Learning a new language is an exciting venture for a child. Children are more likely to pick up a language easier, understand pronunciations and vocabulary far faster than their parents, and it’s a great way of boosting a person’s CV. On top of broadening their horizons it’s an amazing skill that many of us should boast, and you can help them along the way.
Here are some top tips from an independent school in the UK on how to help your child with their new found passion.
Learn alongside your child
One of the most straightforward ways to help your child is through their new venture is by learning the language alongside them. Exposure to as much language as your child can hear will allow them to practice their skills more often, and with someone else to use as a soundboard will help you both with your skills. We tend to use online language websites such as Duolingo and practice together.
Make sure your child practices often
Having a set schedule that your child sticks to will keep them motivated and focused. Try not to overwhelm them each week with different things to practice, though. Follow how fast your child’s learning and see where they need help before moving on to the next stage in their language learning journey. If they’re learning the language through school, then follow the curriculum set out for them with related exercises and practice sessions.
Get them into a TV series or podcast
Learning on the go is great when you have a relevant TV show, podcast or a film to watch in the language. Again, it’s another way of giving your child exposure to something over time that will let them practice their vocabulary, speech and rhythm.
Get them involved in local clubs or communities
You may find that there are a lot of people learning the same language as you, be it French or Japanese, from across your local area. This is a great opportunity to give your child the chance to make some new friends that are also learning at the same level that they are and have another way of practicing their skills.
*This is a collaborative post.
Two of my grandchildren are enjoying learning a new language and we encourage them as much as we can!
Love this – great ideas to help raise a bilingual child