Youngsters in Lisburn and Lurgan will soon be saying ‘hola’ to a whole new set of skills.
Wee Amigos Kids Clubs are launching Spanish sessions at Lisburn’s Island Arts Centre and The Jethro Centre in Lurgan, starting next week. The clubs will teach a new language to children as young as one-year-old right through to 11-year-olds.
Group co-ordinator Kelly Parker said: “The Government is currently proposing to introduce learning a second language to the primary school curriculum and there is a good reason for that.
“Research shows that not only do you pick up a second language more easily at a younger age, it also helps you to learn your own language more effectively.”
Despite the plans to increase language teaching in schools, Kelly insists that Wee Amigos will be far more informal than the classroom.
She continued: “Our clubs will focus on encouraging learning through fun. We’ll be playing games, singing songs and telling stories in Spanish.
“As far as the children are concerned, they will just be enjoying themselves. But the language skills they are learning will stand them in good stead for secondary school and even their future employment prospects.”
Kelly has previously taught Spanish classes in primary schools in England and also taught English to Spanish pupilson Madrid’s bilingual school programme.
The experience of teaching in Spain reinforced her belief that learning a foreign language as early as possible is hugely beneficial to a child’s overall development.
She said: “In some Spanish schools, pupils as young as three are having up to half their lessons delivered in English.
“The effect this has on the child’s confidence in using a second language is clear to see.”
Clubs are running on Thursday evening in Lisburn starting on November 10. The Lurgan clubs are being held on Wednesdays and Saturdays starting on November 16. Places are limited and booking is essential. To register or get more information, please contact Kelly on 07749433394 or email info@weeamigos.co.uk.