Raising Bilingual Children: How To Make Learning A Second Language At A Young Age Fun Not Frustrating

Teaching children anything can seem like a chore, but as every parent knows, it’s rewarding to see them flourish and grow into amazing adults.

There are plenty of great skills you can impart to your offspring, but one of the most valuable is the art of speaking a second language.

Many studies have proved that there are multiple benefits to being bilingual, including better concentration and improved career prospects in the global marketplace.

As anyone who’s ever tried knows, learning a language as an adult is challenging. Not only is it hard to find the time, but it can be difficult to get the information to sink in.

Children learn languages faster than many adults, thanks to their young brains and flexibility when it comes to absorbing various linguistic rules.

As such, parents should consider teaching their children a second language. Whether you speak one yourself, or want to learn alongside your kid, you should consider teaching them a second language at a young age.

It might take time, but the effort will be worth it to

Start With Simple Words

Like anything, you need to start small when teaching a child another language. Begin with basic phrases that they use every day, such as the names of their favourite foods, meals or clothing. Say the words in their first language, then their second, and help them to understand and make it easy for them to learn new terms. If you speak their second language yourself, you can speak clearly to them to help your child with their pronunciation. For anyone who’s learning alongside their child, it’s easy to use a tape or app to learn how to say certain words and learn at the same time as your little one. Start small and don’t get frustrated if it takes time for your child to remember: there’s a lot that goes into growing up, so your child might take a few attempts to remember the words and what they mean.

Send Them To Summer School

If you need to help your children immerse themselves in a new language, then a summer school could be the perfect solution. That’s particularly true for kids who need to learn to speak English because they live in England. A summer school for kids like the options from Skola can speed up the learning process while also keeping it fun. Based in the heart of London, the school offers a range of options including boarding or day training, so you can find one that suits your family. Also, a summer school will give you some time away from your little ones, so you can make the most of the warm weather and enjoy some fun time with your grown-up friends.

Use Songs And Movies

Another way to immerse your child in their second language is to use music, films and TV shows. Songs are particularly effective, as your child will remember the tune as well as the words. Also, if you choose songs that your child already knows in their first language, then you can help them to learn new terms quickly. Songs like Heads, Shoulders, Knees And Toes or the Alphabet Song can be great ways to teach your child common words in their second language. You could also show them their favourite shows or films dubbed in their second language. Using subtitles can help them to understand what’s going on still as they absorb new words and phrases. Most kids love songs and TV time, so you’ll have little trouble convincing them to try them out. Also, as these songs and shows are already made, you won’t need to take your time making resources for them, which will free up some of your day.  

Play Games In Their Second Language

Playing games is another fun way to teach your child a second language and make great memories with them. Most parents enjoy playing games with their kids so that it can be fun as well as educational. Check out some of the best games for language learning that are great for both kids and adults. You can then find your new favourites and make the most of them to teach your kids new words and show them your gameplaying skills! Make sure you choose games that are suitable for your little one’s age and that they will enjoy, and mix things up every few months so they don’t get bored with your current game collection. From video games to board games, there are many options out there to suit kids of all ages, so you can find the right ones for your brood.

Knowing more than one language can significantly benefit many aspects of a person’s life. It’s easier for kids to learn when they’re young, and it can be an important part of their heritage and cultural backgrounds, so it’s worth teaching them two languages. Use these tips to find ways to make learning a second language fun for your beloved children.