How to Help Your Child Learn a Foreign Language

Did you know that children who learn a foreign language have better brain function, more empathy, and perform better in school?

It can be a difficult thing to know what to do in order to prepare your child for success. There are many children’s programs that offer promises that they don’t deliver on. 

But did you realize that one of the best things you can do to help prepare your child for success is to help him or her learn a foreign language?

If you want to find out how to help your child get started in doing this, read on and we’ll tell you what you need to know. 

Don’t Underestimate the Value of Getting Started Early 

No matter how young or old your child is, you should get started now in teaching them the basics of a foreign language. By introducing the concepts for language training while your child is still young, it will be easier for them to learn a second language when they are older. 

There are several easy ways to do this. When you are talking to your child, consider occasionally using words in a foreign language so that your child gets used to hearing the new language.

For example, when they wake up in the mornings, after asking if they want to eat breakfast, you should ask this question a second time in the language that you want them to learn. 

Since childrens’ brains are wired to learn new languages, your child will quickly begin to pick up new words and concepts. 

Make Time to Learn Together While Making It Fun

Children thrive in situations where they get to be a part of a team. By becoming a part of your child’s adventure of learning a new language, they will understand that they are not alone. This will help them to feel encouraged. It will also motivate them to learn. 

If you’re looking for ways to join your child in learning a new language, there are many online resources that can help you to do this. Here are some of the best kinds of resources that will help your child learn a new language. 

Listen to Music

One helpful way to use music to help your child learn a foreign language is to find songs that your child already loves to listen to which they can listen to in the language that you want them to learn. 

If you start making a daily ritual of listening to one of their favorite songs in a new language, your child will start picking up new words and phrases very quickly. Doing this will also create an opportunity for you to have conversations with your child about the similarities and differences between the lyrics sung in each of the versions of your child’s favorite song. 

Read Bilingual Books

When you sit with your child to read a bilingual book, they benefit from being able to make comparisons between the words of one language and another.

Your child will also benefit from learning visually by having the chance to read words on the page.

This is a great strategy that will complement what they’re already doing by listening to the way foreign words are spoken through music. If you read books with your child in foreign a foreign language, you’ll also be preparing them to excel in our World Languages Programs. 

Illustrated Dictionaries

It’s always a good idea to have one or two illustrated dictionaries lying around your house. This way, when your child has a question about a new word they’re learning, they can read about it in two different languages. 

Illustrated dictionaries also make learning fun for your child. If you don’t want to have another book lying around your house, you can also give them a bilingual illustrated dictionary for them to read on their digital device. This will be helpful for your child because they’ll easily be able to use it wherever they go. 

Enroll Your Child in a Private School

There are many benefits to enrolling your child in a private school. Not only will our youth get the benefit of having more individualized attention, but they will also have the opportunity to participate in various specialized programs. 

In contrast to what most public schools offer, it is common for private schools to offer programs for children who are interested in learning a language. These programs are engaging and usually designed to complement the other subjects that they’re already studying. 

By attending a private school, your child will also have the chance to take part in extracurricular activities related to language learning, such as visiting cultural centers and traveling to new places. 

Another benefit of enrolling your child in a private school is that she or he will help your child to be better prepared for college. 

Don’t Worry If You’re Monolingual

Even if you only speak one language, this does not mean that your child can’t learn a second language. If you’re in this situation, remember that the key is being more intentional in your approach.

For example, you might consider hiring a private tutor for your child. You can also enroll your child in summer immersion programs that include curriculums related to language learning. 

Many parents also choose to take the opportunity to learn a new language alongside their children. They do this by attending in-person or online adult language learning classes. 

Help Your Child Learn a Foreign Language Today

There are many easy ways to help your child to learn a foreign language.

One easy way to get started is by speaking to your child in the language that you want them to learn. You can also listen to bilingual books and music. Once your child is old enough, consider enrolling them in a private school. 

If you want to find out more about how to help your child learn a new language by attending a private school, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our World Languages & Arts Programs can help set your child up for success.