Myth+1+Children+Learn+Languages+Quickly

 “Do children learn second languages quickly and easily?”

Oral fluency can fool you!

Be aware that there are two types of language skills:

is social language. This is survival language plus a bit more and takes about 2 years to achieve. Children are stars at matching pronunciation, especially before the age of 7. They also pick up social vocabulary quickly.
 * BICS--Basic Interpersonal Communication** **Skills**

This is school-related language that goes beyond the social basics. Proficiency often takes 5-7 years to achieve.
 * CALP**--**Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency**

Please consider that

 young children do not have access to memory techniques and other strategies that older learners use.

 children are more likely to be more shy and embarrassed to make mistakes around peers than adults

 children from some cultural backgrounds are extremely anxious when singled out to speak a new language.

 teachers should not expect miraculous results from children learning English as a second language!