Every so often here at The Rambles of Neil Monnery we get approached to run a guest blog post – usually for educational means. So today we have a piece about the best ways to get children to learn a second language. I hope you enjoy…
It can be very challenging to learn a language, but the best time to pick one up is when you are child. Teaching your children languages when they are young will help make them pick up language skills quicker and more successfully as they grow up. Here a few of the most effective techniques to try out when teaching a second language to your children, from learning through games to going on a summer camp with a school like www.esl-schools.org.
1. Learn through song
If you think back to the lessons that have stuck with you since childhood, a lot will be conveyed in song or rhyme. Associating words in your memory with a catchy tune or easy to remember rhyme helps those lessons to remain in your brain for a much longer period. There are often popular songs for learning numbers or the alphabet. Once the basics are grasped you could make learning fun by doing some foreign-language karaoke and learning phrases through popular music!
2. Learn through games
When teaching children it is important to keep them engaged and stimulated. Making learning fun will mean they will be more enthusiastic about the language. There are plenty of online language games available which set challenges and tasks to complete. If your child likes the sense of achievement from completing puzzles, there are loads of word searches, crossword puzzles and hangman games available to help you teach a second language in a fun and interactive way.
3. Learn at a summer camp
One of the best ways for your child to learn a second language is by visiting the host country and immersing themselves in the culture and history of the locals. Letting your child take part in a summer camp in France, for example, will give them the opportunity to meet other children of their own age and to explore the country they are learning about. As well as taking part in cultural trips, summer camps offer plenty of fun activities, so your child will see it less as a forced learning experience, and more as a fun and exciting holiday where they will meet new friends and learn a new skill.
Language skills are becoming more and more important for everyday life and learning while you are young is the most effective way to train your brain to learn other languages. Try some of these techniques to teach your children a second language and see how fast they can impress you with their new skills!
