5 easy (& cheap!) ways to teach your child a foreign language

Many parents (and schools) encourage children to learn a foreign language. In today’s globalized world, it has become even more important to learn another language and the benefits of doing so are endless. While there are formal opportunities throughout the educational system, starting even in primary school, there are many ways you can teach your children a foreign language even before they go to school and on top of the available resources.

Here are 5 easy and budget-friendly ways to teach your children a foreign language:

Start early

The earlier your child starts learning a foreign language, the better! Kids are already absorbing new information and learning so much from a young age that adding in another language could be a natural addition.

You give your children a better chance at becoming fluent and having another language more incorporated into their worlds if you start early – it’s easier for them, and it’s cheaper for you because you can avoid paying for language schools later!

Create a relaxed and laid-back environment

A laid-back learning environment gives your children the chance to relax and let their language skills naturally improve. When they can participate in learning opportunities that they enjoy, without stress, they will also retain new and old information better.

Language apps

Nowadays, Language apps like Babbel are one of the most popular methods for learning a foreign language. They are an easy and budget-friendly way to get tailored language lessons straight on your smart device.

Your children can do a lesson anywhere, anytime and get ‘phone privileges’ for an educational but fun session!

Flashcards

Flashcards are a classic learning tool. Have your children write them out (if they are old enough) and create them with you so they can connect the creation of the flashcards to the quizzing off of them. You can do as many flashcards as you can with your children every day. It is also helpful to bring the flashcards with you when you are out for the day so that you can add in a quick learning session on the go.

Videos on YouTube

There are many free YouTube videos focused on language learning available. There are videos that offer structured lessons, and it is also helpful to find some videos on a topic of your child’s choosing created by a native speaker.

Watch a favourite movie

Watch your child’s favourite movie, but in the language that they are learning! They probably remember at least some of the lines in the film and this way they are already connected to and engaged in the movie they already love. Especially

for beginners, it is helpful to watch something that you already know so that you can follow along and have some idea of what is going on.

Benefits of knowing a foreign language

· Improved cognitive performance Many studies have proven that learning a language may improve brain function, at any age.

· Enhanced creativity

Learning a language encourages you to be creative and take chances, which helps enhance your creativity. Especially when kids are naturally curious, this is a benefit that will come into play early on and throughout their years growing up.

Boost critical thinking skills

Learning a foreign language is not easy, and it boosts critical thinking skills by requiring language learners to use their brain in a whole other way.

Future career advantages Knowing more than one language is a sought after skill in the job market, and your child will thank you for teaching them a foreign language when they are searching for a job.

Are you teaching your kids a foreign language? If so, which language?

*Written in collaboration with Mary Johnson