_Class_Tutor.htm we hear this question from parents often. A programme such as Language Champs is an excellent start to learning a foreign language. However learning a foreign language requires more time and effort than can be offered in a weekly or twice a week class. Here are some suggestions we have offer to parents to supplement their children's classes.

Daily Routine. Even if you know just a little of another language, make it part of a daily routine to talk to your child in that language. Infants and toddlers learn by doing, listening, imitating and practicing. Speak the second language whilst doing your everyday activities such putting away groceries or cooking dinner. What a great way for you to brush up on your foreign language skills!

Play Games. Activities children in our programme enjoy are hiding objects in bag and have the child pull out the object. Or roll a ball and count the rolls, or trace your child's body on paper and name the body parts, or sing Head and Shoulder Knees and Toes. These games are all conducted in the foreign language and we encourage children to repeat, repeat, and repeat the words.

Books. Check out your local library. Whilst foreign sections are limited, some language children's books are available in libraries across Melbourne. For beginners, easy picture books are amongst our favourites. Other resources include, bookstores such as Borders that carry a selection of foreign language books and flashcards. Or bookstores that exclusively sell foreign language books, music and videos are found across Melbourne. If it's more convenient, Internet sites that sell language books, tapes, videos are abundant and many ship to and from Australia.

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