In part one of “How Preschoolers Build Executive Functions With Language Immersion,” we showcased how language immersion programs boost the following executive function skills for preschoolers:
- Inhibition,
- Non-verbal working memory, and
- Problem-solving.
In this post, we explain how immersion programs encourage four more executive functions.
Language Immersion and Self-Awareness
Learning a second language in an immersive environment enhances a preschooler’s self-awareness because they become more aware of their environment and place in the world. Research shows that language assessment in second language education, in particular, improves self-awareness. This is because students garner a clearer perception of their strengths, weaknesses, goals, and motivations.
Self-awareness is an important executive function that brings life-long benefits for preschoolers. The ability to focus on one’s self and realize one’s emotions improves reflection and introspection in the future.
Recommended reading: How Language Learning Leads to Better Friendships
Language Immersion and Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is one’s ability to adapt emotions and behavior to a particular environment. Language immersion hones this skill, allowing preschoolers to manage emotions in various social situations.
Children who learn a second language in an immersive environment negotiate social interactions with other students and teachers., and this has a far-reaching effect:
“A number of studies suggest that improving the self-regulation skills of children in the early years is likely to have a lasting positive impact on later learning at school, and also have a positive impact on wider outcomes such as behavior and persistence,” notes the Education Endowment Foundation.
Language Immersion and Self-Motivation
Learning a second language like Spanish in an immersion program encourages self-motivation in various forms:
- Preschoolers master vocabulary and other language skills, which fosters a sense of achievement.
- Learning a new language like Spanish takes time and dedication.
- Teachers inspire learners, which also improves self-motivation.
Preschoolers can extend self-motivation skills to other aspects of their lives, such as assessments and exams in school.
Language Immersion and Verbal Working Memory
Research shows that students who learn a second language in a classroom environment outperform monolingual students on verbal working memory performance.
Verbal working memory is the ability to retain words, numbers, letters, and other objects. Having a good verbal working memory could improve examination and assessment success in the future.
KSS Immersion Schools welcomes 2-6-year-olds in the San Francisco Bay Area with its social distancing-compliant Spanish language immersion programs. Find out more here!