One of the most useful and important skills that one can possess is knowing how to write and speak a second language. Many experts believe that learning this skill during early childhood can help to ensure that it sticks with you throughout your entire life, as it will become as second nature to you as speaking your native language. While some schools offer foreign language classes for young students, this is often not enough to teach your child to speak a second language fluently, in a way that will allow them to continue their education in the language later in life. If your child is interested in learning a second language, you don’t need to find private jet rentals near you to head to a foreign country to give them a real-world understanding of the language. Here are a few simple tips for effectively teaching your child a foreign language in a way that will stick.
Learn Together
Just as you teach your child to read in their native language by reading them books at home and engaging in discussions that boost their reading comprehension skills, the same can be done when teaching them to speak a foreign language. While you might not be particularly interested in learning a second language, participating in lessons with your child can help show them the value of developing such a skill. Additionally, speaking simple sentences in the second language around their home or engaging in activities that give them a better understanding of other cultures. For example, if your child is learning to speak Spanish, taking them to an authentic Mexican restaurant and asking them to try to order in Spanish can be beneficial in getting them excited about the language outside of formal lessons.
Switch Up Their Media
Another way to get your child interested in another language and to boost their reading and speaking skills is by encouraging them to watch their favorite shows in a second language or with foreign subtitles and asking them to read at least one or two books in their second language each week instead of strictly in English. This can help to boost their real-world understanding of their second language and can give them extra practice in speaking.
Enroll Them in an Online Program
These days, most children prefer to spend time on their devices. Whether it’s an iPad, computer, or cell phone, many children spend a considerable amount of time looking at a screen each day. Give them access to these devices while encouraging their learning by enrolling them in an online program such as Duo Lingo to give them additional language lessons that feel like a computer game.
Taken them on holiday
It helps if the language they are learning is one you have access to. We took the kids to France for a very cheap camping trip for one week. The amount of French they picked up in an emersed condition was phenomenal and will provide the biggest boost to their learning!
