By Sylvia Stein
Having worked for years as a Spanish teacher and educator, both in a local Catholic school and later in the public school system, I’ve had the privilege of watching students of all ages discover the beauty of learning another language. Inside the classroom, it didn’t take long to see that younger children picked it up almost effortlessly. They were rolling their “rr,” repeating new words with excitement, and remembering expressions from week to week. By the time I taught middle school, language learning required much more conscious effort. The difference was clear: Children absorb language in a way older learners simply don’t.
That early ability goes far beyond memorizing vocabulary. Children approach language learning with curiosity, confidence, and imagination. They listen closely, mimic naturally, and take joy in experimenting with new sounds.
“Children are more intuitive learners,” says Mildred Hernández, a retired Spanish educator with 22 years of classroom experience and my longtime mentor. “They listen, mimic, and absorb without fear of making mistakes. That’s their greatest advantage.”
Research supports what educators have witnessed for decades. From birth through about age three, children’s brains are at their most flexible stage, making it easier for them to process unfamiliar sounds and patterns. This flexibility also strengthens other academic skills. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, early language learners often demonstrate improved cognitive abilities, stronger reading performance, and enhanced problem-solving skills.
As students grow older, language learning naturally changes. Teens and adults often rely more heavily on memorization and grammar rules, sometimes feeling self-conscious about pronunciation. Younger children, however, learn through fun interaction.
“Children learn through play, repetition, and conversation,” Hernández explains. “That’s what makes their learning so natural and effective.”
Learning any foreign language — whether Spanish, French, Latin, German, or another global language — does more than strengthen academics; it broadens perspective. Exposure to another culture fosters empathy and understanding, skills that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
“Technology can translate words,” Hernández adds, “but it can’t teach connection. Knowing another language allows children to truly communicate and appreciate diversity.”
For families in Fuquay-Varina, opportunities to study world languages exist within the Wake County Public School System.
At the elementary level, students are introduced to global awareness and cultural studies. Formal world language instruction typically begins in middle school, when students can start courses in languages such as Spanish or French.
At the high school level, including Fuquay-Varina High School and Willow Spring High School, students may pursue additional levels of Spanish, French, and in some cases other language offerings depending on enrollment and staffing.
In North Carolina, students planning to attend a four-year university are generally required to complete at least two credits of the same world language for admission into the UNC system. This makes early exposure especially valuable. Beginning in middle school, or even developing an interest before then, can help students feel more confident when language coursework becomes part of their high school academic path.
While adults can certainly learn a new language, children have one lasting advantage: They learn without fear. Starting early allows language to feel natural and enjoyable rather than intimidating.
For parents, encouraging early exposure doesn’t require a formal program. Reading bilingual books, listening to music in another language, or exploring cultural events in our community can spark interest and confidence.
“Learning a foreign language — especially at a young age — always gives children an advantage,” Hernández says. “It helps them grow into open-minded learners prepared for life in a global society. It’s a gift that benefits them for the rest of their lives.”
