SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 1
Download to read offline
Kathryn Boothby
A
nnette Mitchell is
a successful entre-
preneur. She has
travelled to more
than 100 countries, has of-
fices around the globe and
has a particularly strong
business network in China.
The 40-something mother
of three knows the value of
multiple language skills,
though she is fluent in only
one — English. Mitchell is
determined that will not be
the case for her children.
Three years ago, Mitchell
enrolled her two eldest chil-
dren in The Dalton School,
a new private institution
in Toronto that began of-
fering bilingual program-
ming in Mandarin/English
and Spanish/English. Her
youngest started junior kin-
dergarten this year. All are
learning Mandarin.
“I have been doing busi-
ness in China for 19 years
and can see the opportun-
ities learning the language
can bring,” says Mitchell. “I
want to do the very best for
my children, and that means
starting at an early age.”
Indeed, as society becomes
more global in nature the
need to understand more
than one language to ef-
fectively conduct business
is increasing, says Donna
Booth, principal at The Dal-
ton School. “Even if you look
only to North America and
the Spanish-speaking popula-
tions in the U.S. and Mexico,
adding that second language
will facilitate more options as
children pursue a career path
later in life,” she says.
Learning a new language
can happen at any age, says
Krista Byers-Heinlein, asso-
ciate professor and research
chair in bilingualism at Con-
cordia University in Mont-
real. “That said, we know
there are, on average, some
differences in terms of lan-
guage outcomes depending
on how early you start,”
she says. “People who start
learning a new language
earlier in life are less likely
to have an accent and more
likely to speak similarly to a
native speaker.”
The most obvious benefits
are linguistic. “Those with
a second language are able
to converse with different
people and, in some instan-
ces, maintain connections to
a heritage language for cul-
tural and social identity pur-
poses,” notes Byers-Heinlein.
Employment advantages can
also accrue, she says.
A popular and sometimes-
controversial topic of discus-
sion is the cognitive benefits,
notes Byers-Heinlein. “There
are studies that show bilin-
gual children and adults
have advantages in the
executive function system
that helps with planning,
switching between different
areas of focus, and inhibiting
information. This is because
bilinguals are constantly jug-
gling languages — to speak
one, you have to inhibit
the other,” she says. “Music
and other enriching experi-
ences that give the brain
a workout can also lead to
those benefits.”
The advantages of her
children’s language skills
became immediately ap-
parent to Mitchell this sum-
mer, when they joined her
on a business trip to Beijing.
“They were able to speak
with taxi drivers, hotel staff
and at restaurants, which
made the trip that much
easier for me,” says Mitchell.
“Their confidence was boost-
ed as a result, and they were
able to gain a better under-
standing of what they were
seeing and saying. It was in-
teresting to see that evolve.”
Because of the 12-hour
time difference between To-
ronto and Beijing, Mitchell
was able to spend a good deal
of time visiting the sights in
and around the city. “We took
trips to the Forbidden City
and the Great Wall, which
gave them additional expos-
ure to the culture,” she says.
“They wrote messages in
Mandarin and placed them
in the wall, where they will
remain for centuries to come.”
Mitchell chuckles and
says she thanks herself every
day for giving her children
the opportunity to travel and
to attend The Dalton School.
“It means so much to me
that the children are doing
this and that they love it. It
has expanded their minds
and made them more sensi-
tive to other peoples and
cultures,” she says.
Both languages are sup-
ported equally at the school,
says Booth. “We don’t teach
Mandarin or Spanish as a
subject, nor do we immerse
children into an environ-
ment where the second lan-
guage is spoken 100 per cent
of the time. Instead, the day
is split 50/50,” she explains.
“It’s also not simply about
learning the vocabulary. It’s
about daily use and a back-
to-basics philosophy. We
want the children to read,
write, add and subtract. Al-
though they are learning
another language, they are
also working on the building
blocks of a solid education.”
The Dalton School began
in 2012. Children are invited
in at the junior or senior kin-
dergarten level. Mitchell’s
children were there at the
beginning when there were
only four students, she says.
Today, the school serves 53
students with nine teachers.
“We add a grade level each
year, so we grow as the chil-
dren grow,” says Booth.
Next year students will
roll up to Grade 6.
The language
of learning
PRIVATESCHOOLS
I WANT TO DO THE VERY BEST FOR MY
CHILDREN, AND THAT MEANS STARTING
AT AN EARLY AGE — ANNETTE MITCHELL
Annette Mitchell with children Jake, Bo and Rhyan in Mandarin class at the Dalton School.

