The beauty of bilingualism is to be able to navigate freely between two languages. That makes for fun and lively conversations!

How to best prepare your child : the benefits of bilingualism

What skills do children need today to become positive actors of their global generation? That is a question most parents come to address when considering schools for their kids.

In the vast selection of education options available in the Bay Area, multilingual schools like LFSF provide children with a true advantage.

Bilingualism broadens a child’s cognitive control. As children who are bilingual constantly switch between two different language systems, their brains are more active and flexible, and have enhanced levels of metalinguistic awareness (i.e. knowledge of how language works), proven to be essential to learning how to read.

Research also shows that bilingualism allows for improvements in subjects like science, enhancements in problem-solving skills and increases in spatial abilities. Bilingual students develop strong thinking skills, and tend to be better at focusing, remembering and making decisions.

Consequently, it is no surprise to read that recent studies demonstrate that students in bilingual education programs outperform their peers in attention and reading. “In one study covering six states and 37 districts, the researchers found that, compared with students in English-only classrooms or in one-way immersion, dual-language students have higher test scores and also seem to be happier in school. Attendance is better, behavioral problems are fewer, and parent involvement is higher.” (NPR, 6 Potential Brain Benefits Of Bilingual Education).

The bilingual mission of the LFSF attracts a vastly international community, one in which students develop long lasting friendships.

When looking at multilingual education programs, trust the experience

For over 50 years, the Lycée Français de San Francisco (LFSF) has been a leader in multilingual education. Today, it is the only Bay Area school offering a truly multilingual and multicultural education with an International Section program from Primary through High School that successfully leads students to the French Bac and its international option.

Students can develop their bilingual skills in English and in French first, before learning a third language as early as grade 5. Often, these talented, bright-eyed students graduate speaking 4 to 5 languages and having visited many places in the world through a solid Global Learning program. When they graduate, their unique profile is calling the attention of some of the best universities in North America and the world.

Eager to learn more? The SF Bilingual Fair is for you

For the 2nd edition of the Bilingual Education Fair in San Francisco (powered by French Morning), more than 30 companies and learning organizations will present their offers to parents and families. The morning program features an LFSF conference on the “Role of Bilingualism in the Development of Attentional Control”. The speaker, Ashley Chung-Fat-Yim is a PhD student in the Developmental Sciences program at York University under the supervision of Dr. Ellen Bialystok*. Her research combines eye-tracking and mouse-tracking to uncover potential differences in strategies employed by monolinguals and bilinguals when performing tasks requiring attentional control.

SF Bilingual Fair | November 17th, 2018, at the SF Meridien

For more information: http://bilingualfair.com/san-francisco/
 

*The Lifespan Cognition and Development Lab, led by Dr. Ellen Bialystok, OC, PhD, FRSC, distinguished Research Professor of Psychology at York University, examines the effect of bilingualism on cognitive and linguistic processing across the lifespan.

One of the many benefits of a bilingual school is the opportunity to open children’s perspective to other cultures and traditions.

The best way to start, is to do so early  

Studies show that the earlier a child is exposed to a second language, the greater the likelihood she/he will gain proficiency. Coincidentally, early education has long been a focus of the French educational approach and at LFSF, students as early as age 2, start experiencing bilingualism.

Learn more about la Petite Ecole, a nurturing program for the very young offered on the beautiful Sausalito campus and schedule your private visit with the admissions team to explore how to offer your child the gift of a multilingual education.