do you think kids should have to learn french/spanish in school?

Should it be required in high school? No. It wasn't a requirement for a regular diploma in my high school, actually, although I did take four years of French myself. However, I think it SHOULD be required (whatever language) in elementary school. Why? It's easier to learn a foreign language at an early age, and being bilingual is a valuable skill. Most European countries start teaching English very early - why do we not do the same in the United States? I'm not saying small children should have very intensive instruction in a foreign language, mind you, merely that foreign language should be introduced WELL before high school.

I think that it should not be required to learn a second language in school and that it should be a choice for those who want to learn Spanish or French but you should not be punished if you do not learn one,in my high school you did not have to learn a second language so I did not take Spanish besides this is America we should not have to learn other languages,and anyone who comes here should be required to learn our language.

It is typically North American to have issues with foreign languages. In Europe it is normal to speak more than one one language as it is in India for example. Learning and knowing another language does not add weight, you don't have to carry this knowledge on your back or in your knapsack. Children take naturally to learning, be it math, science or another language. Children are "forced" to learn how to read, write and add and subtract in order to function in society. Children are too young and inexperienced to make informed decisions and it is up to the parents to foster the love of learning. I live in Canada and at least in the East bilingualism (English and French) is a must if you want a good Government job or advance in the military. I have come across so many jealous people who envy people who are fluent in both languages or have a working knowledge of both. Both my children went to French Immersion Shools and it did not hurt them a bit to be taught many subjects in French. They do not use the second language in their jobs but it makes travelling in Quebec and France much more enjoyable for them. If I had asked them if they wanted to go to this school they would have said no but now they value the knowledge of the second language.

Its a wonderful opportunity for the child to learn a new language and should be encouraged to do so. In as much as the child has some rights, parents need to stamp their feet hard on some decisions concerning the child. Some decisions that you hated which were taken by your parents, i dare say were later useful to you.

well i believe it should be the childs choice and it shouldnt be earlyin thier life it shouldnt be forced but it is i have an opioin that alot of people dont wnat to hear but here it is they dont have to learn our language to come here so why do we have to learn theirs

We have that same rule here. When i was in high school all they offered was french and spanish. I took spanish because i was forced too. it was not the language i wanted to learn. i know a few things now because i have spanish friends. my best friend is from PR. I wanted to learn sign language in high school. thats what i signed up for but we moved to a new area before i could start taking it. I know that my children will know: english, french, creole, and sign language. only because thats what will be spoken in my house. my husband is from Haiti so he knows creole and french very well our children will have to know it because some of his family does not speak any english. plus i want them to know their language

I believe it is a requirement in my state for kids to have at least 1 year of foreign languages. I feel it is important. There are lots of state requirements for students. This is just one of many.

I think is a good idea to have kids learn a languange early in the life just because I have a lot of friends who would like to know another language mostly spanish but they don't know it. I think is a good thing to be bilingual and its a good thing that a lot of school systems are making this a requirement.

I dont think kids should be forced to take it But it should be an option to take if you want to take it. But not forced to take it in order to graduate.

Well for me im currently taking French. No offense but the only reason why im taking it Is to go to University. Because where i live you need a language to go to University. So if you want to be succesful i suggest you take a language throughout highschool! Anyways just my thoughts.. Good luck to you and happy mylotting!

I think its ok to learn a new language or two. Well as a child I think he/she is still to young to know the importance of adding a new language to your knowledge. So the child might not want to learn the language now but a few years later, he might regret it. Well that's my opinion =)