More Related Content

What's hot

ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)
ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)
ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)Oxana Rosca
 
When should culture be taught
When should culture be taughtWhen should culture be taught
When should culture be taughtjonacuso
 
Culture teaching in foreign language classroom
Culture teaching in foreign language classroomCulture teaching in foreign language classroom
Culture teaching in foreign language classroomTiny Mu
 
How to integrate culture in second language education
How to integrate culture in second language educationHow to integrate culture in second language education
How to integrate culture in second language educationAlexander Decker
 
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2sparky32
 
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.Bahram Kazemian
 

What's hot (9)

ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)
ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)
ICYGH 2014 (Uploaded)
 
When should culture be taught
When should culture be taughtWhen should culture be taught
When should culture be taught
 
Culture teaching in foreign language classroom
Culture teaching in foreign language classroomCulture teaching in foreign language classroom
Culture teaching in foreign language classroom
 
F2 f quotes
F2 f quotesF2 f quotes
F2 f quotes
 
Cultural Impact in English Language Learning - Voiceskills
Cultural Impact in English Language Learning - VoiceskillsCultural Impact in English Language Learning - Voiceskills
Cultural Impact in English Language Learning - Voiceskills
 
How to integrate culture in second language education
How to integrate culture in second language educationHow to integrate culture in second language education
How to integrate culture in second language education
 
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2
Intercultural english teacher for the global village 2
 
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.
 
Jep 7
Jep 7Jep 7
Jep 7
 

Viewers also liked

Narvaez german aporte_individual
Narvaez german aporte_individualNarvaez german aporte_individual
Narvaez german aporte_individualGerman Narvaez
 
Заболевания копытец КРС
Заболевания копытец КРСЗаболевания копытец КРС
Заболевания копытец КРСsveta746
 
La mama de issa
La mama de issaLa mama de issa
La mama de issavasebas
 
Propuesta playa el amor
Propuesta playa el amorPropuesta playa el amor
Propuesta playa el amorsolymar
 
Revue des titres nationaux
Revue des titres nationauxRevue des titres nationaux
Revue des titres nationauxlici yenekayi
 
RUE - Anexo B - Dos Agasalhos
RUE - Anexo B - Dos AgasalhosRUE - Anexo B - Dos Agasalhos
RUE - Anexo B - Dos AgasalhosFalcão Brasil
 
Gestión ambiental wiki3
Gestión ambiental wiki3Gestión ambiental wiki3
Gestión ambiental wiki3German Narvaez
 
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições Gerais
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições GeraisRUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições Gerais
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições GeraisFalcão Brasil
 

Viewers also liked (13)

Vf002
Vf002Vf002
Vf002
 
Vf141
Vf141Vf141
Vf141
 
Narvaez german aporte_individual
Narvaez german aporte_individualNarvaez german aporte_individual
Narvaez german aporte_individual
 
Vf090
Vf090Vf090
Vf090
 
Vf007
Vf007Vf007
Vf007
 
Vf031
Vf031Vf031
Vf031
 
Заболевания копытец КРС
Заболевания копытец КРСЗаболевания копытец КРС
Заболевания копытец КРС
 
La mama de issa
La mama de issaLa mama de issa
La mama de issa
 
Propuesta playa el amor
Propuesta playa el amorPropuesta playa el amor
Propuesta playa el amor
 
Revue des titres nationaux
Revue des titres nationauxRevue des titres nationaux
Revue des titres nationaux
 
RUE - Anexo B - Dos Agasalhos
RUE - Anexo B - Dos AgasalhosRUE - Anexo B - Dos Agasalhos
RUE - Anexo B - Dos Agasalhos
 
Gestión ambiental wiki3
Gestión ambiental wiki3Gestión ambiental wiki3
Gestión ambiental wiki3
 
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições Gerais
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições GeraisRUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições Gerais
RUE - Capítulo I - Das Disposições Gerais
 

Similar to Articlenationalpost

The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language Teaching
The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language TeachingThe Role Of Culture In Foreign Language Teaching
The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language TeachingKimberly Harris
 
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And Languages
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And LanguagesSchool Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And Languages
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And LanguagesKatie Harris
 
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...Patricia Viljoen
 
Cultural Immersion
Cultural ImmersionCultural Immersion
Cultural ImmersionDiana Oliva
 
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...Jennifer Reither
 
Cons Of Bilingual Education
Cons Of Bilingual EducationCons Of Bilingual Education
Cons Of Bilingual EducationHeather Lee
 
