The language learning process is exciting, unfolding the mysteries of a new culture with every word grasped, especially today, as we meet people from different cultures almost daily. Beyond the social benefits of learning languages, it also boosts our cognitive abilities.
For kids, the process is almost effortless. They can learn different languages because they are curious, have fewer inhibitions, and do not mind corrections. Thus, this article highlights how you can support your child as they learn a new language.
How to Enhance Your Child’s Language Learning Process
What do you do when your child shows interest in learning a new language? Well, you find out where and how they can do so.
There are a few things to consider as you evaluate the learning programs. For example, it should be an immersive and child-friendly program with trainers who have experience handling kids.
Additionally, the program should balance theory and practical application of the new language. As such, the program should have sufficient time for your child to practice speaking, reading, and writing the target language. The class size also matters as a child needs the attention of an instructor.
Nevertheless, your help shouldn’t stop at enrolling them in a language program. You can do more to help your child, including the following:
Create an Environment that Increases Exposure to the New Language
One of the benefits of such exposure is allowing your child to practice the skills learned in class in a natural setting. For instance, you can install an app that enables your child to learn languages with AI and practice in the house. Such apps offer interactive activities to immerse your child in the target language in a fun way.
In addition, you can subscribe to television, music, and movie sites in the target language to develop your child’s conversational skills. Music can be exciting as the repetition allows your child to improve their pronunciation and pace their speaking rhythm.
Another ingenious strategy is to align your home’s environment and daily activities with the language your child is learning. Imagine creating fun cooking videos with your child while speaking the target language or labeling items and places in the home in the new language.
For instance, you can label the kitchen, bathroom, wall, television, table, and chair. Alternatively, you can organize playdates with your child’s language classmates so they can practice their skills.
If you can speak the language yourself, encourage your child’s active participation by having conversations at the dinner table. It helps your child correct their mistakes in a supportive environment.
Set Realistic Learning Goals
Be actively involved in your child’s language learning process outside the classroom. Thus, agree on what makes a successful learning day, such as the number of new words your child should memorize daily or weekly. It allows you to be involved in the process, listening and encouraging your child if they do not meet the target.
However, be conscious of your child’s learning abilities and language learning level when setting these goals. You can also involve your child in the decision, allowing them to set milestones they would love to achieve.
On top of that, if your child does not achieve the milestones, discuss how you can break them down into manageable tasks. For instance, if the weekly goal is learning 20 new words and your child manages 15 words only, see how you can break these up into manageable daily tasks. It might surprise you that your child can read and understand five words daily, making a weekly achievement higher than the initial one.
Have Strategies to Overcome Demotivation
If your child appears demotivated, first, identify the cause. The program may be too intense, and they need fun activities unrelated to learning languages to help them relax. In addition, do not overwhelm your child with language learning such that they miss out on hobbies and interests because these are also essential for their overall growth.
You should also find ways to celebrate and reward them for small achievements while learning new languages. These rewards can be attached to the daily or weekly goals discussed above. To make it even more exciting, allow your child to choose the reward for each achievement. You could even turn this into a weekly event where you sit with your child, discuss the achievement, reward them, and let them maintain a physical trophy wall for these milestones.
Another challenge that can demotivate your child is the lack of resources in the target language. They may become bored with time if they keep repeating the same movies, songs, and books. Hence, restock resources and subscribe to several platforms that teach kids new languages.
You can also motivate your child by listening to their frustrations and sharing your learning experiences.
Plan Cultural Immersion Family Trips
Wouldn’t your family love that? A trip to the cultures your child is learning in language school offers a unique immersion experience to get firsthand tips on social norms and customs. Plus, they can practice the language in an authentic setting.
They can also carry memorabilia that motivates them to go on learning. There are many ways to experience the culture in addition to conversations with the locals. For example, you can plan your trip during cultural festivals or book local cooking club events.
There are also language summer camps and exchange programs for children. These allow your child to learn alongside their peers.
If a physical trip is impossible now, journey to that destination virtually. For instance, take virtual tours of the region’s historical sites and museums with your child. It’s a fun way of experiencing the culture together; this can be a recreational activity for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
The present world needs bilingual and multilingual people. Thus, helping your child diversify their language skills is one of the things you’ll look back on and be glad about. The first step is getting a suitable language learning program.
Nevertheless, after enrolling them in language school, be actively involved in their out-of-class learning activities. For instance, get resources for learning new languages at home and encourage them to practice their skills in the house.
Our blog on Learning a Language has additional tips and resources. And remember, the expert educators at WorldWise Tutoring are always here to help at any step along the way. Your children can learn a new language, while also improving their transferrable soft skills. Hire a great tutor today!
