Top Tips for Helping Your Child Learn a New Language
Learning a second language unlocks countless doors throughout life, the benefits are indisputable, improving a person's career opportunities and broadening their social sphere.
The earlier a person starts to engage with a second language the better, as children develop language skills rapidly whilst they are still mastering their native tongue. Learning a new language takes practice and consistency, so with this in mind, and with these tips from a language school in Bath, you can give your child the help they need to begin their bilingual journey.
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If you already speak another language, this gives you a bit of a head start when it comes to teaching your child, however, there’s no need to worry if you don’t.
Take this opportunity to learn together. Blazing the trail for them to follow will set a great example for your child and you will be able to practice your new language skills together. If you can get the whole family involved this is better still as you will be able to support one another throughout the process.
Expose your child to their developing new language whenever you can find opportunities for them to see and hear their new languages as often as possible, even if this is only at home. Label the furniture and appliances in your home and watch their favourite movies and TV shows dubbed in their target language.
This will allow them to familiarise themselves with key words and phrases. If you have friends or relatives who are fluent speakers of the language they are learning, use them as a tool to practice. Immersion is the best way to learn, the more a child is exposed to the language the quicker they will progress.
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Whatever you do, try and keep it fun. Your child is more likely to engage if they enjoy the process of learning. Whilst it's true that the more you practice the better if it starts to feel like a chore your child is likely to lose interest quickly.
Sing translated versions of their favourite songs or nursery rhymes or play some of their favourite games in the new language, Pictionary, Charades and Hangman are great options for this as they incorporate writing or speaking.