Pluralism And Bilingual Education
Pluralism And Bilingual EducationPluralism And Bilingual Education
Pluralism And Bilingual EducationMarie Smith
 
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High School
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High SchoolWhy Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High School
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High SchoolSarah Gordon
 
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...Laura Brown
 
Hawaiian Language Immersion Program
Hawaiian Language Immersion ProgramHawaiian Language Immersion Program
Hawaiian Language Immersion ProgramKatie Dubose
 
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...Adriana Wilson
 
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...Karen Stockton
 
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual Education
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual EducationPositive Benefits Of Bilingual Education
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual EducationMaria Padilla
 

Similar to Articlenationalpost (20)

The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language Teaching
The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language TeachingThe Role Of Culture In Foreign Language Teaching
The Role Of Culture In Foreign Language Teaching
 
Benefits Of Being Bilingual
Benefits Of Being BilingualBenefits Of Being Bilingual
Benefits Of Being Bilingual
 
Essay On Language Barriers
Essay On Language BarriersEssay On Language Barriers
Essay On Language Barriers
 
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And Languages
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And LanguagesSchool Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And Languages
School Classrooms Growing Up, Ethnicity, And Languages
 
Being Bilingual Analysis
Being Bilingual AnalysisBeing Bilingual Analysis
Being Bilingual Analysis
 
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...
Colleges Should Require Applicants To Study A Foreign...
 
The Importance Of Being Bilingual
The Importance Of Being BilingualThe Importance Of Being Bilingual
The Importance Of Being Bilingual
 
Cultural Immersion
Cultural ImmersionCultural Immersion
Cultural Immersion
 
Being Bilingual Essay
Being Bilingual EssayBeing Bilingual Essay
Being Bilingual Essay
 
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...
The Barriers With Implementing Learning Languages On...
 
Cons Of Bilingual Education
Cons Of Bilingual EducationCons Of Bilingual Education
Cons Of Bilingual Education
 
Pluralism And Bilingual Education
Pluralism And Bilingual EducationPluralism And Bilingual Education
Pluralism And Bilingual Education
 
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High School
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High SchoolWhy Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High School
Why Is It Important To Learn Spanish Language In High School
 
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...
The Importance Of Oral Language And Listening Skills In...
 
Intercultural Communication Essay
Intercultural Communication EssayIntercultural Communication Essay
Intercultural Communication Essay
 
Hawaiian Language Immersion Program
Hawaiian Language Immersion ProgramHawaiian Language Immersion Program
Hawaiian Language Immersion Program
 
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...
Public Schools Should Teach A Foreign Language In The...
 
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...
Should The Grade School Children Be Required To Learn A...
 
How The Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual Essay
How The Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual EssayHow The Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual Essay
How The Brain Benefits From Being Bilingual Essay
 
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual Education
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual EducationPositive Benefits Of Bilingual Education
Positive Benefits Of Bilingual Education
 

Recently uploaded

AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxiammrhaywood
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?TechSoup
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE
 
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfDiploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfMohonDas
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17Celine George
 
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxMYDA ANGELICA SUAN
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxraviapr7
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfTechSoup
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptxmary850239
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationMJDuyan
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfMohonDas
 
General views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepGeneral views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepobaje godwin sunday
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxKatherine Villaluna
 
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxUltra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxDr. Asif Anas
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapitolTechU
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxAditiChauhan701637
 
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesHow to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesCeline George
 
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...CaraSkikne1
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxheathfieldcps1
 

Recently uploaded (20)

AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -- FANDOM -- JENKINS.pptx
 
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
What is the Future of QuickBooks DeskTop?
 
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
UKCGE Parental Leave Discussion March 2024
 
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdfDiploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
Diploma in Nursing Admission Test Question Solution 2023.pdf
 
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
How to Add a many2many Relational Field in Odoo 17
 
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
How to Add Existing Field in One2Many Tree View in Odoo 17
 
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptxPatterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
Patterns of Written Texts Across Disciplines.pptx
 
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptxPrescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
Prescribed medication order and communication skills.pptx
 
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdfMaximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
Maximizing Impact_ Nonprofit Website Planning, Budgeting, and Design.pdf
 
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx3.21.24  The Origins of Black Power.pptx
3.21.24 The Origins of Black Power.pptx
 
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive EducationBenefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
Benefits & Challenges of Inclusive Education
 
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdfHED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
HED Office Sohayok Exam Question Solution 2023.pdf
 
General views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and stepGeneral views of Histopathology and step
General views of Histopathology and step
 
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptxPractical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
Practical Research 1 Lesson 9 Scope and delimitation.pptx
 
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptxUltra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
Ultra structure and life cycle of Plasmodium.pptx
 
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptxCapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
CapTechU Doctoral Presentation -March 2024 slides.pptx
 
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptxIn - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
In - Vivo and In - Vitro Correlation.pptx
 
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 SalesHow to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
How to Manage Cross-Selling in Odoo 17 Sales
 
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
5 charts on South Africa as a source country for international student recrui...
 
