[dropcap]A[/dropcap]lmost 500 little learners will be given the opportunity to take on a second language through the Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) program.
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said 14 preschools in his electorate will this year be taking part in ELLA, with students being offered Italian, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin) or French.
“We know the positive impact learning a second language can have on a child’s engagement and development,” Mr Taylor said.
“This will be the start of a life-long interest in language learning for local preschoolers while at the same time boosting their English and problem-solving skills.”
Camden Preschool will be introducing Italian to 100 of its students.
“The kids are already picking up bits of the language here and there, so it will be interesting at the end of the year to see how far they’ve progressed,” Camden Preschool director Millie Birkic said.
The program – backed by $15.7 million in funding from the Turnbull Government – now includes nine languages, with the introduction of Hindi and Modern Greek this year.
More than 80,000 children at almost 2500 preschools across the country will take part in the program including 498 children from preschools in Boorowa, Mt Annan, Narellan, Tahmoor, Camden, Picton, The Oaks and Goulburn.
“Exposure to another language and culture can have significant benefits on children from a young age – it expands their horizons and opens up exciting opportunities around the world when they reach the workforce,” Mr Taylor said.
ELLA began as a small trial of 41 preschools in 2015 and is a digital, play-based program where preschool children use a series of interactive apps.
Training and resources are provided to assist educators in the effective delivery of early language learning and cultural awareness.
More details can be found at www.ella.edu.au
- Si parla Italiano means I speak Ialian
