The National K-12 Foreign Language Resource Center at Iowa State is working to implement a nationwide program in schools to teach foreign languages to younger age groups.

“Our mission statement is to improve foreign language education K-12 across the nation,” said Marcia Rosenbusch, director of the Resource Center.

The Resource Center receives federal funds and grants for research projects. The center is best known for its summer institutes, which have instructed more than 580 teachers from 48 states since 1994, Rosenbusch said.

“Teachers across the nation come,” she said.

There are many reasons children should be taught foreign languages at an early age, said Rosenbusch, adjunct associate professor of curriculum and instruction.

Ongoing brain research suggests young children have a window of opportunity that allows them to learn languages easily, Rosenbusch said.

“Research studies show children have a better opportunity of learning, because they’re still learning their first language,” she said.

Jeanette Borich, who teaches French and Spanish in Ankeny elementary schools, said children want to learn foreign languages.

“Young children are very enthusiastic and comfortable when learning foreign languages,” she said.

Borich said teachers can use foreign languages in other studies, such as writing math story problems in a language their students are learning.

Teaching foreign culture is as important as teaching foreign language, Rosenbusch said.

“Culture is integral, and it shouldn’t be separated from language,” she said.

Borich said an entire approach to teaching foreign concepts is necessary.

“There are five national standards when teaching foreign languages,” she said. “Communication, teaching culture, connections, comparisons with their own culture and reaching out to the community.”

Dale Hittle, junior in elementary education, agreed children should be taught foreign languages at an early age.

“Later in life, it will [expand] their ability to talk to other people,” he said.

Technology also plays an important role in learning foreign languages. Rosenbusch said there are many types of technology – Web sites for cultures, newspapers, radio and e-mail – to teach languages.

Rosenbusch and Borich said there aren’t specific languages children should be taught as elementary students.

“It’s a question for the community to answer,” Borich said.