Out of all the languages to learn, why choose Greek? Besides its rich culture and popularized cuisine, there is more to the language than meets the eye. Have you ever wanted to introduce your child to a language beyond the reason of practicality? In other words, do you want a language that can transcend your child’s view on history, literature, philosophy, and much more? Studying Greek has all these advantages! If you would like more detail, here are the benefits your child will gain from learning Greek.

A Greater Understanding of Ancient History
One of the most interesting pieces of history begins in Ancient Greece. While learning Greek, your teen could be introduced to time periods beyond American history. Much of this isn’t actually taught in detail because of a lot of these texts are written in Greek. An example of a text could be Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War.” It is a significant time in history that is usually brushed upon in today’s history classes. This
could be a great opportunity to show how history and language come hand in hand. Your child could also develop a love for the subject and thus turn to a career in the field of archeology or history.

Learn About Key Philosophers and Literature
Much of the world’s most renown literature comes from Ancient Greece. If you’re hoping to initiate an interest in reading, learning Greek could help. Most teens enjoy the world of mythology and one of the most popular book franchises stem from that topic; Percy Jackson & The Olympians. Aside from modern fiction, your teenager could learn the classics such as the Odyssey and Illiad. But how can learning about the great philosophers such as Socrates and Plato have any benefits? As your son/daughter goes to college, the goal is expand their thinking. Learning Greek could be a great way to start that expansion early.

Appreciating More Cultural Aspects
Besides literature and history, Greek culture extends to much more. One of this includes ancient Greek art. Their art or “arete” extends from learning about mythology to the fundamentals of sculpture. Your kid’s interest in Greek can expand to going to museums that showcase Greek art and architecture. A few of them include the MoMA, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Onassis Cultural Center here in NYC. Another big cultural aspect is Greek food. There is a ton of cuisine that can explored. The best part? Your teen could learn the best authentic restaurant’s in town, while having extensive knowledge about the menu.

Improves English Grammar and Literacy
Did you know that Greek is also a foundation for modern languages? Yes, that also includes English! According to research, more than 50% of English words come from Greek. Students who study Greek, also have a better understanding of English though identifying “root words.” This means they understand the origin of the word by breaking it down in smaller meanings. For example, the word “anthropomorphism” is broken
down into “anthropos” and “morphe” which means “man” and “form.” It can help understand vocabulary that your child may initially not know the meaning of.

Absorbing A Second Language Much Easier
You might be aware that Latin is known as the “mother” of Romance Languages; but Greek is as well! In fact, Greek was involved in many of the modern languages such as Italian, French, and Spanish. These languages also have similar “root words” and follow the principles of grammar. If your child enters college with a foundation of Greek, their language requirement will be a breeze!

Training the Brain to Think More Logically
Studies have shown that learning Greek is a way to sharpen your mind. The language is similar to figuring out a new system. It is built on associating words with memorizing patterns and forming words with a “formula.” This helps develop critical thinking skills, through training the brain to think more systematically. Thus, Greek encourages you to think more logically. It is truly a language that develops both the creative and cognitive part of your brain.

Initiating Careers in STEM, Law, and Government
The origin of careers in science, law, and government actually begin in Ancient Greece. If your son/daughter has an interest in any of these fields, having Greek on their resume will benefit greatly. Much of the terminology used today is from the Greek language. Your teenager could learn how these careers even began thanks to the contribution of Ancient Greece. They were the first civilization to actually study medicine, establish a sense of government, and write laws. Why not study a language that is the principle to what all of us study presently?

Traveling to Greece With Ease
An added bonus to all this, comes down to the benefit of traveling to Greece. In a country where the language is known to locals only, imagine being able to get around easily? Your child’s dream to travel to Greece will be much more enjoyable! He/she can get the insight of the country’s hidden delicacies and lifestyle. It will transform their trip from a tourist to a Greek civilian.

So you decided that your little one should learn a language. A great choice nonetheless, but now you’re debating how exactly you will start your assessment. This leads to the bigger question at hand; should I sign up for classes or private lessons? There are countless reasons why you should opt for one or the other, which make the decision process a little tricky. Although, you will recognize that ultimately one option is the perfect fit. How about we look at the benefits of both classroom and private lessons.

