In language, mom knew best

Linguists call it the "Mother Method." It means teaching language the way a mother teaches it to her own children: naturally, without the stress of tests or the fear of failure. It's "language by immersion."

And we salute Midvale Elementary — and also Cherry Hill in Alpine — for keeping the Mother Method alive and well with their Dual Language Programs. There, English speaking kids are picking up Spanish while Spanish speakers are tackling English. Along with the language, children are taught to show a healthy respect for cultural differences.

Currently, 140 kids are being "mothered" into a new language. And so far, the approach is getting an "A."

Children are sponges. They absorb everything around them — whether it's profane language, poetic language, or a new language. And in the mix they also absorb attitudes about other people. At Midvale, teachers are taking advantage of that nonjudgmental aspect inherent in kids to create trust and caring among students from distinct backgrounds.

The Mexican Consulate sees the upside and is supplying materials for the Midvale program.

Parents are also enthused. Applicants have had to be turned away or put on waiting lists.

Unlike their elders, children dive into new worlds. Anyone who has watched a tyke play video games knows how quickly they adapt to what's new. And as the nation grows more filled with people from around the world, being able to move and function amid so many cultural and language preferences will serve the nation's youngsters well.

Any adult who has tried to learn a new language has wondered how a 3-year-old can master something they can barely fathom. There is something to be said for having a young, supple mind . The minds of many adults are set in lead. Little can be done about that.

Still, with age comes wisdom. And we applaud the wisdom of the teachers and administrators who see an opportunity to not only teach language skills but social skills to impressionable young people by immersing them in such things.

After all, it all may come down to a truth that each generation tends to learn over and over again for itself.

When all is said and done, perhaps mother actually did know best.