By Kelly Herdrich, Contributing writer

With an increasing number of Americans speaking a language other than English, it's no wonder that parents may be wondering if they should be teaching their children a second language from a young age. Though most secondary and some elementary schools have a foreign language component in their curriculum, teaching children a second language at an even younger age has become commonplace throughout the world. In fact, even parents who aren't bilingual can help their preschool children on the path to learning a second language by introducing simple foreign language activities at home.

Watch International Television Shows As A Family

A WebMD blogger recommends watching international television shows as a family as a means of teaching your child a second language. With so many great child-themed bilingual shows airing today, this isn't a difficult task. Expose your child to one episode of Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go; or Handy Manny a day. Watch together and discuss the Spanish words that they use throughout the show. They often stick to the basics -- counting, colors and greetings.

Hang A Poster With Numbers Or Colors In A Foreign Language

Classroom supply stores are a wonderful resource for parents as well as teachers. Make a trip to a local store and find a poster that teaches counting or colors in Spanish. Hang it in the kitchen or another high-traffic area in your home. Make it a point to practice the words with your preschooler by using them in conversation regularly.

Read Basic Books That Offer Spanish And English Translations

Some baby books contain multilingual words next to each picture. Browse your local library and book store looking for those books that include a Spanish or French translation, as well as the English. Keep them with your child's book collection, and pull them out to practice.

Sing In A Second Language

Rhyming and singing is a valuable teaching tool for parents and teachers. The Songs for Teaching Web site offers a wide range of foreign language songs that parents can quickly learn and practice with their children. Better yet, order the CD and pop it in during car trips. Children will quickly pick up the songs and be singing in another language in no time.

Play With Friends Who Are Bilingual

Does a close friend or family member speak a second language? Though your child won't become bilingual from limited exposure to them, playdates with bilingual friends expose children to another language and may make pronunciations easier. In addition, they'll pick up the occasional word and ask about it. When studying a foreign language, your children will learn more if they are genuinely interested in it.