It’s common knowledge that the earlier you can start teaching and incorporating language into your child’s life, the easiest it will be for them to learn and the more benefits they’ll get out of the experience; both in terms of enhancing their learning capabilities and for being more cultured and diverse when they’re older.
However, whether you speak multiple languages yourself or just speak the one, introducing the ideas of learning a new language can be hard work and requires consistency and perseverance. In today’s guide, we’re going to detail everything you need to know to get started.
Introducing Language in a Bilingual/Multilingual Home
Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
The best way to teach a child anything is to repeat it over and over again, so it becomes embedded in their minds. Never forget that a child’s brain is like a sponge, and when teaching something like a language, the more you can repeat the words and phrases, the more it will become something they don’t forget.
Be Expressive with Language
Many children are visual learners, and by being able to see what they’re learning in the form of actions, role play, or images, the easier it will be to help them remember what they’re learning.
Use all kinds of movements, including facial expressions, exaggerated physical gestures, and by physically acting out whatever it is you’re learning. This can be a lot of fun for both you and your children when introduced in the right way.
Keep Things Positive
As with all kinds of learning experiences, if you’re not creating a positive environment for your child to learn in, they’re not going to want to stick with it, and the whole experience will quickly turn sour.
Always practice positive reinforcement and always try to make the learning process into a game which can be enjoyed, rather than turning into an activity associated with resentment.
Be Creative with Learning Activities
“Sitting down and learning a language through reading a textbook is quickly going to get boring for everyone involved, or just sitting and talking to each other on repeat, so get creative with your approach and try to make the learning process as entertaining as possible” explains Nick Hardy, an educator for Academic Writing Service and Do My Research Paper.
There are endless ways you can do this, such as creating flashcards or your own board games or using online videos or foreign children’s books you can read together.
Roleplay with your Children
Of course, the majority of language is going to be used on a conversational basis, so why not roleplay with your child, giving them an easy way to use the language they’re learning. Use your child’s favorite games, such as buying food in a shop or taking public transport.
Introducing Language in a Monolingual Home
Introduce Native Speakers
While you may not speak another language yourself, getting a native speaker of the language you’re teaching can be a great way to help your child understand and learn it on a native level. Whether you have a family friend or colleague that can help, or you hire an actual tutor, communicating with native speakers is the best way to learn.
Use Available Software
There’s plenty of software applications out there that are designed to help you learn a language, whether you’re learning it yourself, with your child, or if just your child is using it. Make sure you do your research to see what kind of software is out there and available on your budget to ensure you find the best application for you.
In fact, Little Pim has recently released a video player app, across platforms, in which your child can start learning one of twelve languages, at any age.
Use Available School Clubs
For school-aged children, their school may offer extra-curriculum language learning activities, classes, or clubs, so ask around to see what’s available.
“More often than not, they’ll be plenty of languages to explore, plenty of opportunities, and your child will have access to someone who is trained to teach the language properly and to give your child the best possible start” shares Charlotte Harrison, a teacher for Thesis Writing and Ox Essays.
Learn with your Children
It’s always far more encouraging for your child to learn a language if it’s something you’re doing with them. For children, you, the parent, are the best role models in the world; you’re the king or queen of their reality, and whatever you’re doing, the child will want to do as well.
Learning a new language comes with so many benefits, and the fact you’ll be sharing that activity with your child is only going to strengthen your relationship as a parent and will make the learning experience infinitely better for everyone involved.
About the Author:
Beatrix Potter is a professional parenting writer at BoomEssays and Essay Service. Bea writes about language learning; she also tutors at Essay Help Australia website. Beatrix enjoys helping families make the most of modern opportunities.