Intergenerational Language Learning
April 24, 2018
This month here at Kidslingo, we have unveiled a new intergenerational scheme called Kidslingo Together, in a bid to improve the emotional wellbeing and development of youngsters and care home residents, while also teaching them a second language.
The new programme sees care home residents and children in early years settings, or accompanied by their parents, learn French or Spanish together. It aims to improve emotional and physical wellbeing for everyone and encourages interaction between generations by using an exciting mixture of music, games, Makaton, role-play, drama and storytelling.
The benefits of learning a second language are well documented and include positives like structural brain improvements and an increased ability to prioritise and problem solve. A number of studies show that learning a new language can build up cognitive reserve and delay the onset of dementia.
Over & above this, Kidslingo Together offers children key life skills, such as improving their understanding of other generations and giving them a sense of history and perspective. It has also been suggested that increased social interaction is linked to a lower risk of disease among the elderly, and that it can help reduce the negative effects of social isolation.
This is how one Mum, who attends the sessions with her 2 young children, describes the programme:
“The Spanish classes at our local care home offer something unique and rewarding for everyone. The kids love seeing the older generation and having someone else to perform for, while having children around, and particularly babies, really lights up the lives of the residents. One lady in particular spends the entire session just cooing and smiling at my baby daughter! It is nice to know that from just a small interaction everyone is able to take away something positive from each session.
For me, Kidslingo Together is not just about learning another language, I also love the fact that my son and daughter are able to interact with and learn about another generation and that we are able to do something nice for other people at the same time.”
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This month here at Kidslingo, we have unveiled a new intergenerational scheme called Kidslingo Together, in a bid to improve the emotional wellbeing and development of youngsters and care home residents, while also teaching them a second language.
The new programme sees care home residents and children in early years settings, or accompanied by their parents, learn French or Spanish together. It aims to improve emotional and physical wellbeing for everyone and encourages interaction between generations by using an exciting mixture of music, games, Makaton, role-play, drama and storytelling.
The benefits of learning a second language are well documented and include positives like structural brain improvements and an increased ability to prioritise and problem solve. A number of studies show that learning a new language can build up cognitive reserve and delay the onset of dementia.
Over & above this, Kidslingo Together offers children key life skills, such as improving their understanding of other generations and giving them a sense of history and perspective. It has also been suggested that increased social interaction is linked to a lower risk of disease among the elderly, and that it can help reduce the negative effects of social isolation.
This is how one Mum, who attends the sessions with her 2 young children, describes the programme:
“The Spanish classes at our local care home offer something unique and rewarding for everyone. The kids love seeing the older generation and having someone else to perform for, while having children around, and particularly babies, really lights up the lives of the residents. One lady in particular spends the entire session just cooing and smiling at my baby daughter! It is nice to know that from just a small interaction everyone is able to take away something positive from each session.
For me, Kidslingo Together is not just about learning another language, I also love the fact that my son and daughter are able to interact with and learn about another generation and that we are able to do something nice for other people at the same time.”
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