In collaboration with M Davis.
In today’s hyper-globalized world, speaking at least two languages is crucial for personal and career growth as a global citizen. Although you can learn a language at any age, children are more receptive to learning. Therefore introducing a second language (or more!) from a young age is key.
Some of the best languages to teach your children:
French
French is a widely spoken language across the world, making it a wonderful option for your children to learn. For international business, politics, or travel, it is by far one the best languages to learn.
German
English is a Germanic language, which can make it easier for English-speaking kids to pick up, and German as a language in general is extremely helpful to learn. The economy is stronger in Germany opposed to elsewhere in Europe, and the country offers a number of scholarships and support for international students for which knowing the local language is greatly beneficial.
Mandarin
Mandarin Chinese is the main spoken dialect in China. Given China’s growing economy and population, learning Mandarin will encourage your child to learn about one of the world’s oldest civilizations and also boost their future career prospects.
- Reading
We already spend time with our children reading books, both for educational purposes and for quality time together. So pick up your children’s favorite books in the language they are learning and spend time reading them together every day. If your child is learning French, for example, ask your child questions in French about the story and lessons and ask them to respond in French.
- Let your kids use technology
Even if it goes against your usual rule of no technology, technology can be used for good here for your child to learn a second language. Your child can use apps like Babbel for example, to learn French or any other language among the 13 available, including German and Russian. The lessons are very interactive and are guaranteed to make learning seem like a game.
- Sing songs
Most people still remember nursery rhymes from when they were growing up, as songs have a way of sticking with you. Kids especially pick up on songs quickly, so find some catchy tunes and other language versions of your children’s favorite songs. Repeating the songs, talking about the meanings, and discovering new words are all ways you can boost your child’s vocabulary, comprehension and language skills.
- Play games
Games are an enjoyable way you can incorporate language learning into daily life for your children. Play hopscotch and count in the second language, name colors of cars, play your children’s favorite board games, and make it all fun! After all, when kids are having a good time and not under pressure, they do their best their learning.
- Have play dates with native language speakers
It’s so important for your kids to not only spend time learning a second language, but to also use their new and developing skills! Getting them together with other kids who are native language speakers in the language they are learning is an incredible way for them to have fun, just be kids and practice their language skills. Spending time with native speakers will also expose them to more accents, dialects, phrases, and expressions, all of which will add to your child’s comprehension of a culture and language.
Overall it is important to be mindful in choosing which language you want your child to learn, the why, and then start incorporating fun ways for them to learn a language that honor their learning style.
Have you chosen to teach your kids a foreign language?