As featured in Mayo News on September 2nd 2025.
IN Westport, Douglas Whittaker has been inspiring children to discover the fun of learning French, Spanish, and Irish. He believes that the earlier kids start to explore another language, the easier it is for them to pick them up – and the bigger the head start they get for school and life beyond the classroom.
“I love seeing children’s faces light up when they speak a new word for the first time,” says Douglas. “Starting young gives them confidence and makes languages feel natural and fun, rather than a chore.”
Why Start Early?
WE know from research and studies that children who start learning languages early often find it easier to pick up new words, sounds, and grammar. Bilingual children can also develop better problem-solving skills, attention, and memory – little boosts that help in school and everyday life. A study published in ScienceDirect found that bilingual children consistently outperformed monolinguals on cognitive measures more frequently than expected by chance
“We noticed such a difference in our daughter,” says Fiona O’Connell, whose six-year-old attends Douglas’s classes. “She’s picking up words in Spanish so quickly, and it’s amazing to see her confidence grow. She loves learning and is always teaching us something new at home!”
Learning another language also opens doors to new cultures and ways of thinking. Children become more confident, curious, and empathetic, learning to see the world from different perspectives. In Ireland, nurturing the Irish language alongside other languages helps children connect with their heritage while exploring the wider world.
From Paris to Westport
“I’VE always loved travelling, exploring new places and cultures, and whilst at college studying French, I got a job at Marks and Spencer in Paris,” says Douglas. “From that moment, I became hooked – not just on the language, but on the culture and diversity these countries have to offer.” Over the next ten years, he lived and worked across France and South America, gaining a deep appreciation for language, culture, geography, food, music, literature, and sports and eventually a Masters in Modern Languages from Edinburgh University – all of which he brings into his classes. “These experiences make learning languages exciting for children and help them connect with the wider world.”
Douglas’s Approach in Westport
DOUGLAS makes learning languages play- ful and engaging, following the award-winning La Jolie Ronde programme to teach French and Spanish. Through games, songs, and interactive lessons, children practice speaking, listening, and understanding in a fun, stress-free way. Pupils not only pick up vocabulary quickly but also love the classes, building confidence and a real enthusiasm for learning that sets them up for success at school and beyond.
“Starting languages early isn’t just a school benefit – it’s a life skill. Children who learn languages from a young age are better equipped for future opportunities, whether that’s traveling, studying abroad, or exploring careers where multilingual skills are a big advantage.
“In today’s global world, knowing another language opens doors and helps children connect with people and cultures beyond their own,” says Douglas. His lessons in Westport give children a little boost now that can pay off for years to come.
