How to get kids excited about learning a new language
If you want your kids to learn a new language, but you're feeling daunted, or they're not into it, read this.
Introduction: The lifelong value of learning a new language in childhood
So, you’re thinking about introducing your child to a new language? You’re onto something big because it’s so much more than just a new hobby. Learning a new language is like opening up a whole new world for your child–a world filled with cultural insights, cognitive benefits, and, yes, even some career advantages down the line. Research from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages– just one of the many studies linking language development to positive outcomes–shows that bilingual kids have a leg up in problem-solving and multitasking and develop cognitive perks that can last a lifetime.
But learning a language can feel like a daunting task. So, how do we get our kids not just engaged but genuinely excited? How do we transform what for many feels quite hard into an adventure? Stick around because we've gathered some research-backed tips that will help turn your child's language learning journey into an experience they'll actually enjoy.
And guess what? You will, too.
Storytelling
When we say 'storytelling,' we're not talking about your average bedtime read. We mean interactive, language-focused storytelling sessions that can be either in-person or online. These sessions use the power of a narrative to teach new words and phrases in the target language. Picture this: your kiddo is the hero of their own epic saga, learning new words and phrases in their new language as they navigate through enchanted forests or futuristic cities. It's like sneaking veggies into their mac and cheese–educational but oh-so-delicious. And don't just take our word for it; research backs up the power of storytelling to supercharge vocabulary and comprehension skills. Whether you're gathering around a campfire or logging into an online class, storytelling turns language learning into the kind of adventure your child will be begging to join.
Music and songs
You know how your kid can belt out the lyrics to their favorite songs but can't remember to close the door behind them or put their socks in the laundry basket? It’s because the melodies and rhythms in music create a sort of "mental scaffolding" that helps us retain the information. Then, the repetition of the chorus and verses reinforces the learning to make it stick. It's a powerful combination that makes music a fantastic tool for language acquisition and retention. Create a playlist of catchy tunes in the language you're targeting. Or better yet, enroll them in an online class that fuses language learning with music. Not only will they pick up new words, but you'll also get a much-needed break from the usual kiddie hits. Family sing-alongs in a whole new language? That's pretty neat.
Road trip games
Long car rides can either be a bore or a blast, so let's go for the latter. Classic games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" get a multilingual makeover when you play them in the target language. Not only does it make the miles fly by, but it also turns your backseat into a language-learning lab. Not only will you keep the kids entertained, you’ll also be boosting their vocabulary and sentence structure. And hey, it's a win for you too–no more endless loops of "Are we there yet?". Instead, you'll get to hear "¿Ya llegamos?" or "Sommes-nous arrivés?"
Trust us, it sounds way cuter in another language.
Interactive games
Think of games as the Swiss Army knife of education: versatile, engaging, and sneakily educational. And we’re not just talking about apps on iPads. How about a scavenger hunt where the clues are in the target language? Or a board game night where the rule is to count squares or read cards only in the new language? It's all about making learning that new language so fun that your kids won't even realize they're engaging in all-important repetition and practice. Make it fun, and these interactive experiences will turn vocabulary drills into treasure hunts and grammar lessons into detective mysteries.
Real-world scenarios
Role-playing isn't just for the theater kids; it's a secret weapon for making language learning stick. Imagine your child pretending to be a secret agent who can only communicate in French or a treasure hunter deciphering clues in Spanish. You can even turn a regular grocery shopping trip into a language lesson by asking them to find 'manzanas' instead of apples or follow a recipe in a different language and cook up a storm. These real-world scenarios not only make the language come alive but also show them how it can be used in everyday life. It's like a rehearsal for the real world, minus the stage fright.
Visual aids
Traditionally, ‘educational’ visual aids can be boring, but, done right, they’re a game-changer for a kid learning a new language. They're like the sidekicks that help the hero–your child– save the day. Whether it's flashcards with colorful illustrations or interactive videos they can sing along to, the right kind of visual aids make the learning process far more engaging. You can even turn it into a fun arts and crafts session by creating your own flashcards or posters together. And hey, who knows? Your fridge might just become the new Louvre of language learning.
Cultural exploration
Language is your child's passport to cultural exploration–no jet lag included. Why settle for Taco Tuesday when you can have a full-blown Spanish fiesta, complete with homemade tapas and a few phrases to go along? Or celebrate Chinese New Year while learning Mandarin greetings? It's not just a weekend activity; it's a cultural deep-dive that makes language learning rich, vibrant, and incredibly fun.
