To find out how, you first need to understand the benefits of learning a language.
Learning a language is a formidable cerebral gymnastics 🤸♀️. Choosing the right term, the right syntax, but also the right tone, requires a particular effort. Regular practice of a language will make this effort increasingly fluid and natural, until it no longer feels like one.
Learning a foreign language also enhances the ability to concentrate, tone and memorize. Bilinguals also find it easier to multitask.
In short, speaking several languages “softens” your brain. 🧠
Beyond the cognitive benefits, learning a language develops open-mindedness. A child who can speak several languages knows that there are different countries and different cultures. As a result, they’ll be more familiar with differences in general.
As you can see, learning a language can only be beneficial to your child, but how do you go about it in practical terms?
First and foremost, make learning a language fun! Focus on games, 🧩songs 🎶or books 📚in the target language.
As we also know, our kids love screens. 📺Now’s the time to make the most of them. Show them their favorite film or cartoon in the language in question. Since they’re already familiar with it, this won’t be a strain for them, but it’s still a much more effective option than you might think!
You can also set up a little daily game between you. For example, when you get dressed, you speak English, or when you taste, you speak Spanish. This usually amuses the children and helps them to make rapid progress. However, you need to stick with it over the long term for it to bear fruit.
Games are therefore an engaging option that allows children not only to listen, but also to speak. Indeed, it’s essential to get them to practice the language in both directions, so that they can understand and make themselves understood in that language.
While the family plays a vital role in children’s learning process, let’s not forget that it’s at school that they spend the rest of their time.
For more information on this subject, join us free of charge at our next webinar ⬇️
So why not enroll them in a bilingual school?
So they can make progress in their mother tongue while acquiring a second language!
For older children, the European section at lycée is also an excellent opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the secondary language.
Then, to immerse your child in a different linguistic context, you can enroll him or her in a summer camp. This will give your child a taste of the unknown, a chance to make new friends and, above all, to practice the language from morning to night.
Finally, there’s a solution that could benefit you too!
Have you thought about hosting an au pair?
There’s nothing like having a new big sister or brother in the family to practice the language with. What’s more, children are very good at bonding. They generally develop an affective relationship with the Au Pair that facilitates their learning of the language in question.
And best of all, hosting an Au Pair is a win-win situation. It’s as good for your child as it is for you. The Au Pair’s presence could please the children, while giving you more time and peace of mind.
All in all, teaching your child a language is pretty simple. Whether at home or at school, all means are good, and the best is to add them up!
To recap, how can you help your child progress?
- Games
- Songs
- Books
- Moovies
- A daily moment in the language
- Bilingual school
- Summer Camp
- Welcoming an au pair
If you are interested in hosting an au pair, create your profile on our platform and connect with au pairs 👇
