How to Teach Your Child a New Language

 If you want your child to learn a new language but don't know the language yourself, it can be difficult to figure out where to start. But teaching your children how to speak a new language even if you don't know it yourself doesn't have to be hard if you chart a proper course.

There are a number of strategies you can use in order to facilitate the learning process.

Learn the Basics

A firm foundation in the fundamentals is essential to learning any new skill. Learning the basics, like shapes, numbers and colors is a good way to start. Labeling things around the house and listening to music are especially effective methods at learning a new language. You can even learn along with them!

Start Early

A child's brain is much more malleable at a younger age, and this makes learning new things much easier, including learning a new language. The earlier they start, the soon they will incorporate it into their repertoire of learning.

It's not impossible for older children to learn a new language, of course, but it may be more difficult for them to do so, or they might need to access alternative methods of education.

Utilize Foreign Language Resources

Take advantage of the many resources online for language learning. Games, books, and language apps can be good resources to learn advanced concepts, and your child can take advantage of these to broaden their horizons.

Use Support From the Outside

If you don't speak a second language yourself, you can seek the aid of an expert in the language your child is trying to learn. This may come in the form of private lessons, or a class your child can take at a local community college or other group learning center.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Books, games and classes can only take you so far. Seek out opportunities to put the learning into practice. There are a number of different tactics you can use in order to expose your child to the language they are trying to learn. You can host a foreign exchange student, or hire a nanny who speaks the language your child is trying to learn. You can also visit a country where the natives speak the language your child is trying to learn.

Making use of these language learning tips can net huge gains for your child's future. And who knows? Maybe you'll learn something in the process, as well.