Should we make our children learn foreign languages in kindergarten?
Few months ago, there was a news that small suitcase is selling like hot cakes. The small suitcase was for young children who learn English and they were used to carry the heavy books. Actually, many parents in Korea make their child learn foreign languages, especially English, and English kindergartens also were made here and there. But is it desirable? I cannot agree with two words, ‘should’ and ‘kindergarten’.
First, learning foreign language cannot be mandatory. Let us think about our society. The society which we live in consists of various people. Some might need to learn foreign language to make a living but others need not. So the practical point of view alone shows that to make learning foreign language mandatory is not necessary.
Second, children in kindergarten are too young to learn foreign language. According to the Collins Dictionary, a kindergarten is an informal kind of school for very young children, where they learn things by playing. In this sentence, playing is very important because play is one of the requirements in a developmental stage for those of kindergarten ages. Unless you play enough in that stage, it might take more time to compensate it. Some might say children in kindergarten can learn a foreign language by playing, but I doubt that they really put an emphasis on playing than learning.
A foreign language is like a third antenna of ant. If you have it, you may get a bigger window of opportunity. If you not, you may find out another window. There are lots of different pictures of life and there is no ruler that can measure which life is better. Also, keep in mind there is no other kindergarten period. In conclusion, I want to answer the question; foreign language instruction could begin whenever it needs.
To_Yeonyoung___ From __Hannah______ Assignment _2___
ReplyDelete1. What I like about this piece of writing is your opinion is provided in very strong way. Therefore, it made me feel you are very resolute about this topic. Especially, you picked 2 certain words, should and kindergarten and this made your assertion very clear. I was able to feel that you do not believe that making learning languages mandatory can help children to live better lives. And there were no vague expressions; therefore I had no difficulty understanding your essay at all. Lastly, the coherence of your writing was just great and I want to learn that!
2. Your main point is that children should not be forced to learn foreign languages because it is the time for them to play.
3. These particular words or lines struck me as powerful:
1) First of all, your essay seems so well structured to me. I think it is because you used ‘first, second…’. Also, the phrases such as ‘let us’ makes me feel that this essay is very official writing. Because of this, it is very persuasive and trustworthy.
2) I also like the part that you quoted dictionary, “According to the Collins Dictionary~”. This supports your opinion about children very well, because the exact definition of children is just what you are suggesting in writing. This also makes your writing very persuasive.
3) “Unless you play enough in that stage, it might take more time to compensate it.” This sentence moved my feeling. I began to think that the childhood is very important and valuable time for kids because I cannot make it come back again. And it is much more valuable and important to give them opportunities to play and hang around their friends, rather than forcing them to study English. Thus, this makes your writing very strong because it makes people think that it would have more disadvantages not letting children play, not forcing them studying languages.
Fist of all, my first impression of your writing is that it is very well organized. Even though in this 250 words short essay, you have four paragraphs with certain amount of your clear opinion.
ReplyDeleteIf I suggest something to improve your writng will be .. your last sentence. I think you wrote your conclusion like "In conclusion, I want to answer the question; foreign language instruction could begin whenever it needs." this to emphasis your idea. However, I thought you are strongly opposite side of learning English in Kindergarten while I was reading yours but now you are ending your writing with whenever it needs. ???????? I cannot understand why you ends with this weak idea. If you think that kindergarten students should begin learning English if they think it's necessary? or .. what? I hardly understand your point.
Many people believe that it is necessary to study English in early years and they believe earlier they learn is always better. And you said that "whenever it needs" is a very vague idea and not really supporting your strong point of view from your upper paragraph if I understand right.
So consider this advice to improve your writing ^^ Thanks !