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptxThe basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
The basics of sentences session 10pptx.pptx
 

Articlenationalpost

  • 1. Kathryn Boothby A nnette Mitchell is a successful entre- preneur. She has travelled to more than 100 countries, has of- fices around the globe and has a particularly strong business network in China. The 40-something mother of three knows the value of multiple language skills, though she is fluent in only one — English. Mitchell is determined that will not be the case for her children. Three years ago, Mitchell enrolled her two eldest chil- dren in The Dalton School, a new private institution in Toronto that began of- fering bilingual program- ming in Mandarin/English and Spanish/English. Her youngest started junior kin- dergarten this year. All are learning Mandarin. “I have been doing busi- ness in China for 19 years and can see the opportun- ities learning the language can bring,” says Mitchell. “I want to do the very best for my children, and that means starting at an early age.” Indeed, as society becomes more global in nature the need to understand more than one language to ef- fectively conduct business is increasing, says Donna Booth, principal at The Dal- ton School. “Even if you look only to North America and the Spanish-speaking popula- tions in the U.S. and Mexico, adding that second language will facilitate more options as children pursue a career path later in life,” she says. Learning a new language can happen at any age, says Krista Byers-Heinlein, asso- ciate professor and research chair in bilingualism at Con- cordia University in Mont- real. “That said, we know there are, on average, some differences in terms of lan- guage outcomes depending on how early you start,” she says. “People who start learning a new language earlier in life are less likely to have an accent and more likely to speak similarly to a native speaker.” The most obvious benefits are linguistic. “Those with a second language are able to converse with different people and, in some instan- ces, maintain connections to a heritage language for cul- tural and social identity pur- poses,” notes Byers-Heinlein. Employment advantages can also accrue, she says. A popular and sometimes- controversial topic of discus- sion is the cognitive benefits, notes Byers-Heinlein. “There are studies that show bilin- gual children and adults have advantages in the executive function system that helps with planning, switching between different areas of focus, and inhibiting information. This is because bilinguals are constantly jug- gling languages — to speak one, you have to inhibit the other,” she says. “Music and other enriching experi- ences that give the brain a workout can also lead to those benefits.” The advantages of her children’s language skills became immediately ap- parent to Mitchell this sum- mer, when they joined her on a business trip to Beijing. “They were able to speak with taxi drivers, hotel staff and at restaurants, which made the trip that much easier for me,” says Mitchell. “Their confidence was boost- ed as a result, and they were able to gain a better under- standing of what they were seeing and saying. It was in- teresting to see that evolve.” Because of the 12-hour time difference between To- ronto and Beijing, Mitchell was able to spend a good deal of time visiting the sights in and around the city. “We took trips to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, which gave them additional expos- ure to the culture,” she says. “They wrote messages in Mandarin and placed them in the wall, where they will remain for centuries to come.” Mitchell chuckles and says she thanks herself every day for giving her children the opportunity to travel and to attend The Dalton School. “It means so much to me that the children are doing this and that they love it. It has expanded their minds and made them more sensi- tive to other peoples and cultures,” she says. Both languages are sup- ported equally at the school, says Booth. “We don’t teach Mandarin or Spanish as a subject, nor do we immerse children into an environ- ment where the second lan- guage is spoken 100 per cent of the time. Instead, the day is split 50/50,” she explains. “It’s also not simply about learning the vocabulary. It’s about daily use and a back- to-basics philosophy. We want the children to read, write, add and subtract. Al- though they are learning another language, they are also working on the building blocks of a solid education.” The Dalton School began in 2012. Children are invited in at the junior or senior kin- dergarten level. Mitchell’s children were there at the beginning when there were only four students, she says. Today, the school serves 53 students with nine teachers. “We add a grade level each year, so we grow as the chil- dren grow,” says Booth. Next year students will roll up to Grade 6. The language of learning PRIVATESCHOOLS I WANT TO DO THE VERY BEST FOR MY CHILDREN, AND THAT MEANS STARTING AT AN EARLY AGE — ANNETTE MITCHELL Annette Mitchell with children Jake, Bo and Rhyan in Mandarin class at the Dalton School.