Private Lessons:

Personalized Lessons
One major component to private lessons is having a personalized curriculum. Some students will already have little knowledge of the language they are interested in. Therefore, they do not need to follow a traditional framework that will be used in a classroom setting. A private lesson can provide the individual learner to choose which skills they would like to focus on. For example, you may express to your child’s teacher that he/she is proficient in speaking Italian but not writing in Italian. Private lessons can be customized to focus solely on grammar and practicing reading Italian texts. There is room for accommodation, without the pressure of following a curriculum.

Accommodations For Those With Special Needs
The upside to private lessons is the accommodations for special need children. Private tutors can offer a range of tools and strategies to make the learning process a whole lot easier. One of them includes one on one assessment, without the distraction of other students. It can also include playing games or engaging in hands on activated that are not always welcome in a classroom setting. As well as encouraging breaks or allowing
distractions without the fear of falling behind.

A Flexible Schedule
Another advantage to private lessons is the ability to create your own schedule. Unlike the classroom setting, there isn’t a specific date or time you need to attend. Lessons are catered closely to whatever obligations you may have. If you are a parent, you can adhere to a time frame where your kids are at school or around their bedtime. Your responsibilities will no longer get in the way of mastering a new language.

There is a craft behind learning Mandarin. Filled with a rich history, built on art and symbolism, has carried on to a multitude of generations. In fact, it has become the most spoken in the world! Imagine China’s mother tongue ultimately reaching a grand total 1.4 billion speakers? Beyond communication skills, it can enrich your child’s life in both a mental and social capacity. If you would like to introduce son/daughter to a transformative language, here are other benefits of learning Mandarin.

A Language Meant for Kids
Did you know that Mandarin is considered an easy language for kids? The vocabulary itself is made up of patterns and symbols. Younger children are able to grasp this particular system because they tend to be visual learners. Therefore, they are susceptible to interpret these complex characters relatively quicker compared to teens and adults. This phonetic alphabet is also meant to be logical, and less compose of grammar rules that Romance languages have such as Spanish or French. For example, there are no plurals in Chinese! A literal translation for “two pencils” is “lots of paper.”

Learning A Coveted Art Form
The most interesting aspect of learning Mandarin may be its unique chirography. It breaks the conventional way of how most of us were taught; which involves a standard alphabet. Instead, the foundation lies behind mastering an art form of different symbols and symmetry. It goes beyond your child learning just how to speak a second language, but also getting to grasp a form of ancient art. There is storytelling and meaning behind how these patterns were created. An example would be the symbol for human (人) and big (大) combined makes the word adult (大人)

Greater Appreciation for Chinese Culture
As a parent, you would like your child to become well rounded and a cultured individual. Why not introduce a language that is shared by millions of people around the world? Mandarin, as we previously discussed, has one of the most unique and richest background of history. It can as far as the B.C. era, where Chinese dynasties were formed and still hold a relevance today. Aside from an extensive and delicious cuisine, your child could experience their distinctive views of modern life. Your son/daughter can be exposed to the benefits of mindfulness, or the sacred forms of martial arts.

Improved Math Skills
Are you hoping to improve your little one’s skills in math? Practicing Mandarin can simultaneously help with basic fundamentals and counting. According to Tessa International School, it incorporates mathematical concepts when learning how to speak and/or write. A lot of the vocabulary involves putting two characters together in order to create one a whole new word; similarly to how a formula is structured as. Therefore, your child will already be accustomed to being predisposed to algebra concepts!

Increasing Motor Skills
Did you know that your little one can also increase their motor and cognitive skills? Mandarin involves a diligent practice such learning a new method of writing. According to AsiaSociety.org , the handwriting technique used cam actually assist your child’s motor development. The act of drawing different shapes and recognizing hieroglyphics, will train your child to activate use both their left and right side of the brain.

Becoming Musically Inclined
One of the most surprising facts about assessing this language, is the multiple pronunciations involved. An article from The Atlantic, explains how the different tones used throughout speaking Mandarin can actually aid in vocal ability. Different pronunciations of the same word can have a completely different meaning! It is almost impossible to be “monotone.” Studies have shown that Mandarin speakers were able to identify musical pitches better than English speakers.

Future Career Opportunities
A second language can guarantee success in the job market. However, once your child masters Mandarin that will have an even bigger advantage. Career fields such as business, politics, and communications all see this as a high commodity. China also is considered to have the biggest economy in the world. The ability to have a chance to be in this economic market can have plenty of opportunities.