By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
IT’S a time for learning and growing, and from next year the kids at Kallista Preschool will get a taste for languages worldwide.
The kinder was one of 40 preschools across Australia selected to take part in a trial that will teach children a second language using play-based apps on iPads.
Director of the Kindergarten, Lu-Ann Randall, said the program would open the children up to new learning experiences and better prepare them for school.
“Learning a foreign language at such a young age can be extremely beneficial for critical thinking skills, creativity and flexibility of mind.
“There are many advantages of learning a language at a young age. Children find it easier to mimic the native pronunciation and intonation when learning.
The government has invested $9.8million into the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) trial, which incorporates metropolitan and regional preschools from around the country. Assistant Minister for Education Sussan Ley said that ELLA software was currently being developed and the first series of the apps would be ready in time for the trials beginning early 2015.
“Our children are now techsperts from early on, particularly with the vast array of interactive early education applications and games that are now available at their fingertips.
“This play-based approach is therefore a fun and easy way to get our kids interested in learning skills for life, such as a language other than English, from early on in their education journey.”
