Introducing language studies to primary-age kids means they’re already surprising parents by counting to 10 in French, ordering ice cream in Italian and singing songs in Spanish.
This early years approach is hopefully paving the way for a generation who take to languages like canards a l’eau.
But what about you as a teacher?
Have you ever considered how learning another language might benefit you?
It will take effort but that shouldn’t put you off and having another language on your CV will help when you seek to push your career in education a stage further with help from s1jobs.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to start early to grasp the basics.
In fact, as an education pro, you’ll have the advantage of having a systematic approach to learning that will help you master vocabulary and grammar without too much of a struggle.
Hilary Clark is currently undertaking a Masters in Medieval History at Glasgow University, with the aim of progressing to a PhD in the future as a lecturer.
For her work this year she’s just begun to learn both Latin and Ancient Greek.
“They aren’t the most useful languages if you’re hoping to speak to the locals on holiday,” she laughs, “but for reading historic texts they’re vital.”
Maria Donez who teaches Spanish to adults in Glasgow says some people pick up the basics quicker than others. “But I’ve yet to come across anyone who can’t learn if they just refuse to give up,” she adds.
Helen Brown, a native Gaelic speaker, says nothing gives her more pleasure than passing phrases to the primary age children she teaches.
“I love Gaelic and the children do too. It gives them a sense of achievement when they can make themselves understood or learn to pronounce tricky words.
“One of the easiest ways to get them talking in new vocabulary is by singing songs – the music really seems to help.”
If you plan to study at home, there are lots of resources online – even streaming soap operas from another country and following the subtitles in English is a good way of learning.
It’s impossible to become fluent in just a few months but by the time next year’s school holidays come around you’ll be able to do much more than order a beer.
For all the latest vacancies in Education visit s1jobs.com