Children given a head start with foreign language classes

Youngsters on Wearside are being given a head start with their foreign language skills.
Youngsters and parents who have taken part in Lingo Tots at Oak Tree Farm, Doxford Park.Youngsters and parents who have taken part in Lingo Tots at Oak Tree Farm, Doxford Park.
Youngsters and parents who have taken part in Lingo Tots at Oak Tree Farm, Doxford Park.

Lingotot is a weekly session for pre-school children at Oak Tree Farm, in Doxford International Business Park, Camberwell Way, Sunderland.

French and Spanish is taught to the youngsters, who are aged between six months and five years.

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Kate Wood, who runs Lingotot in the Sunderland area, has been overseeing the class for over a year, and has been delighted by its progress.

She said: “The children are like a sponge at that age, and don’t even realise they’re learning a foreign language.

“The classes are made fun with games and songs, and they pick up the new language along the way.

“All of the sessions are conducted almost entirely in French or Spanish, and the parents can learn with their children. We offer plenty of support for mams, dads and grandparents so that they can continue their family’s language learning journey at home.”

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Kate became involved in Lingotot as she wanted her daughter, Adelaide, to learn plenty of skills before she started school.

She added: “I always wished I’d learned a second language at an early age when it’s easier to pick up, and so we found Lingo Tot.

“I didn’t speak any Spanish, so we started Lingotot sessions together and we both loved it.

“Learning a foreign language is excellent for the youngsters, because it’s much harder to learn when you’re an adult.”

Classes take place on Thursdays, with French on at 9.30am and Spanish on at 10.15am. It costs £6.25 a session.

For booking details, and more information, visit bitly.com/lingototsunderland