Each child is born with the ability to both communicate and learn many different languages. Research consistently shows the benefits given to children who are exposed to a second language and the specific ways in which the second language learning positively impacts their potential. 

Children who learn a second language in settings where they are simultaneously able to learn both their mother tongue and a new second language have many linguistic and cognitive benefits. 


​

The effects and benefits of second language acquisition are long lasting and include the following:

---

Bilingual learners are better able to focus their attention on relevant information and ignore distractions. 
This is executive function at work (the same mental skill set behind planning, self-control, working memory, and staying on task). In practice, it's why bilingual learners are often better at tuning out classroom noise to focus on a lesson, or pausing before reacting.  Brain scans show this skill is measurably stronger in bilinguals. Because both languages stay active during speech, the brain constantly practices how to choose one while suppressing the other.  It becomes an excellent exercise in focus!

Vertical Divider

Bilinguals have increased mental flexibility and creativity.
When children learn that there is more than one word for dog (perro and dog), for example, something clicks: a word is no longer the only way to imagine a thing. A new angle emerges. That habit of mind begins to show up everywhere - in how flexibly they solve problems, adapt to new situations and come up with more than one way to answer a question.  As Lev Vygotsky put it, bilingualism "frees the mind from the prison of concrete language and phenomena." That mental agility stays long afterward, showing up in how a child writes, negotiates and imagines.

Bilingual children in dual-immersion schools have been shown to score higher on both verbal and math standardized tests conducted in English and also display stronger logic skills.

Vertical Divider

The brain's effects of aging are diminished in bilingual adults.  Understanding a second language may help decrease the incidences of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in later years.

​How does the brain learn language? What is importance of the mother tongue?

Language development doesn't begin at birth--it starts in the womb.  By the third trimester, babies can already
recognize the rhythm, melody, and the tone of their mother's voice, laying the foundation for speech long before
they're born.  From birth onward, children use language to express their needs, emotions and thoughts.   A strong foundation in their first language (their mother tongue) is critical.  It supports later reading and academic success in general.  It helps children make sense of their environment, form relationships and build complex thoughts and
concepts.

The mother tongue is more than just a tool for communication; it's deeply tied to a child's sense of identity.  
It helps them connect with their parents, family members, friends, and cultural heritage. As they grow, it 
​becomes the anchor that supports learning additional languages and navigating the world with confidence.

When do children begin to learn a second language at Cambridge?

At Cambridge, second language learning begins the very first day your child joins our school. While we remain firmly rooted in supporting and honoring each child’s mother tongue (the foundation of identity, emotional security, and cognitive development), we also believe that early and consistent exposure to a second language is key to becoming confident, competent bilingual learners.

Our approach is intentional and responsive. In the Infant Program, children are gently introduced to a second 
language in a nurturing 90:10 ratio of mother tongue (MT) to second language (SL), ensuring that emotional 
connection and comprehension stay strong. As children grow, we gradually increase second language exposure 
in balance with their developmental readiness. For example, our Rising Threes may engage in a 50:50 MT:SL environment, while Pre-K students often thrive with a blend closer to 80:20, depending on their proficiency, 
linguistic curiosity, and natural aptitude.
​
Language development is not one-size-fits-all. We tailor instruction to meet each child's unique strengths, 
needs, and interests, making sure that both languages are acquired joyfully and meaningfully. Our goal is not 
only fluency, but a lifelong love of communication, culture, and connection.

How Do We Introduce Spanish in the Classroom?

Parents often ask how we introduce a second language like Spanish to young children, and the answer is simple: 
the same way they learn their first language - through every day, natural experiences.  You won’t walk into a 
Cambridge classroom and find children drilling vocabulary or conjugating verbs. Instead, you’ll hear singing, 
see storytelling, and watch children engaged in conversations with their teachers and peers.  Teachers use songs, 
books, movement games, and basic everyday interactions to immerse children in Spanish in a way that allows
them to acquire language. Whether they’re reading a beloved picture book, counting ingredients for a pretend 
soup, or talking about a butterfly they spotted on the playground, children are continually soaking in rich 
vocabulary and developing real communication skills in both English and Spanish.

By weaving Spanish and English into the fabric of the day and not limiting the use of either language, we expand
and support listening comprehension, expressive language, and build confidence in both languages.  By the 
time our students complete five years in our program, many become comfortable and competent.  No matter 
how much second-language exposure you choose for your child, we’ll ensure that they’re supported in reaching 
​their learning and developmental milestones across all domains.