The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

160 The Idea of an Essay: Volume 3 catch on to the patterns and formulas of a certain language and of courses languages (Buschweitz, Prat 432). As for Americans, this skill will help make less speaking errors. Many times while speaking we use the wrong verb tense or forget the tense of a particular verb. Bilingual brains will minimize speaking errors because they are able to recognize the conjugations and patterns. I am not saying bilinguals never or seldom make a mistake. They make mistakes, but the bilingual brain understands the rules of the language more clearly and is able to execute the rules with few mistakes. Furthermore, bilingualism is proven to increase test scores. Researchers have found that bilingual children who are properly educated in both languages are having better test results. Patrick H. Smith from the Universidad de las Americas-Puebla states, “Educators who understand how students perceive literacy development in two languages are better able to conduct negative perceptions of the minority language, thus increasing the likelihood that schooling will indeed result in high levels of oral and literate proficiency in both languages” (Smith 8). With the proper education, students are able to excel at their studies, even starting at a young age and moving up through high school. Instruction in a native language many improve the skills in the second language, and many educators believe that second- language learning should be a regular part of elementary schooling for all children (Feldman 303). Teaching bilingual students in a native language affects their view of themselves, which creates a better learning environment. As stated above, there are so many benefits to learning a second language, no matter what the language may be. Bilingualism helps the brain with so many processes and developments along with slowing down the aging of the brain. Learning a second language can help children excel in reading, writing, and speaking. When studying a second language, young children are less likely to switch between the two languages because they do not have as deep of a vocabulary or as full understanding of grammar. Effectively teaching Spanish starting at a young age will help students grasp the language and help raise test scores. However, teaching children a second language at a young age must be done properly. Effective teaching requires participation and support from both the parents/guardians and the teacher. In many cases parents and/or teachers encourage students to only speak in English in schools and at home, not their native language. Author