Helping your child learn a new language can be tough, particularly if you are not multilingual yourself. The good news is that once you have some tactics to hand, you should be well underway. There are lots of advantages to being fluent in more than one language: it opens up a range of social and cultural opportunities, as well as career opportunities that might not otherwise be options. I have teamed up with an independent college in London to share some simple yet effective tips to get you started.
Stick-it Notes
Start by encouraging your child to label everything around your home using stick-it notes, like their wardrobe, the fridge, and the front door. Exposure is key and the more your child is subjected to the vocabulary in their chosen language, the easier it will be for them to remember the words. Eventually, they will be able to incorporate these words into sentences and conversations.
Watch a Foreign Movie
It’s important for your child to hear the language spoken by natives. Obviously, booking a holiday to a foreign country isn’t always an option, but you could consider watching some foreign films with English subtitles. This is something you can do as a family so that your child doesn’t feel like they’re alone in their learning. Listening to foreign music is also a good idea. Encourage your child to write down any words they’re unfamiliar with in a notebook so that they can look them up in a dictionary later.
Make use of Language Apps
Although most parents are trying to find ways to get their kids to put down their smartphones and other technology, why not use them to your advantage by encouraging your child to download a language learning app. This is a great idea because it means your child can practise anywhere, even if they’re waiting for a bus, for instance.