Cleveland Jewish News – Becky Raspe 
Young children are like sponges when it comes to learning, no matter the subject. Because of their willingness to learn and retain new information, many elementary schools teach students additional languages. According to Rabbi Simcha Dessler, educational director at Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights, and Lucia Heddleson, world languages chair at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, there are many reasons for children to learn at least a second language. “In addition to augmenting various forms of capital, like social, cultural and identity, second language acquisition promotes awareness of global diversity and cultural sensitivity,” Heddleson noted. “Second-language acquisition promotes awareness of global diversity and cultural sensitivity.” (more)