Learning a second language can be advantageous for your children in the long run. Aside from being an impressive addition to their credentials, being multilingual allows them to improve their communication skills and even delay the onset of illnesses like Alzheimer’s later on in life. Research shows that young children are in a critical stage where they’re most receptive to learning a new language.
Deciding with your child on the language to learn can be a challenge. Aside from needing to pick a language that will motivate their study, other considerations like accessibility and application should be kept in mind. Mandarin Chinese, for example, is an excellent choice as it is the most widely-spoken language in the world.
The learning process starts with formal lessons but doesn’t necessarily stop there. Children are able to absorb languages better if they are presented with multiple learning opportunities. Support their learning by practicing the following steps at home.
1. Speak the language
If you know more than one language, it’s important to speak to your child in the language/s you know as soon as you can. By exposing them to multiple languages, you create the conditioning that multilingualism is natural. This is especially important if you’re child is learning a language you already know, as this gives them a basis for the sounds and flow of the newer language.
Incorporating the new language into your daily routine with your child can help improve both passive and active learning in the home. Injecting words and phrases on a thematic basis can make acquisition easier and more natural than rote learning. Word games that allow your child to learn how to rhyme, associate opposites, and describe objects can also be used to add an element of fun while learning
2. Check-in on their progress
Like with other academic subjects, asking your child to report back on what they’ve learned in their new language can play a significant role in further encouraging their learning and practice. Not only does it give them the opportunity to show off what they’ve learned, but also lets you know where they are and how they’re tackling learning.
It’s important to keep in mind that you need to allow your child to progress at their own pace. While adults are more conscious of the potential of fluency, children have a different approach to learning a language. Forcing children to move more quickly through the material in order to become more fluent may lose their interest in learning the language entirely.
3. Keep a practice schedule
As your child gets older, there needs to be a conscious effort to practice communicating in their new language. Your role as a parent is to support these efforts by aiding in forming good learning habits.
One of the best ways to do this is to maintain a practice schedule for your child. Make sure to allot an appropriate amount of time each day for them to practice writing, improve their reading comprehension, and review their lessons. As memory greatly benefits from repetition, this structure will take well to your child’s learning habits. It is advisable to allot at least an hour or so each day for maximum absorption.
4. Immerse them in culture
Exposure to culture and related materials can be a ripe opportunity for helping children learn a new language. By surrounding them with media like songs, TV shows, books, and music in their chosen language, they are able to engage with the language in different formats. The association of the language to an existing culture can help grow their appreciation for the language and may contribute to a better understanding of the logic behind the language’s structure and grammar.
Children’s books in particular are designed to have a simple vocabulary with basic language structure and grammar, making them perfect for learning. Age-appropriate TV shows, on the other hand, provide a more fun and interesting way for them to hear the language being spoken and used.
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5. Look for additional learning opportunities
When it comes to learning a new language, nothing beats the first-hand experience. Additional learning opportunities, such as international fairs, cultural events, and travel, are great for exposing your child to fluent or even native speakers. This can increase their own understanding of the language and foster an even greater interest in pursuing further studies in it.
Aside from this, other learning materials that are recommended by their educators and other professionals can be great supplements for use at home.
Giving your child the advantages of learning a new language is a conscious decision. With young learners, this process requires dedication, communication, and patience. By creating an environment that encourages learning in exciting ways, your child is sure to improve their language skills in no time.
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