When it comes to learning a language, there’s one undeniable truth: the most natural and effective way for young children to achieve fluency is through immersion. At LingoStars, we’ve built our entire approach around this philosophy—helping children acquire language the way they do naturally, by surrounding them with the target language in meaningful, real-life contexts. But how does this process unfold? And how closely does it mirror the way children acquire their first language?
Let’s explore the four distinct stages of language acquisition and how they align with the natural process of language learning in young children.
Age Range: 0 to 6 months (for native language) | Varies for second language learners
The pre-production stage, often referred to as the silent period, is where all language acquisition begins. During this phase, children are absorbing the sounds, rhythms, and patterns of the language around them. They are listening and understanding, but they’re not yet producing words.
When learning their first language, infants spend months immersed in speech from caregivers—tuning into intonation, identifying common words, and beginning to grasp the basics of communication. Similarly, when a child is exposed to a second language in an immersive environment, they also go through a silent period. They may nod, point, or respond non-verbally to show comprehension but aren’t ready to speak just yet. This phase is crucial because it lays the groundwork for understanding before verbal expression begins.
When children are surrounded by a language they don’t yet speak, they’re naturally observing, decoding, and building a silent vocabulary. This silent stage isn’t a delay—it’s a foundational phase of comprehension that prepares them for the next stage.
Age Range: 6 to 12 months (for native language) | 3 to 6 months into immersion for second language
After absorbing a critical amount of input, children begin to experiment with language. In this stage, they typically produce single words (“mama,” “ball”) and short memorized phrases (“all done,” “want cookie”).
When acquiring a second language through immersion, this phase follows a similar pattern. Children start by producing isolated words that they’ve heard repeatedly in context. Their vocabulary grows slowly but steadily, and while their sentences may not be complete or grammatically perfect, they’re beginning to take risks and try out new words.
At LingoStars, we encourage children to express themselves freely during this stage, even if it’s just with one or two words. Through songs, stories, and play, we build their confidence and provide them with opportunities to use the language in meaningful contexts.
Age Range: 1 to 3 years (for native language) | 6 months to 1 year into immersion for second language
This is where things get exciting! Children transition from single words to combining 2 or more words to form short phrases and basic sentences. For first language learners, this stage usually happens between 18 and 24 months, when toddlers begin stringing together words like “want cookie,” “go park,” or “see dog.”
For second language learners in an immersive environment, speech emergence follows a similar timeline—usually around 6 months to a year after consistent exposure. Children begin forming basic phrases by combining familiar words, often mixing languages (known as code-switching) before developing fluency.
During this stage, we encourage children to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and experiment with sentence structure. Through repetition and consistent input, they begin to internalize grammatical patterns and grow more confident.
Age Range: 3 to 5 years (for native language) | 1 to 2 years into immersion for second language
By the time children reach this stage, they’re able to speak in complete sentences, express complex ideas, and engage in conversations. Native speakers typically achieve this between ages 3 and 5, while second-language learners immersed in a language-rich environment often reach this stage within 1 to 2 years of consistent exposure.
At this stage, vocabulary grows exponentially, sentence structures become more sophisticated, and children develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of language. Immersed learners begin to think in the target language, which is a key indicator of fluency.
True fluency develops when children live and breathe the language. Through games, conversations, and real-world interactions, we ensure that language becomes a natural part of a child’s everyday life—leading to near-native proficiency.
Language acquisition through immersion mimics the way children naturally learn their first language. By hearing, observing, and experiencing the language in authentic contexts, children gradually move from passive understanding to active use.
How Fast Does It Happen?
Just like with a first language, the timeline for acquiring a second language varies. However, immersed children move through the stages of acquisition drastically faster than those learning in traditional classroom settings. While some children may stay in the silent period longer, others may quickly progress to speaking.
At LingoStars, we’re passionate about helping children acquire language in the most natural and effective way possible—through immersion, play, and meaningful communication. We believe that when children are surrounded by language in a supportive and engaging environment, they develop not just fluency but also a lifelong love of language.
If you’re ready to give your child the gift of language, immerse them in the magic of learning—and watch as they naturally progress through these stages, just as they would with their first language.
Ready to start your child’s language journey? Join one of our programs and experience the power of immersion today!