---
title: Education Matters—Sanford School's Private School Blog | Jennifer McKay
description: Learn about private school education, admission, scholarships, financial aid, and more through posts written by teachers, administrators, parents, & students.
---

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[![Sanford School](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/Sanford%20School%20March2018%20Theme/Images/master-logo-horizontal-nofounded.png)](https://www.sanfordschool.org/)

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [Why Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/why-sanford)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling) 
          - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life) 
    - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/community-service)
    - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/dining-services)
    - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/student-life/spirit-store)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/social-mashup)
    - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/sanford-news-network)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Sanford Speaks Podcast](http://sanfordspeaks.libsyn.com/)
    - [Auction 2019](https://sanfordschool.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/Sanfords30thAnnualAuction/tabid/1027331/Default.aspx)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/about/sustainability)

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling) 
          - [College Counseling Process](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling/college-counseling-process)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [Student Life](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life) 
    - [Clubs and Activities](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/community-service)
    - [Dining Services](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/dining-services)
    - [Spirit Store](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/student-life/spirit-store)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup)
    - [Sanford News Network](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/sanford-news-network)
    - [Education Matters](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/)
    - [Video Gallery](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/video-gallery)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)
- [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply)
- [Parents](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) 
    - [Home and School Association](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association)
- [Alumni](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) 
    - [Welcome Back!](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back)
    - [Stay in Touch](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch)
    - [Get Involved](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved)

- [Apply](https://sanfordschool.myschoolapp.com/app#login/apply)
- [Parents](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents) 
    - [Home and School Association](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/parents/home-and-school-association)
- [Alumni](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni) 
    - [Welcome Back!](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/welcome-back)
    - [Stay in Touch](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/stay-in-touch)
    - [Get Involved](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/alumni/get-involved)

# EDUCATION MATTERS—SANFORD SCHOOL'S PRIVATE SCHOOL BLOG

*Learn more about current school issues and trends from Sanford School’s educational experts.  Sanford’s blog is sure to help you navigate your child’s educational journey.*

## Jennifer McKay

![Picture of ](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/thumb_user3087061_104370.jpg)

### Recent Posts

## [World Language Education in the Early Years](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/why-world-language-education-is-beneficial-in-the-early-years)

 Posted by [Jennifer McKay](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/author/jennifer-mckay) on March 8, 2016 at 3:00 PM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![World Language Education in the Early Years](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/hubfs/charli2.jpg)](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/why-world-language-education-is-beneficial-in-the-early-years)

We’ve all heard that young children learn languages much more easily than adults. But why is that? And how does it help them? It turns out that the benefits go far beyond simply language acquisition. Learning another language broadens students’ worldview and confers cognitive benefits that last a lifetime, all of which equip them to thrive in the global village they will soon inherit.

**Monolingualism Can Be Cured!**

<http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/what-the-research-shows/references-cognitive#improves_cognitive>Younger learners are often referred to as “sponges,” quickly absorbing phrases and tone of language. Surprising to adults, children are often able to repeat and mimic patterns in another language, helping them to develop near native-like pronunciation and intonation. This is because the young brain’s synapses are still very much connected--something that begins to change as adolescence sets in. That’s why the [American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages](http://www.actfl.org/advocacy/discover-languages/advocacy/discover-languages/what-the-research-shows/references-cognitive#improves_cognitive) advocates that languages begin in PreK, though it’s never too late to learn.

While talking comes naturally to some children, others need to feel reassured before attempting to speak in a new tongue. One goal of teaching younger children is to include all students so that they all feel comfortable taking linguistic steps. We find that music is a great tool for this. The repetition builds familiarity and predictability and--together with games, gestures, and movement--strengthens the musical part of memory. It is amazing to see how, years later, a few notes can bring back an entire song with precision!

**Passport to the World**

Children have a natural curiosity about learning, which is evident when they engage in learning a new language. Young learners are also generally open and accepting of people who speak other languages and come from other cultures. Since the study of languages and cultures in the early years is both social and interactive, children get a sense of how they fit into the larger world. What does this mean? For them, global citizenship starts early!

[Read More](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/why-world-language-education-is-beneficial-in-the-early-years)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/why-world-language-education-is-beneficial-in-the-early-years#comments-listing)

 Topics: [Elementary Education](https://blogs.sanfordschool.org/topic/elementary-education)

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## Sanford School

[6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/6900+Lancaster+Pike+Hockessin+DE+19707)  
 Phone: [302.235.6500](tel:302.235.6500)  
 Email: [admission@sanfordschool.org](mailto:admission@sanfordschool.org)

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## Connect With Us

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## No Talent Lies Latent

 Located on a beautiful 100-acre campus in Hockessin, Delaware, Sanford School is a college-prep [private school](http://mainsite.sanfordschool.onmessagestaging.com/Page/Admission/Why-Private-School?) for boys and girls in preschool (age 3) through high school.

Open Sitemap

- [Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission) 
    - [Discover Sanford School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/discover-sanford-school)
    - [How to Apply](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/how-to-apply)
    - [Upper School Shadow](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/upper-school-shadow-days)
    - [Tuition](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/tuition)
    - [Financial Aid](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/financial-aid)
    - [Scholarships](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/scholarships)
    - [International Admission](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/international-admission)
    - [Request Information](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/admission/request-information)
- [Academics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics) 
    - [Learning at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/learning-at-sanford)
    - [Lower School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/lower-school)
    - [Middle School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/middle-school)
    - [Upper School](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/upper-school)
    - [STEM Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/stem-education)
    - [Honor Code](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/honor-code)
    - [College Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/college-counseling)
    - [Libraries](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/academics/libraries)
- [Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs) 
    - [The Sanford Experience](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-sanford-experience)
    - [Athletics](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/athletics)
    - [Physical Education](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/physical-education-and-health)
    - [Health](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/health)
    - [The Arts](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/the-arts)
    - [Before and After-school Care](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/before-and-after-school-care)
    - [After-School Enrichment Programs](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/after-school-enrichment-programs)
    - [Clubs and Activities](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/clubs-and-activities)
    - [Community Service](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/community-service)
    - [School Counseling](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/school-counseling)
    - [Dining Services](http://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/dining-services)
    - [Summers at Sanford](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/programs/summers-at-sanford)
- [News & Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar) 
    - [School News](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/school-news)
    - [Calendar](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/calendar)
    - [Social Mashup](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/news--calendar/social-mashup)
- [Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving) 
    - [Why Support Sanford?](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/why-support-sanford)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/ways-to-give)
    - [Annual Fund](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/annual-fund)
    - [Planned Giving](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/giving/planned-giving)
- [About](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about) 
    - [Head of School Welcome](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/head-of-school-welcome)
    - [School Review](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/school-review)
    - [Mission and Principles](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/mission-and-principles)
    - [Contacts and Directory](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/contacts-and-directory)
    - [History and Traditions](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/history-and-traditions)
    - [Board of Trustees](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/board-of-trustees)
    - [Sustainability](https://www.sanfordschool.org/page/about/sustainability)