Learning a new language can open up many new opportunities for your child’s future. But when should they start and how can parents help to support their child’s language learning? Mill Hill School share their top tips.
When to start?
The earlier you start teaching your child a second language, the easier it will be for them to learn it when they get older. Start by introducing the new language to your child when they first start talking, using a few simple words at a time. Teach your child that food, animals and household objects can all have two names. One in English and one in your second language.
Where can you find help?
You can look in your local area to see if you have any language classes for children or ask at their nursery or school if they offer any additional language support. There are also many useful online courses and apps that can help your child to learn from the comfort of their own home. These online resources can make learning a new language feel more fun for children, by using interactive games.
Top Tip
Labelling objects around your house is a quick and easy way to help your child to learn the foreign names of everyday items. Simply purchase a pack of sticky notes and a bold marker, and then translate the names of some of the objects around your home. Reading these labels repeatedly will help your child to store the names of these objects in their memory.
It is important to make the process of learning a new language as fun and as interesting as possible, to keep your children motivated. Try to incorporate language learning into your everyday routine and use fun activities to increase their attention and focus.
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