Immersive experiences
You wouldn't learn to swim by reading a manual, right? Immersion is the deep end of language learning, and it's where the magic happens. You're not just observing the language. You're living it. Whether you opt for an immersion club or declare your living room a French-only zone for an hour each day, you're giving your child the chance to use their new language in a natural setting. It's like a mini-vacation without leaving home, and it's where your kid will pick up the nuances that make them sound like a native. Trust us, it's the closest thing to a language-learning cheat code.
Try specialized language classes for kids
If you're tired of the usual "Hola" and "Bonjour," why not venture off the beaten path?
Specialized classes are the hidden gems in the language-learning world. Think of it as the road less traveled, but one that leads to incredible rewards. Whether it's diving into the intricacies of Mandarin or exploring the sounds of Arabic, these classes offer a unique twist on the usual language fare. Here are some great online beginner language classes designed just for kids:
Classes taught IN Spanish – a fun way to get them to practice
It's not just about standing out; it's about broadening horizons in a way that's as intriguing as it is educational. Plus, let's be real, who doesn’t want to be the only kid on the block who can say "hello" in five different languages?
Movie night
Who says learning can't be entertaining? Next family movie night, switch the audio or subtitles to the target language. You'll be amazed at how much you can pick up when you're engrossed in a storyline, and it's a great way to hear the language's natural flow and intonation. And yes, snacks can still be on the menu –as long as you all learn how to say "popcorn" in the language you're studying.
Talk the talk
Who says you need to be fluent to start speaking? Not us! The key is to weave the target language into your daily life. Think of it as method acting but without the drama or the Oscar nomination. Start with small, everyday conversations like asking for the salt in French during dinner or saying goodnight in Italian. Create little language challenges for the family, like ordering your weekend takeout in Spanish or navigating a simple recipe in German. These mini-language immersion sessions not only make the learning process more interactive but also help reinforce vocabulary and sentence structure. Plus, it's a fun way to get the whole family involved. Before you know it, you'll be tossing around phrases like a local, and the language will feel as natural as your morning breakfast routine.
Label everything
Turn your home into a living, breathing vocabulary lesson by labeling household items with their names in the target language. From "frigorífico" (that's 'refrigerator' in Spanish) to "bücherregal" ('bookshelf' in German), your home will become a bilingual haven. Make a game out of it by challenging your kids to remember the words each label represents. It's not just about learning new words; it's about creating a space that’s like living in a bilingual home, and it's a great way to learn stacks of extra vocabulary without even trying.
Short, consistent lessons
Consistency in language learning is like the steady rhythm of a drumbeat–it keeps everything moving and connected. Short, daily lessons are your best bet for making those language skills stick. It's like doing push-ups for your brain: small, consistent efforts that build up over time. And the best part? You don't have to block out hours. Even 15 minutes a day can make a world of difference. So, ditch the all-night cram sessions and opt for bite-sized, daily lessons. Your future bilingual child will thank you.
Bedtime stories
Switch things up by reading tales in the language your child is learning. It's the perfect way to end the day–cozy, calming, and educational all rolled into one. Plus, it's a fantastic opportunity to introduce your child to different cultures through folklore and traditional stories. Imagine tucking your little one in while reading a classic French fable or a captivating Spanish legend. It's like a mini-vacation before dreamland, and it's a routine that both you and your child will cherish. Grab a foreign-language storybook, fluff up those pillows, and make bedtime an international affair. It's the stuff sweet dreams are made of
Celebrate small wins
Learning a new language is filled with tiny triumphs that deserve their own spotlight. So, when your kiddo nails the pronunciation of that tricky word or finally gets the hang of a complex sentence, make some noise! Every journey starts with a single step, and in language learning, every word counts. Celebrate the small wins, whether it's mastering a new phrase or finally rolling those Rs.
So there you have it. Learning a new language isn't just about conjugating verbs or memorizing vocabulary–it's a passport to a richer, more connected life. From storytelling sessions that feel like epic adventures to cooking classes that double as language labs, there are countless ways to make this journey engaging for your little one. And remember, it's not about how fast they become fluent, it's about the incredible journey of getting there.
If you need some extra muscle, Outschool's got your back with language tutoring in everything from English as a second language to sign language and Italian. So why not take that first step today? After all, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is ahora (that's "now" in Spanish).
Feliz aprendizaje! (Happy learning!)
