The fourth and last phase begins at age nine. The child has acquired a mastery of the grammatical structures and has learned to understand texts. He is able to summarize paragraphs and has gained greater proficiency in writing paragraphs and stories. He has mastered a comprehensive vocabulary and can categorize them into different parts and subparts and can distinguish between antonyms and synonyms. The child is now enabled to use languages as tools to gain greater knowledge in specific areas of interest. His vocabulary is continually increasing while comprehension and articulation perfected.
In this phase it is important to continually enrich his vocabulary while not neglecting the proficiency of the second language. Parents are therefore recommended the following:
– motivating the child to read vast quantities,
– motivating the child to write essays and stories,
– providing the child with additional learning material about subjects of interest to the child,
– showing the child internet sites where more information can be gathered,
It is important in this phase to determine if there are any impediments in speech or in comprehension, more specifically if the child suffers from Dyslexia or Aphasia. If such problems are suspected it is best to consult the pediatrician that can subsequently recommend a Speech Therapist.
Raising bilingual child 