The Benefits of Early Years Learning in a Bilingual Environment

Many parents wonder, “Will learning two languages at once confuse my child? Besides, I’m not a native French speaker myself, how will I support my little ones?” These are natural questions but decades of research now tell a different story: early bilingualism, a developmental advantage. The benefits of learning a second language go far beyond the need to communicate. Bilingual children often show greater cognitive flexibility, improved focus, and deeper cultural awareness.

Why early immersion matters

Children’s brains are most open to language before age five. As Dr Patricia Kuhl (2010) explains, young learners absorb sounds and patterns with ease, like sponges. In immersive bilingual classrooms, they don’t “translate” between languages, they develop two systems of meaning naturally. Through play, songs, and everyday conversation, second languages become part of how they think. At the CIS, children begin communicating within weeks, supported by peers and teachers in a warm and welcoming environment.

Clearing up common myths

Research shows that when both languages are supported, children gain, not lose, linguistic strength. When children mix languages (“Je veux the red one”), they are not confused, they are problem-solving. Over time, these blends fade as vocabulary grows. Code-switching is actually a sign of progress.

Confidence and connection

Building a healthy self esteem is key to developing lifelong learners. That is why bilingual classrooms focus on relationships, routines, and joy, whether singing morning songs, reading aloud or acting out stories. Students take risks, engage meaningfully, and ultimately grow into confident bilingual communicators.

Beyond the classroom

Parents are welcome to join in lessons, listen, celebrate, and be curious. A child’s bilingual development accelerates when it is normalised, valued, and embedded in relationships. Even in households where French or Chinese is not spoken, children can thrive linguistically when the language is seen, heard, and celebrated.

Join Canadian International School (CIS) for a morning of multilingual stories, songs, and discovery at their Magical Garden Party on Saturday 22 November. RSVP here.

Reference: 

Thought leadership book

Ask the Dentist: Braces off? Here’s what to expect next

Congratulations on completing your braces/aligner journey! Now that your teeth are beautifully aligned, the next step is to keep them that way — with retainers.

Why retainers matter: Your teeth need time to stabilize after completing your braces or aligner treatment. Retainers help maintain your teeth in their new positions. Without them, your teeth can gradually shift back, a process known as relapse, which may require another round of braces/aligners. Following the retainer regime prescribed by your orthodontist is hence crucial to maintaining the results that were achieved with braces/aligners.

Types of retainers

• Removable retainers: typically fabricated from clear plastic or hard acrylic with supporting wires. These can be independently removed and inserted by patients.
• Fixed retainers: thin wires glued onto the back of your teeth for constant support. These cannot be removed by patients.

Duration of retainer wear: While every case is different, studies show that some degree of long-term retention is needed to keep your smile straight for life. Some patients may require full-time retainer wear in the first 6 months after completion of braces/aligner treatment or fixed retainers.

Your orthodontist will tailor your retention plan according to your needs.

Care tips for removable retainers: It is normal to experience mild tightness or notice minor speech changes in the beginning. The tightness typically resolves within a few days to a week.

Remember to:

Finally...

Regular check-ups with your orthodontist are still key, even during the retainer phase.

Schedule a follow-up about 1-3 months after getting your retainers, and keep up with your reviews as recommended by your orthodontist. If your retainers are lost or broken, reach out to your clinic immediately, as prompt replacement prevents unwanted tooth movement.

Dr Soh Shean Han is an Orthodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Orthodontics from University of Washington-Health Sciences School of Dentistry, USA. She is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with National University of Singapore and Associate Staff at National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore. Dr Soh provides orthodontic treatment across all ages, including young kids and adults. She has a special interest in clear aligner treatment and the management of jaw deformities. www.specialistdentalgroup.com | (65) 6733 7883