Supporting language learning and development at every stage

At Pine Street School in New York City, we believe languages provide insights into the idiosyncrasies of cultures and foster connections with others while expanding minds and preparing students for the future. Our philosophy emphasizes that multilingualism is essential for 21st-century changemakers. Thus, language learning throughout a student’s development is enormously beneficial.

Early language immersion programs are more than language acquisition tools; they are powerful catalysts for cognitive development, enhancing critical thinking, creativity and cognitive flexibility. As the world becomes more globalized, we must provide our students with a holistic education that prepares them to communicate across cultures and develop skills that enhance their academic and professional success. These programs are integral to education from early learning through high school. By introducing this framework as early as nursery school, we establish a strong foundation that supports students’ success in both their future academic and professional endeavors.

A student’s ideal target language journey

From birth through kindergarten, children’s brains are particularly receptive to new languages. In preschool, consistent exposure to the language through songs, gestures, vocabulary, games and stories helps students recognize patterns in language. With these approaches, they decipher different sounds, respond to the language and mimic accents.

During elementary school, students learn best through content-rich language instruction while focusing on target language spelling, writing, reading, comprehension and speaking. Daily reflections, student portfolios, one-on-one check-ins with teachers and a more active role in parent-teacher conferences help students build agency and confidence as they practice thinking and speaking in another language. This approach cultivates the ability to think critically.

By middle school, this fast pace of learning may plateau as students experience transformative physical growth and face increased academic pressure, prioritizing core subjects or appealing electives. This shift may lead students to discontinue their second language studies, often due to unawareness of its long-term value. However, those who continue language learning during this period can achieve conversational and academic fluency, enabling deeper connections and abstract thinking.

Students who maintain multilingual studies through high school have a greater capacity to become global citizens who are well sought out by employers. As McKinsey outlined, various traits are needed in the future workforce, many of which are linked to the learning of another language and its positive byproducts.

The benefits of multilingual education

Language acquisition is a multifaceted process that engages memory, attention and pattern recognition, offering lifelong benefits. Here are the advantages at each stage of a student’s life:

• Infant/Preschool (ages 0-5): During the most sensitive period for language development, introducing new languages shapes the brain and enhances emotional regulation, helping children adapt to social and linguistic contexts.
• Elementary school (ages 6-10): Students again exhibit cognitive flexibility, improved problem-solving and mental agility, which aids academic success across subjects. Children at this age often reflect on their learning more and can apply these language learning skills across core subjects.
• Middle school (ages 11-14): Language learning builds abstract thinking and social confidence at this stage, helping students navigate cultural settings and broaden their empathy and self-discovery. 
• High school (ages 15-18): Now well versed in the language, students have sharper critical thinking and global competencies, preparing them for college and careers in a multilingual world.  For example, knowing an additional language like Spanish will be increasingly important in the US, which is slated to be the largest Spanish-speaking country by then.  
• Graduation and beyond: Bilingual professionals have more career opportunities and higher earning potential. Maintaining fluency throughout adulthood also supports long-term cognitive health, potentially delaying age-related decline.

How educators can support language learning in the classroom

As educators help their students face modern challenges like mental health issues, reduced social skills and shortened attention spans, they must adapt their approaches to equip students with the academic and life skills needed for future success. It’s not just about preparing students for jobs but for languages (think AI) that haven’t even been spoken yet.

At our school, we take pride in preparing our children for the future ahead by emphasizing the application of language skills across disciplines. We also promote cultural competence by training educators to prioritize diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness so our students can nurture into open-minded, adaptable individuals ready to succeed in an interconnected world. 

Here are a few actionable steps we currently take to execute our language learning programs: