Whether you’re planning a trip to France, exploring French culture, or simply want to expand your child’s language skills, building a strong vocabulary is a crucial step. However, memorizing hundreds of new words can be a significant challenge, especially for kids. 

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 200+ easy French words and phrases for kids, along with tips and tricks to help them memorize the vocabulary quickly and effectively! From common household items to favorite foods, these words will not only help your child speak French with native speakers but also make learning a new language fun and engaging. 

Let’s get started!

Common French Words and Phrases – Basic Conversation and Greetings

By introducing the following common French words and phrases, you can help your child develop a strong foundation in French language vocabulary that will serve them well as they begin to speak.

• “Bonjour” – Hello
• “Bon matin” – Good morning
• “Bon après-midi” – Good afternoon
• “Bonsoir” – Good evening/night
• “Au revoir” – Goodbye
• “Comment ça va?” – How are you?
• “Très bien, merci. Et toi?” – Very good, thanks. And you?
• “Je vais bien.” – I am well.
• “Je ne vais pas bien.” – I’m not doing well.
• “Enchanté(e).” – Nice to meet you.
• “Comment t’appelles-tu?” – What is your name?
• “Je m’appelle _____ “- My name is _____.
• “À plus tard.” – See you later.
• “À demain.” – See you tomorrow.
• “Bonne chance.” – Good luck.
• “Merci” – Thank you.
• “De rien” – You’re welcome.
• “S’il vous plaît” – Please
• “Je suis désolé(e).” – I’m sorry.
• “Oui” – Yes
• “Non” – No

Basic French Words – Colors

Colors are some of the easiest French words for kids to learn. Here are some simple French words for colors that you can teach your children:

• “Bleu” – Blue
• “Rouge” – Red
• “Jaune” – Yellow
• “Vert” – Green
• “Violet” – Purple
• “Orange” – Orange
• “Rose” – Pink
• “Marron” – Brown
• “Blanc” – White
• “Noir” – Black
• “Gris” – Gray
• “Doré” – Golden
• “Argenté” – Silver

Basic French Words and Phrases – Numbers

Numbers are some of the easiest French words for kids to learn. Here are some simple French words for numbers that you can teach your children:

• “Un” – 1
• “Deux” – 2
• “Trois” – 3
• “Quatre” – 4
• “Cinq” – 5
• “Six” – 6
• “Sept” – 7
• “Huit” – 8
• “Neuf” – 9
• “Dix” – 10
• “Onze” – 11
• “Douze” – 12
• “Treize” – 13
• “Quatorze” – 14
• “Quinze” – 15
• “Seize” – 16
• “Dix-sept” – 17
• “Dix-huit” – 18
• “Dix-neuf” – 19
• “Vingt” – 20
• “Vingt et un” – 21
• “Vingt-deux” – 22
• “Vingt-trois” – 23
• “Vingt-quatre” – 24
• “Vingt-cinq” – 25
• “Vingt-six” – 26
• “Vingt-sept” – 27
• “Vingt-huit” – 28
• “Vingt-neuf” – 29
• “Trente” – 30
• “Trente et un” – 31
• “Trente-deux” – 32
• “Trente-trois” – 33
• “Trente-quatre” – 34
• “Trente-cinq” – 35
• “Quarante” – 40
• “Cinquante” – 50
• “Soixante” – 60
• “Soixante-dix” – 70
• “Quatre-vingts” – 80
• “Quatre-vingt-dix” – 90
• “Cent” – 100
• “Deux cents” – 200
• “Trois cents” – 300
• “Quatre cents” – 400
• “Cinq cents” – 500
• “Six cents” – 600
• “Sept cents” – 700
• “Huit cents” – 800
• “Neuf cents” – 900
• “Mille” – 1000

Here also are some common French phrases that involve numbers:

• “Combien ça coûte?” – How much does it cost?
• “Combien y en a-t-il?” – How many are there?
• “Quel âge as-tu?” – How old are you?
• “J’ai dix ans.” – I am ten years old.
• “J’ai vingt ans.” – I am twenty years old.

Basic French Words – Days of the Week

Days of the week are important vocabulary words that your child can learn in French. Here is a list of the days of the week in French:

• “Quel jour sommes-nous?” – What day is it?
• “Lundi” – Monday
• “Mardi” – Tuesday
• “Mercredi” – Wednesday
• “Jeudi” – Thursday
• “Vendredi” – Friday
• “Samedi” – Saturday
• “Dimanche” – Sunday

Basic French Words – Months of the Year

The months of the year in French are also relatively easy for children to learn. Here is a list of the months in French:

• “janvier” – January
• “février” – February
• “mars” – March
• “avril” – April
• “mai” – May
• “juin” – June
• “juillet” – July
• “août” – August
• “septembre” – September
• “octobre” – October
• “novembre” – November
• “décembre” – December

Basic French Words – Seasons

With only four words to memorize, seasons are also a great way to help your child learn some basic French words.

• “L’été” – Summer
• “L’automne” – Autumn/Fall
• “L’hiver” – Winter
• “Le printemps” – Spring

Common French Words – Family Members

Learning the words for family members can be an excellent way for your child to start speaking French with you and the rest of your family. Here are some examples of common family words:

• “La famille” – family
• “Le père” – father
• “La mère” – mother
• “Le fils” – son
• “La fille” – daughter
• “La grand-mère” – grandmother
• “Le grand-père” – grandfather
• “La sœur” – sister
• “Le frère” – brother
• “La tante” – aunt
• “L’oncle” – uncle
• “Le cousin” – cousin (male)
• “La cousine” – cousin (female)

Common French Words – Body Parts

Body parts are another great place to start with learning French, as these words are easy to point out and help children understand. Here are some keywords:

• “Le corps” – body
• “La tête” – head
• “L’oreille” – ear
• “Les yeux” – eyes
• “La bouche” – mouth
• “Le nez” – nose
• “Les pieds” – feet
• “La main” – hand
• “Le cou” – neck
• “Le doigt”- finger
• “Les cheveux” – hair
• “Le bras” – arm
• “La jambe” – leg

Common French Words – Food and Drinks

Teaching common words for food and drinks is an excellent way to give your child plenty of opportunity to learn French through repetition. Here are some vocabulary words for food and drinks in French:

• “C’est l’heure de manger” – It’s time to eat.
• “Le petit déjeuner” – breakfast
• “Le déjeuner” – lunch
• “Le dîner” – dinner
• “Le goûter” – snack
• “La nourriture” – food
• “Les céréales” – cereal
• “Le hamburger” – hamburger
• “La viande” – meat
• “Le bœuf” – beef
• “Le porc” – pork
• “Le poulet” – chicken
• “La dinde” – turkey
• “Le poisson” – fish
• “Le pain” – bread
• “Le riz” – rice
• “Le toast” – toast
• “Le fromage” – cheese
• “Le yaourt” – yogurt
• “La boisson” – drink
• “L’eau” – water
• “Le lait” – milk
• “Le jus” – juice
• “Le jus d’orange” – orange juice
• “Les fruits” – fruit
• “La pomme” – apple
• “Le raisin” – grape
• “La poire” – pear
• “L’orange” – orange
• “La fraise” – strawberry
• “La pêche” – peach
• “La cerise” – cherry
• “La banane” – banana
• “Les légumes” – vegetables
• “Le champignon” – mushroom
• “La carotte” – carrot
• “La tomate” – tomato
• “Le brocoli” – broccoli
• “L’oignon” – onion
• “L’ail” – garlic
• “Le concombre” – cucumber
• “Le poivron” – pepper
• “La laitue” – lettuce
• “Le dessert” – dessert
• “Le sucre” – sugar
• “Le gâteau” – cake
• “Le biscuit” – cookie
• “La glace” – ice cream

Common French Words – Household Objects and Rooms

Objects around your house are also easy for kids to learn in French because they’ll have visual cues to help kids remember the words whenever they’re at home. Here are some of the most common French words for household objects and rooms:

• “La maison” – house
• “La cuisine” – kitchen
• “Le salon” – living room
• “La chambre” – bedroom
• “Le garage” – garage
• “La salle de bain” – bathroom
• “La salle à manger” – dining room
• “Le jardin” – garden/yard
• “La fenêtre” – window
• “La porte” – door
• “Le plancher” – floor
• “L’escalier” – stairs
• “La chaise” – chair
• “La table” – table
• “Le téléphone” – phone
• “Le miroir” – mirror
• “L’horloge” – clock
• “La douche” – shower
• “La baignoire” – bathtub
• “La serviette” – towel
• “Le savon” – soap
• “La brosse à dents” – toothbrush
• “Le dentifrice” – toothpaste
• “Le shampooing” – shampoo
• “Le lit” – bed
• “L’oreiller” – pillow

Common French Words – Animals

Does your child love animals? Well, then they’ll definitely want to learn the French words for them! Here are some examples of common animals in French:

• “Le chien” – dog
• “Le chat” – cat
• “Le cheval” – horse
• “Le lion” – lion
• “Le tigre” – tiger
• “Le renard” – fox
• “L’ours” – bear
• “La souris” – mouse
• “Le crocodile” – crocodile
• “L’éléphant” – elephant
• “La girafe” – giraffe
• “Le kangourou” – kangaroo
• “Le papillon” – butterfly
• “La chèvre” – goat
• “La poule” – chicken
• “La vache” – cow
• “Le cochon” – pig
• “Le singe” – monkey
• “Le hibou” – owl
• “Le lapin” – rabbit
• “La chauve-souris” – bat
• “Le serpent” – snake”

How to memorize common French words quickly

Learning and retaining new words in a foreign language can be challenging, especially for children. However, there are some effective techniques that you can use to help your child memorize French words and phrases quickly!

Spaced repetition

Spaced repetition is a great strategy for helping children memorize French words without feeling overwhelmed. This method involves spacing out the intervals between practice sessions, so children are not trying to learn all of the French words at once. For example, you could start by reviewing the words every day, then once a week, and then maybe once a month.

Visual associations

This technique is excellent for helping children remember new French words. Create visual representations of each word that your child can easily recall. For instance, you can draw pictures or use images from magazines and stick them around the house.

Listen and repeat

Encourage your child to watch and listen to French cartoons, songs in French, and French YouTube channels. Then have them practice repeating new words out loud. You can also read French children’s books and have them repeat the words after you.

Family game time

Incorporating basic French phrases and words into your family’s playtime is another great way to help your child learn. Whether it’s a game of hangman or an online memory game, making learning French fun and engaging can help your child develop a lifelong love for the language. Click the link to see some of our favorite French games for kids!

Visual flashcards

Use visual flashcards to test your child on their French vocabulary lessons. Mix French and English word cards and ask your child to match the French words with their English translations.

Online French lessons

Online French lessons with a native-French speaking teacher are an excellent way to help your child learn French. Through interactive activities, videos, and other resources, your child can quickly expand their French vocabulary from the comfort of their home.

Try a free online French lesson

At LingoCircle, we offer online French classes for kids ages 3-15. Our certified teachers design each class to be engaging and interactive, so your child can learn French while having fun with a small group of peers! Want to see for yourself? Click here to get the first lesson for free!

Are you looking for a fun way to help your children to learn Chinese? Whether you’re just starting out or have been teaching them the language for some time, there are plenty of exciting and educational Chinese games that can make learning Chinese even more enjoyable.

From board games for family game nights to social games for big groups, we’re sharing 13 Chinese games that kids will love in this blog post! We’ll also explain why these games can be great supplemental learning resources when paired with Chinese classes for kids.

Let’s get started!

Chinese board games

#1 Mahjong (麻将 má jiàng)

Mahjong is a popular Chinese tile-based game that can help kids learn Chinese characters and build their vocabulary. The game is similar to dominoes and is generally played with a group of people. Kids will need to use strategy and logic when playing Mahjong, which can also help them develop their critical thinking skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Mahjong

#2 Chinese Checkers (跳棋 tiào qí)

This classic board game is simple to learn and can help children practice vocabulary related to colors and numbers in Chinese. Unlike the English version, Chinese Checkers uses a star-shaped board and can be played by up to six players.

#3 Go (围棋 wéi qí)

Go is a traditional Chinese board game that requires players to place black and white stones on a grid, with the goal of surrounding and capturing the opponent’s stones. This game can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to numbers and colors as well as develop their strategic thinking skills.

https://polgote.com/en/blog/board-game-go-how-play

#4 Chinese Chess (象棋 xiàng qí)

Similar to Western chess, Chinese Chess is a strategic game that can help children develop critical thinking skills while also practicing Chinese vocabulary related to different types of pieces and movements.

#5 Tangram (七巧板 qī qiǎo bǎn)

Tangram is a puzzle game that involves using geometric shapes to create different designs. This game can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to shapes and colors while also developing their problem-solving skills.

https://www.siammandalay.com/blogs/puzzles/how-play-tangram-puzzles

Chinese card games

#6 Dou Dizhu (斗地主 dòu dì zhǔ)

Dou Dizhu is a popular Chinese card game that translates to “Fight the Landlord” and involves strategy and quick thinking. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to numbers as well as develop their memory and decision-making skills.

DOU DIZHU

#7 Big Two (大老二 dà lǎo èr)

Big Two is a card game that requires players to discard cards in numerical order. It can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to numbers and card suits as well as develop their strategic thinking skills.

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Big-Two

#8 Matching Games

Matching games are simple but effective card games that can help children practice Chinese vocabulary related to things like colors, shapes, and numbers. These games are often designed for young children and can be a great way to introduce them to the Chinese language.

https://matchthememory.com/ChineseNumbers

Social games in Chinese for kids

#9 Charades

Charades is a classic game all around the world. As you likely know, it involves acting out a word or phrase without speaking. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to actions and emotions as well as develop their communication and teamwork skills.

猜啞謎 Charades to learn Chinese

#10 Pictionary

You’re probably familiar with this game too. Pictionary is a drawing-based game that can help children practice Chinese vocabulary and develop artistic and observational skills.

https://www.supercamps.co.uk/Content/MoxieManager/Free-Activity-Resources/Educational-Activities/Eduactional-Session-Chines-Pictionary.pdf

#11 Twenty Questions

Twenty Questions is a guessing game that can help kids practice Chinese vocabulary and develop their critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. It’s an excellent game for family game nights or long car rides!

https://www.wikihow.com/Play-20-Questions

#12 Simon Says 

Simon Says is another popular game that children can play in Chinese. As you know, the game involves following instructions, such as “Simon says touch your nose.” It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to body parts and actions while developing listening and attention skills.

https://thegeniusofplay.org/genius/play-ideas-tips/play-ideas/simon-says.aspx

#13 Jianzi (毽子 jiàn zi)

Jianzi is a traditional Chinese game that involves keeping a feathered shuttlecock in the air using only the feet and other body parts. It can help children learn Chinese vocabulary related to body parts and help them develop their coordination and reflexes.

Advantages of Using Chinese Games for Kids Learning Mandarin Chinese

Playing Chinese games is a great way for children to learn and practice Chinese in a fun, interactive way. It can help them become more familiar with the language, develop their speaking and listening skills, build confidence when communicating in Chinese, and generally have fun while learning!

Playing Chinese learning games can also help kids become familiar with the grammar and syntax of the language, understand how to form sentences in context, and practice using basic phrases and terms.

Traditional Chinese games are also an excellent way for kids to learn a bit about Chinese culture. For example, Mahjong is a popular game that originated in China. If your family has the opportunity to travel to China, your child will see first-hand how the game is played in its home country.

Final Thoughts

Chinese games are a great way to introduce your child to the Chinese language and culture. Not only do they provide a fun and interactive way to practice their language skills, but they also help build essential soft skills for kids, such as cooperation and critical thinking.

So, the next time you are looking for something fun to do with your little learner, why not turn to one of these popular Chinese games?

And if you’re looking for more ways to help your child learn Chinese, consider signing them up for online Chinese classes for kids with LingoCircle! Our classes are taught by native-speaking Chinese teachers and are perfect for kids aged 3-15. You can even sign up for a trial to get the first lesson free!

¡Hola! If you’re a parent looking to introduce your child to the Spanish language, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of 200+ Spanish words perfect for kids aged 3-15!

From basic nouns like “casa” (house) and “perro” (dog) to more advanced phrases like “¿Cuántos años tienes?” (How old are you?) these words and phrases will kickstart your child’s Spanish immersion.

But learning basic words and phrases is only half the battle – actually memorizing AND retaining the information requires a bit more practice and effort. That’s why we’ve also included tips on how to memorize vocabulary quickly and easily.

Whether you’re a native Spanish speaker looking to teach your child your language or simply want to give your child a head start in learning a second language, get ready to expand your child’s vocabulary and have some fun along the way!

Easy Spanish Words – Basic Conversation and Greetings

In a basic Spanish-language conversation, there are certain words and phrases that come up often. Here are some easy Spanish words and phrases to get your child started:

• “Hola” – Hello
• “Buenos días” – Good day/Good morning
• “Buenas tardes” – Good afternoon
• “Buenas noches” – Good evening/night
• “Adiós” – Goodbye
• “¿Cómo estás?” – How are you?
• “Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?” – Very good, thanks. And you?
• “Estoy bien.” – I am well.
• “Estoy mal.” – I’m not doing well.
• “Mucho gusto.” – Nice to meet you.
• “Cómo te llamas? – What is your name?
• “Me llamo _____ “- My name is _____.
• “Hasta luego.” – See you later.
• “Hasta mañana.” – See you tomorrow.
• “Buena suerte.” – Good luck.
• “Gracias” – Thank you.
• “De nada” – You’re welcome.
• “Por favor” – Please
• “Lo siento.” – I’m sorry.
• “Sí” – Yes
• “No” – No

Easy Spanish Words – Colors

Colors are some of the easiest Spanish words for kids to learn. Here are some simple Spanish words for colors that you can teach your children:

• “Azul” – Blue
• “Rojo” – Red
• “Amarillo” – Yellow
• “Verde” – Green
• “Morado” – Purple
• “Naranja” – Orange
• “Rosa” – Pink
• “Marrón” – Brown
• “Blanco” – White
• “Negro” – Black
• “Gris” – Grey
• “Dorado” – Dorado
• “Plateado” – Silver

Easy Spanish Words – Numbers

Numbers in Spanish are also very easy to learn. Here are the Spanish words for numbers that you can teach your kids today:

• “Uno” – 1
• “Dos” – 2
• “Tres” – 3
• “Cuatro” – 4
• “Cinco” – 5
• “Seis” – 6
• “Siete” – 7
• “Ocho” – 8
• “Nueve” – 9
• “Diez” – 10
• “Once” – 11
• “Doce” – 12
• “Trece” – 13
• “Catorce” – 14
• “Quince” – 15
• “Dieciséis” – 16
• “Diecisiete” – 17
• “Dieciocho” – 18
• “Diecinueve” – 19
• “Veinte” – 20
• “Veintiuno” – 21
• “Veintidós” – 22
• “Veintitrés” – 23
• “Veinticuatro” – 24
• “Veinticinco” – 25
• “Veintiséis” – 26
• “Veintisiete” – 27
• “Veintiocho” – 28
• “Veintinueve” – 29
• “Treinta” – 30
• “Treinta y uno” – 31
• “Treinta y dos” – 32
• “Treinta y tres” – 33
• “Treinta y cuatro” – 34
• “Treinta y cinco” – 35
• “Cuarenta” – 40
• “Cincuenta” – 50
• “Sesenta” – 60
• “Setenta” – 70
• “Ochenta” – 80
• “Noventa” – 90
• “Cien” – 100
• “Doscientos” – 200
• “Trescientos” – 300
• “Cuatrocientos” – 400
• “Quinientos” – 500
• “Seiscientos” – 600
• “Setecientos” – 700
• “Ochocientos” – 800
• “Novecientos” – 900
• “Mil” – 1000

Here also are some common Spanish phrases that involve numbers:

• “¿Cuánto cuesta?” – How much does it cost?
• “¿Cuántos hay?” – How many are there?
• “¿Cuántos años tienes?” – How old are you?
• “Tengo diez años.” – I am ten years old.
• “Tengo veinte años.” – I am twenty years old.

Easy Spanish Words – Days of the Week

Days of the week can be easy to teach and use when your kid is learning Spanish. Here is a list of the days of the week in Spanish:

• “¿Cuál es el día de hoy?” – What is the day today?
• “El lunes” – Monday
• “El martes” – Tuesday
• “El miércoles” – Wednesday
• “El jueves” – Thursday
• “El viernes” – Friday
• “El sábado” – Saturday
• “El domingo” – Sunday

Easy Spanish Words – Months of the Year

The months of the year in Spanish are also relatively easy to learn. Here is a list of the months in Spanish:

• “enero” – January
• “febrero” – February
• “marzo”- March
• “abril” – April
• “mayo” – May
• “junio” – June
• “julio” – July
• “agosto” – August
• “septiembre” – September
• “octubre” – October
• “noviembre” – November
• “diciembre” -December

Easy Spanish Words – Seasons

With only four words to memorize, seasons are also a great way to help your child learn some basic Spanish words.

• “El verano” – Summer
• “El otoño” – Autumn/Fall
• “El invierno” – Winter
• “La primavera” – Spring

Easy Spanish Words – Family Members

Learning the words for family members can be an excellent way for your child to start speaking Spanish with you and the rest of your family. Here are some examples of common family words:

• “La familia” – family
• “El padre” – father
• “La madre” – mother
• “El hijo” – son
• “La hija” – daughter
• “La abuela” – grandmother
• “El abuelo” – grandfather
• “La hermana” – sister
• “El hermano” – brother
• “La tía” – aunt
• “El tío” – uncle
• “El primo” – cousin (male)
• “La prima” – cousin (female)

Easy Spanish Words – Body Parts

Body parts are another great place to start, as they are easy to point out and help children understand. Here are some keywords:

• “El cuerpo” – body
• “La cabeza ” – head
• “La oreja” – ear
• “Los ojos” – eyes
• “La boca” – mouth
• “La nariz” – nose
• “Los pies” – feet
• “La mano” – hand
• “El cuello” – neck
• “El dedo”-  finger
• “El pelo” – hair
• “El brazo” – arm
• “La pierna” – leg

Easy Spanish Words – Food and Drinks

Given your child is likely to eat at least three times a day, integrating Spanish lessons to teach the words for food and drinks is a great way to give them plenty of repetition. Here are some easy Spanish vocabulary words for food and drinks:

• “Es hora de comer” – It’s time to eat.
• “El desayuno” – breakfast
• “El almuerzo” – lunch
• “La cena” – dinner
• “La merienda” – snack
• “La comida” – food
• “El cereal” – cereal
• “La hamburguesa” – hamburger
• “La carne” – meat
• “La carne de vaca” – beef
• “La carne de cerdo” – pork
• “El pollo” – chicken
• “El pavo” – turkey
• “El pescado” – fish
• “El pan” – bread
• “El arroz” – rice
• “La tostada” – toast
• “El queso” – cheese
• “El yogur” – yogurt
• “La bebida” – drink
• “El agua” – water
• “La leche” – milk
• “El jugo/zumo” – juice
• “El jugo de naranja” – orange juice
• “Las frutas” – fruit
• “La manzana” – apple
• “La uva” – grape
• “La pera” – pear
• “La naranja” – orange
• “La fresa” – strawberry
• “El melocotón” – peach
• “La cereza” – cherry
• “El plátano” – banana
• “Las verduras” – vegetables
• “El champiñón” – mushroom
• “La zanahoria” – carrot
• “El tomate” – tomato
• “El brócoli” – broccoli
• “La cebolla” – onion
• “El ajo” – garlic
• “El pepino” – cucumber
• “El pimiento” – pepper
• “La lechuga” – lettuce
• “El postre” – dessert
• “El azúcar” – sugar
• “El pastel” – cake
• “La galleta” – cookie
• “El helado” – ice cream

Easy Spanish Words – Household Objects

Objects around your house are great for kids to learn in Spanish because they’ll have visual cues to help kids remember the words whenever they’re at home. Here are some of the most common household objects and rooms in Spanish:

• “La casa” – house
• “La cocina” – kitchen
• “La sala de estar” – living room
• “La habitación” – bedroom
• “El garaje” – garage
• “El baño” – bathroom
• “La sala de comer” – dining room
• “El jardín” – garden/yard
• “La ventana” – window
• “La puerta” – door
• “El piso” – floor
• “Las escaleras” – stairs
• “La silla” – chair
• “La mesa” – table
• “El teléfono” – phone
• “El espejo” – mirror
• “El reloj” – clock
• “La ducha” – shower
• “La bañera” – bathtub
• “La toalla” – towel
• “El jabón” – soap
• “El cepillo de dientes” – toothbrush
• “La pasta de dientes” – toothpaste
• “El champú” – shampoo
• “La cama” – bed
• “La almohada” – pillow

Easy Spanish Words – Animals

What’s your child’s favorite animal? Teaching Spanish vocabulary for animals is fun and can help your child connect with their favorite animal even more. Here are some examples:

• “El perro” – dog
• “El gato” – cat
• “El caballo” – horse
• “El león” – lion
• “El tigre” – tiger
• “El zorro” – fox
• “El oso” – bear
• “El ratón” – mouse
• “El cocodrilo” – crocodile
• “El elefante” – elephant
• “El jirafa” – giraffe
• “El canguro” – kangaroo
• “La mariposa” – butterfly
• “El cabra” – goat
• “La gallina”- chicken
• “La vaca” – cow
• “El cerdo” – pig
• “El mono” – monkey
• “El buho” – owl
• “El conejo” – rabbit
• “El murciélago” – bat
• “La serpiente” – snake

How to memorize vocabulary words in Spanish fast

These Spanish vocabulary words are just the tip of the iceberg. Learning AND retaining new vocabulary words can be challenging, especially for kids. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested techniques that you can use to help your child memorize Spanish vocabulary quickly!

Spaced repetition

Spaced repetition is an excellent strategy for helping kids memorize Spanish words quickly without feeling overwhelmed. This technique involves spacing out the intervals between practice sessions so that children aren’t trying to learn all of the Spanish words at once. For example, you could start by reviewing the words every day, then once a week, and then maybe once a month.

Associating words with visuals

This technique is great for helping children remember new vocab in Spanish. Create visual representations of each word that your child can easily recall. For example, with common household items, you can post notes with Spanish words and stick them to objects around the house.

Listen and repeat

Have your child listen to Spanish TV shows, songs, and audio recordings, and then have them practice repeating new words out loud. You can also read Spanish children’s books and have them repeat the words after you.

Game time

There are lots of great, fun games that you can play with your child to help them learn new Spanish vocabulary words. Whether it’s a game of charades or an online memory game, incorporating Spanish words into your playtime can make learning Spanish as a family fun and engaging.

Visual flashcards

Use visual flashcards to test your child on the Spanish vocabulary lessons they’ve learned. Mix Spanish and English word cards and ask your child to match the Spanish words with their English translations.

Online Spanish lessons

Online Spanish lessons with a native-Spanish speaking teacher are also a great way to help your child learn Spanish. Through interactive activities, videos, and other resources, your child can expand their Spanish vocabulary quickly in the comfort of their home.

Try a free online Spanish lesson

At Bilingual Bebe, we offer online Spanish classes for kids ages 3-15. Our certified teachers design each class to be engaging and interactive, so your child can learn Spanish while having fun with a small group of peers! 

Want to see for yourself? Click here to get the first lesson for free!

Did you know that Chinese cartoons can be a great way to make language learning fun and engaging? Not only do they keep kids entertained, but they also introduce them to new words, phrases, and concepts in an exciting yet educational way.

But which ones should your child watch? Which ones have English subtitles and are age appropriate? And how can you find them online if you can’t read or speak Chinese yourself?

Worry not! We have rounded up 11 of the best Chinese cartoons for kids to get them started with their Mandarin studies. All of these cartoons are available to watch online and will have your little ones laughing and learning in no time!

Of course, you may also wonder if cartoons are a good way to learn Mandarin Chinese. So, let’s start there!

How Watching Chinese Cartoons Can Help Your Child Learn Chinese

Mandarin Chinese is one of the most challenging languages to learn. And while watching cartoons won’t be enough to make your child fluent, cartoons can be a great way to supplement Chinese classes for kids.

Here are five of the top reasons to include cartoons in your child’s Mandarin Chinese learning journey:

1. Cartoons are fun! Watching an engaging cartoon show will lessen the dread of studying Chinese and turn it into a playful activity that your child can look forward to.
2. Listening to native speakers in cartoons will help your child become familiar with natural Chinese pronunciation and accents, which can only be learned through listening rather than textbooks.
3. Learning through visuals helps children better absorb and remember information, which makes cartoons an ideal learning tool.
4. Cartoons often use expressions, jokes, and everyday conversations which are easy to understand and relate to in a fun way that encourages creativity and critical thinking.
5. Watching cartoons in the target language is proven to help with engagement and motivation, which can be essential for any successful language-learning experience.

How and Where to Watch Chinese Cartoons Online

Now that you know why cartoons can help your child learn Chinese, let’s look at where you can find them! Here are some of our favorite platforms:

• Netflix has a great selection of Chinese cartoon shows with English subtitles. There’s also the option to watch popular English-language cartoons in Chinese by changing the dubbing language.
• YouTube is full of Chinese cartoons and short videos designed to help kids learn the language. You can also find plenty of cartoons in Chinese with English subtitles here.
• iQIYI is one of the largest streaming platforms in China, and it’s an excellent source for cartoons in Chinese. Many of these cartoons come with English subtitles, making them great for kids learning the language.

11 Popular Chinese Cartoons for Kids

#1 Boonie Bears

Boonie Bears is one of the most popular Chinese cartoons. The show follows the adventures of two bear brothers, Briar and Bramble, as they navigate through the forest and encounter various challenges and obstacles. It’s great for kids as it has a lot of humor while teaching them valuable lessons.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#2 Boonie Cubs

Boonie Cubs is a spinoff of Boonie Bears, focusing on the adventures of young bear cubs. Throughout the show, the cubs encounter various challenges and obstacles as they try to save their forest from villains.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#3 Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf 

Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf is another very popular Chinese cartoon. The show follows a goat named Weslie and his friends, who often find themselves in tricky situations, which include trying not to get eaten by a gray wolf named Wolffy.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#4 Peppa Pig

Although this cartoon originates from England, Peppa Pig has become very popular in China, making it easy to find the show dubbed in Chinese. The show follows the adventures of Peppa, her family, and their friends. With charming storylines and plenty of humor, this is an excellent cartoon for children learning Mandarin Chinese.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#5 Journey to the West: Legends of the Monkey King

This classic Chinese cartoon follows the story of a monkey warrior, Sun Wukong — also known as the Monkey King — who embarks on an epic journey to the West. With plenty of exciting adventures, this cartoon is full of Mandarin Chinese phrases that your kids can learn.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#6 Big Ear TuTu

This Chinese cartoon follows the adventures of Hu Tutu, a little boy with big ears. He’s always up for an adventure and loves to explore the world around him. Along the way, your kids can learn lots of basic Mandarin Chinese words and phrases.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#7 Ni Hao Kai-lan

This American animated cartoon follows the adventures of Kai-lan, a young Chinese-American girl who loves helping her animal friends and exploring the world. Through her everyday experiences, she introduces basic Mandarin Chinese words and phrases to her viewers.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#8 Babydino Tales

This delightful animated series for toddlers follows the adventures of two kids who discover a dinosaur egg in their backyard. Using a time machine left behind by their grandpa, the two travel back to prehistoric times and have fun adventures with a group of baby dinosaurs.

Where to watch this cartoon online: iQIYI

#9 Pororo the Little Penguin

This Korean animated series has been translated into Chinese and follows the adventures of Pororo, a mischievous yet lovable little penguin. Together with his friends, Pororo embarks on exciting adventures to explore their snowy wonderland.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube

#10 Deer Squad

This Chinese animated series is about four deers who live in a fantasy forest and work together to protect their beloved home. By watching this cartoon, kids can learn about teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking as the deers take on challenges to overcome obstacles.

Where to watch this cartoon online: iQIYI

#11 Little Fox Chinese

This Chinese cartoon channel is perfect for young learners! Little Fox Chinese teaches kids Mandarin through music, stories, and interactive activities focusing on various topics such as animals, numbers, and colors.

Where to watch this cartoon online: YouTube, Little Fox Chinese App

Other Fun Ways for Kids to Learn Chinese

Chinese cartoons are an entertaining way for kids to learn Mandarin. But there are also other methods that parents can use to help their children gain a better understanding of the language.

For example, reading Mandarin books and playing Chinese board games are also great ways to help kids learn the language. Still, these methods will be most effective if they’re used as supplemental learning materials for language classes and regular interactions with native Chinese speakers.

Want to have your child try a free Chinese lesson? At LingoCircle, we offer online Chinese classes for kids ages 3-15. Our classes are taught by native-speaking, qualified teachers and are designed to immerse your kids in the language. Click here to get your first lesson for free!

Have you ever looked back on your education and wished you had learned about a particular topic? Perhaps that topic wasn’t taught in school or could have been explored more deeply. Well, now’s the time to give your children a more comprehensive education than you had!

By partaking in supplemental learning activities, your child can gain a better view of the world and the topics that interest them. It’s also a great way to help children build self-esteem, explore different interests, and develop lifelong skills. But where do you begin?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of our favorite online supplement learning activities that can give your child an edge in their academic and personal development.

Let’s get started!

What is supplemental learning for kids?

Supplemental learning refers to educational activities outside the traditional classroom setting that help kids build skills and knowledge in a variety of subjects. These activities can range from music lessons and online foreign language classes to tutoring and extracurricular activities.

Ultimately, supplemental learning activities can help kids become more confident learners, achieve their goals, and explore interests outside their regular school curriculum.

What are the benefits of supplemental learning for kids?

The benefits of supplementing your child’s education will ultimately depend on which activities you choose to pursue. However, some of the general benefits that your child may experience from supplemental learning include:

• Academic performance – Through engaging activities like tutoring or academic enrichment programs tailored to your child’s needs, your child can build academic skills and improve their performance in school.
• Critical thinking – Supplemental learning activities like robotics and coding can help kids develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and other higher-level thinking skills.
• Social skills – Through group activities outside of school, such as foreign language classes, your child has the opportunity to make new friends and learn how to interact respectfully with peers in social situations.
• Creativity – Through supplemental learning activities, like arts, crafts, and music, your child can develop creative ways to approach problem-solving and find new ways to express themselves.
• Self-confidence – When your child succeeds at activities outside of school, it can boost their self-esteem and help them realize that they can be successful in many areas, including those not offered in a traditional school setting.
• Study habits – Participating in learning activities outside of the regular school day can help your child develop better organizational and time management skills, which can improve how they prepare for tests and assignments at school.
• Mental health – Participating in supplemental activities outside of school can help reduce the stress your child might feel from school and give them healthy ways to express their emotions.

Ultimately, supplemental learning can help your child become a more well-rounded individual while also allowing them to make new friends, discover new passions, and build skills.

How do you supplement a child’s education?

So, how do you actually go about supplementing your child’s education? Is it as easy as just enrolling them in a class or activity? Not necessarily. It’s important to start by assessing your child’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses to decide what activities might be the most appropriate and beneficial for them.

For example, if your child loves to read, you could look into joining a book club. If they’re strong academically, consider signing them up for an advanced class or tutoring session. Or if they struggle to speak your family’s heritage language, you can enroll them in an online language class for kids.

Of course, those are just a few examples of supplemental learning activities. There are likely hundreds of other activities your child might enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites that are all available online, making it possible for your child to engage in supplemental learning in the comfort of your home!

11 online supplemental learning activities for kids

We know that sometimes it’s hard to get kids away from their screens, so why not turn that time into a learning experience? Here are 11 great ideas for activities to help supplement your child’s learning online.

#1 Foreign language classes

There are so many incredible benefits to being bilingual! For example, research has shown that bilingual children are better at problem-solving, have improved critical thinking skills, and even excel academically.

On top of that, research also shows that the best time to learn a language is before the age of 10. So, why not sign your child up for a class to learn a new foreign language or improve their skills in your family’s heritage language?

Where to find this activity online: Online Language Classes for Kids

#2 Art classes

Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or drawing, art classes allow children to express themselves creatively while also developing motor skills. Research also shows that kids who study the arts tend to have increased proficiency in math and reading.

Where to find this activity online: Best Online Art Classes for Kids of 2023

#3 Music lessons

Playing an instrument can help boost your child’s confidence, enhance creativity, and develop discipline and focus. It also offers the same academic benefits as art classes, meaning it can indirectly lead your child to perform better in mathematics and language arts.

Where to find this activity online: 10 of the Best Online Music Lessons for Kids

#4 Cooking classes

Has your child been begging to help you in the kitchen? Cooking classes are an excellent way for your kids to learn about nutrition, develop time management skills, and learn about kitchen safety. On top of that, cooking is an essential skill they can use in the future. Plus, your kid may even discover a passion for cooking!

Where to find this activity online: The Best Online Cooking Classes for Kids of 2023

#5 Coding classes

It’s no secret that coding will be one of the essential skills of the future. So, why not spark your child’s interest in computer science by signing them up for an online coding class? Online coding courses can help kids become more tech-savvy, boost their problem-solving skills, develop their critical thinking abilities, and help improve their mathematics skills.

Where to find this activity online: The best online coding classes for kids

#6 Robotics classes

Similar to coding, robotics classes are also becoming increasingly popular among kids. Kids will get to build and then program robots, allowing them to experience the joy of engineering. 

Robotics classes can also promote soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. And let’s not forget – robotics can be an excellent way to engage your child’s imagination! 

Where to find this activity online: Online Robotics Classes for Kids & Teens

#7 Creative writing classes

Creative writing can be a great way to help your child express themselves and find their inner voice. Creative writing classes also provide a safe place for kids to explore their imagination and hone their writing skills. Lastly, creative writing can help engage students to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

Where to find this activity online: 12 Online Writing Classes for Kids

#8 Academic tutoring

Whether your child is struggling with homework for a challenging subject or wants extra practice in one of their favorite subjects, academic tutoring can be an invaluable resource.

Tutoring programs can be tailored to your child’s individual needs and give them the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed academically. Additionally, tutoring sessions can help your child learn how to manage their time and be better prepared for tests, quizzes, and other assignments.

Where to find this activity online: 10 Best Online Tutoring Websites for K-12

#9 Virtual museum visits

Is your child interested in history, art, or foreign cultures? Why not take advantage of virtual museum visits? Virtual museum visits offer an opportunity for your child to explore the world of art and history with a virtual museum tour guide, educational  videos, and interactive games.

Where to find this activity online: 21 Awesome Free Virtual Museum Tours to Take with Kids Today

#10 Virtual book club

Reading is one of the best supplemental learning activities for kids as it expands their knowledge and enhances their imagination. So, if your kid is passionate about books, join a virtual book club! By having conversations with other kids in the group, your child will be able to share thoughts and opinions on books and gain new insights.

Where to find this activity online: The Virtual Book Club for Kids

#11 Educational apps

Although you may be concerned about your child spending too much time on a smartphone or tablet, there are some fantastic educational apps available. From math and language to geography and science-based games, there are plenty of apps to choose from. Just make sure you pick one that is age appropriate and that your child will actually enjoy playing.

Where to find this activity online: 24 of the Best Learning Apps for Kids 

Final thoughts

Supplemental learning for kids doesn’t have to be a chore – in fact, it can be fun! Whether it’s an online language class or a virtual museum visit, there are plenty of ways to encourage learning and provide a break from traditional lessons. With the right tools, your child will stay engaged while learning valuable skills. So why not give it a try?And if you’re interested in online language classes, sign up for a free trial class with LingoCircle! We offer fun, interactive online classes for children ages 3-15 who want to learn languages like French, Spanish, and Arabic.

English is the first most spoken and most useful language in the world . It is the official language in many countries and cultures. It is the dominant language used in tourism, international aviation, international relations and communication. It is the preferred language for business transactions and as globalization reaches other levels with remote work it will be a required skill for future generations. So how can we help children learn English at an early age and become fluent speakers?  

An easy way to get started with learning English for kids is cartoons.  Although it cannot be the only English learning tool, it does offer a great introduction to the language.

In this article, we will give you our recommendations of the 9 best cartoon shows for kids learning English.

But first, what are the benefits of learning English through cartoons for kids?

Let’s explore some of the main benefits of learning English through cartoons for kids.

Benefits of learning English through cartoons for kids

1. Increased Engagement:

Cartoons are more engaging than traditional forms of learning, making kids more likely to remain interested in the material and more likely to retain what they have learned.

2. Improved Listening Comprehension:

By watching cartoons in English, kids can better understand spoken English, increasing their listening comprehension.

3. Fun Learning Experience:

Learning English through cartoons can be a fun and enjoyable experience for children.

4. Increased Vocabulary:

Watching cartoons can help increase a child’s vocabulary. Kids can quickly pick up on new words and phrases that they may not hear in everyday conversation with parents or peers.

5. Improved Grammar:

Watching cartoons can also help kids learn English grammar. They can hear native speakers use correct subject-verb agreement, proper verb tense and word order.

Now here are our selection of the 9 best cartoon shows for kids learning English along with links to watch them online:

Best Cartoon Shows for Kids Learning English

1. Peppa Pig

Peppa Pig is a British preschool cartoon that follows Peppa, a young pig, and her close-knit family and friends as they go on a variety of fun and entertaining adventures. The show is primarily targeted at children, and while it is set in the U.K., it has become popular worldwide. Peppa Pig is an excellent show for kids learning English because it features simple language, colorful visuals, and catchy songs that children can easily learn and sing.

2. The Magic School Bus

The Magic School Bus is an American animated children’s television series based on the book series of the same name by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. It follows the adventures of Mrs. Frizzle and her class of elementary school students, as they embark on field trips inside the human body, to outer space, and to many other places! Each episode provides enlightening and entertaining lessons about science, and it does so with endearing characters and catchy songs

3. Thomas & Friends

This is a kids television series based on the book by Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry. This cartoon is very helpful for kids learning English as the characters speak in basic English sentences which are easy to understand. It also provides a good visual aid to reinforce important English vocabulary words.

4. Bob the Builder

Bob the Builder is an animated series for young kids about a builder and his gang of machines who take on various construction jobs. All the characters use short and simple sentences which are great for building a child’s English vocabulary.

5. Dora the Explorer

Dora is an engaging show for kids that focuses on teaching English, Spanish, problem solving, and more. The lessons are presented in a fun and interactive way to keep kids engaged.

6. Paw Patrol

Paw Patrol is a great way for kids to learn English because it offers vocabulary, rhyming and repetition, which are all important components of early English language learning. Each episode has a moral lesson and shows characters interacting with each other and using words to communicate thoughts and feelings, which also helps with language development. The visuals, sound effects, and music also help grab and hold their attention, making it a great way for kids to develop their new language skills.

7. Blue’s Clues

In this cartoon, a friendly dog named Blue helps the main character uncover clues to solve the mystery of the day. Kids are encouraged to think along and learn new words in the process.

8. Scooby-Doo

Scooby-Doo is a classic, fun-filled animated series that focuses on solving mysteries. With its classic theme song, kids will learn new vocabulary along the way.

9. Sesame Street

This beloved preschool classic is a great resource for kids learning English because it integrates basic English language vocabulary into its theme songs and sketches in a meaningful and engaging way. Additionally, its colorful characters, catchy music, and entertaining stories help keep kids interested and engaged, helping them to retain the language they’re learning. The cartoon also ties English language learning into real-life situations and everyday life, further driving home the lessons it presents.

While learning English through cartoons is a great start for kids to learn English, practice is key.

How often as a parent have you actually learned a language but haven’t practiced it enough that you actually forgot how to speak.

This is why LingoCircle was created as an online group language program, to put the emphasis on speaking, and conversing with friends in a fun and engaging environment. Children learn English with native speaking certified teachers and international friends with whom they can converse and play games all while learning the language.

LingoCircle offers tailored group sessions grouped by age, proficiency level, academic goals, and cultural background.

French school children traditionally learn classic poems in school in order to learn literary techniques and appreciation of language, to build a sense of national identity, and to foster an appreciation of the French language and culture.

In fact, it has been viewed as an important element in developing an understanding of the French language, as well as an appreciation for its nuances and subtlety.

In this article, we will explore the best French poems for kids by age group.

We will also discuss why learning French poems can be an effective way for children to learn French and where parents can find some of these poems online.

What are the benefits of learning French poetry for kids:

French poetry is taught in French schools because it is a fundamental part of French culture.

Learning and reading poetry allows young students to gain an appreciation for the musicality of the French language and to build a wide vocabulary of descriptive language.

It also allows young people to gain a familiarity with iconic pieces of French literature and engage in intellectual discussions about the historical context of certain poems.

Additionally, poetry can help students to develop stronger levels of creative thinking, which can be useful in other areas of study.

Here are five of the top reasons to get your young French learners to learn French poetry:

1. Develops appreciation for language and literature:

Reading and reciting French poetry helps children to develop an appreciation for the beauty of language and literature.

2. Improves literacy skills:

French poetry teaches kids new words and improves their literacy in French. It also teaches them how to express their feelings with imagery and other creative writing techniques.

3. Gives kids another way to express themselves:

Poetry allows kids to express their feelings and emotions in a creative way. Through French poetry, they can connect with others and find a way to communicate with others in their native language.

4. Improves communication skills and the ability to empathize with others:

Learning French poetry can help kids develop communication skills and the ability to empathize with others. It also gives them a language for expressing themselves that non-professional speakers can understand.

5. Introduces children to different cultures:

French poetry helps introduce children to cultures and countries from around the world.

Now that we’ve reviewed the benefits of learning French poetry for kids, let’s dive in! Which poems should your kid learn? Let’s take a look at some of the recommendations from our French teachers here at Bilingual Bebe!

Best French Poems for Elementary School Students

In elementary school, learning poems can help children develop their language skills, improve their vocabulary, and increase their ability to remember information. Poems also help children to understand new concepts such as rhyme and rhythm as well as providing them with an enjoyable and creative activity.

Below are our 6 poems recommendations that will make your kid enjoy learning the french language:

1. Trois escargots Maurice Carême

The poem “J’ai rencontré 3 escargots” by Maurice Carême is a whimsical poem focused on the life of three adventurous escargots. It follows the escargots as they set out on an adventure for a flower, encountering various obstacles along the way. The poem is playful and lighthearted, and encourages readers to find the joys in their own lives.

2. Le cancre by Jacques Prévert

Le Cancre by Jacques Prevert is a poem about the beauty of being a nonconformist in spite of what society expects of the narrator. The narrator is a young schoolboy who is mocked by the other students and teacher for failing to learn.

Despite not understanding what the teacher says, the narrator remains confident that his answers are correct and refuses to conform. The poem ultimately celebrates the narrator’s independence and refusal to be changed by pressure from outside forces. The poem culminates with the narrator knowingly proving the professor wrong, resulting in the recognition of his own genius.

The poem’s title, “Le Cancre,” is French for “the dunce” or “the lazy student.” The poem is an ode to those who refuse to conform even when they are oppressed by society. The narrator expresses his pride in his independent spirit and refuses to be changed despite the jeers of his peers. The poem celebrates Anissa Bouderraoui

French Poem: Le Cancre (J. Prévert) with translation and video

3. Le Renard et le Corbeau by Jean de la Fontaine

Le Renard et le Corbeau is a French fable written by Jean de La Fontaine. It follows a cunning fox who comes upon a raven perched atop a tree. The fox flatters the raven and plays upon its vanity, asking for a taste of the cheese the raven is holding. When the raven lets go of the cheese, the fox quickly grabs it and runs away, leaving the raven with nothing. The moral of the story is to be wary of flatterers and the consequences of vanity.

4. Le chat et l’oiseau by Jacques Prevert

5. La cigale et la fourmi by Jean de La Fontaine

La Cigale et la Fourmi, a classic fable by Jean de La Fontaine, tells the story of how a hard-working ant scorns a lazy cicada when winter comes.

The cicada, having sung and enjoyed itself all summer, is unprepared for the winter and has nothing to eat. The ant mocks the cicada for its lack of foresight and hard work.

In the end, however, the cicada is saved when the sun returns, melting the snow and producing plenty of food for the cicada to eat. The fable becomes a lesson in the importance of industriousness and preparation.

6. Le Lièvre et la tortue by Jean de la Fontaine

Le lièvre et la tortue is a French poem by Jean de la Fontaine. It is a timeless fable which illustrates the idea that slow and steady wins the race. In the poem, the Turtle and The Hare have a footrace, with the Hare underestimating the speed of the Turtle and taking several rest breaks during the race as a result. The Turtle, however, proves to be persistent and ultimately wins the race, due to the Hare’s premature celebration and distraction.

Rien ne sert de courir ; il faut partir à point.

Le Lièvre et la Tortue en sont un témoignage.

Gageons, dit celle-ci, que vous n’atteindrez point

Sitôt que moi ce but. – Sitôt ? Etes-vous sage ?

Repartit l’animal léger.

Ma commère, il vous faut purger

Avec quatre grains d’ellébore.

– Sage ou non, je parie encore.

Ainsi fut fait : et de tous deux

On mit près du but les enjeux :

Savoir quoi, ce n’est pas l’affaire,

Ni de quel juge l’on convint.

Notre Lièvre n’avait que quatre pas à faire ;

J’entends de ceux qu’il fait lorsque prêt d’être atteint

Il s’éloigne des chiens, les renvoie aux Calendes,

Et leur fait arpenter les landes.

Ayant, dis-je, du temps de reste pour brouter,

Pour dormir, et pour écouter

D’où vient le vent, il laisse la Tortue

Aller son train de Sénateur.

Elle part, elle s’évertue ;

Elle se hâte avec lenteur.

Lui cependant méprise une telle victoire,

Tient la gageure à peu de gloire,

Croit qu’il y va de son honneur

De partir tard. Il broute, il se repose,

Il s’amuse à toute autre chose

Qu’à la gageure. A la fin quand il vit

Que l’autre touchait presque au bout de la carrière,

Il partit comme un trait ; mais les élans qu’il fit

Furent vains : la Tortue arriva la première.

Eh bien ! lui cria-t-elle, avais-je pas raison ?

De quoi vous sert votre vitesse ?

Moi, l’emporter ! et que serait-ce

Si vous portiez une maison ?

Jean de La Fontaine.

Best French Poems for middle school students

1. Heureux qui, comme Ulysse, a fait un beau voyage  by Joachim Du Bellay

This French poem by Joachim Du Bellay is a reflection on the eternal quest for knowledge and experience embodied by legendary Greek hero Odysseus (known as Ulysses in Latin). The poem celebrates and admires those who, like Ulysse, chose to “sail beyond the sunset” and explore the unknown. The poet wishes that each person can seek the adventures of Odysseus in his own life by striving ever forward in their own personal “voyage” of life and knowledge, eventually receiving solace and contentment in their journey.

https://www.ralentirtravaux.com/lettres/textes/poemes/heureux-qui-comme-ulysse.php

2. Le Dormeur du Val by Arthur Rimbaud

Le Dormeur du Val is a poem by French writer Arthur Rimbaud, written in 1873. The poem is known as a symbol of serenity and simplicity, in which a peaceful sleeping soldier lies in a valley surrounded by nature. Rimbaud described the landscape of the valley and the emotions of the sleeping man, who seems to be at peace and in harmony with nature. The poem paints the image of a simple, almost pastoral, existence and encourages to escape from materialism and the modern world.

3. Demain des l’aube  by Victor Hugo

Demain dès l’aube is a poem by Victor Hugo about a man starting his morning journey of death and loss. The poem’s speaker mourns and prepares to visit his deceased beloved in the morning. The poem speaks of the man’s feelings of loneliness and desperation over the loss, as well as his deep longing to be reunited with his beloved. The man’s sorrow is also captured beautifully in the poem’s imagery of stars, a fogged sky, and a dark and silent landscape.

Learn about Victor Hugo presentation for kids 7 years old and up: https://maisonvictorhugo.besancon.fr/en/maison-victor-hugo-2/victor-hugo/

4. L’invitation au voyage by Charles Baudelaire

L’invitation au voyage is a poem written by Charles Baudelaire in 1857. It is an invitation by the poet to his love, telling her about the wonders of traveling elsewhere and leaving the worries of everyday life behind. He introduces her to a distant land, far from her homeland, encouraging her to explore and observe new sights, smells, and sounds. He paints a vivid and romantic description of a utopia, where they could explore and forget their troubles. He invites her to go on this voyage with him in pursuit of discovery, beauty and love.

5. Le Pont Mirabeau by Guillaume Apolinaire

Sous le pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

Et nos amours

Faut-il qu’il m’en souvienne

La joie venait toujours après la peine.

Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure

Les jours s’en vont je demeure

Les mains dans les mains restons face à face

Tandis que sous

Le pont de nos bras passe

Des éternels regards l’onde si lasse

Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure

Les jours s’en vont je demeure

L’amour s’en va comme cette eau courante

L’amour s’en va

Comme la vie est lente

Et comme l’Espérance est violente

Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure

Les jours s’en vont je demeure

Passent les jours et passent les semaines

Ni temps passé

Ni les amours reviennent

Sous le pont Mirabeau coule la Seine

Vienne la nuit sonne l’heure

Les jours s’en vont je demeure

Guillaume Apollinaire

6. Chanson d’automne by Paul Verlaine

Chanson d’Automne, written by Paul Verlaine in 1866, is a poetic lament that captures the sorrow and emotion of autumn. The poem is a heartfelt reflection on the transience of life, as the introduction of winter casts a sense of gloom over the days of summer. The speaker mourns the passing of time and hopes for a “lost paradise”, but recognizes the beauty of his anguish and final resignation to nature. It is a contemplation of sadness, its beauty, and its inevitable presence in life

Language activities for kids using French poems

In French schools especially for elementary schools, learning poems was made fun with activities around the words and sentences. Below are a few language activities ideas you can use to engage your children when learning French though poems.

1. Poem Scramble:

Divide the class into small groups and give each group a poem. Ask them to take turns reading it aloud. Then, have the group cut the poem into individual lines and shuffle them up. Ask them to try to put the poem back together in the correct order.

2. Poem-In-A-Bag:

Put each line of the poem into small container such as a paper bag, envelope, or lunch box. Let the students draw one line at a time and piece the poem back together. The more challenging you make the game, the more involved the students must be!

3. Act Out the Poem:

Choose a poem with lots of action words and ask students to act out the words. Or, if there isn’t much action they can use props, such as a toy boat or a paper fish to act out the poem.

4. Clap out the syllables:

Have your child recite a poem and clap out each syllable.

We hope this article was helpful in giving you insights into French poems and French literature as well as how language is learned in French schools. This plays an integral role in learning French culture and introducing French authors and subtlety of the French language start as early as elementary school.

If you want your child to get more immersed in French culture while learning the French language, LingoCircle offers a complete curriculum built by foreign language and childhood education experts as well as a unique online classroom experience.

From celebrations of national holidays and special days to unique customs and cultures, France offers a unique experience for children. Its culture is known for its richness and diversity and as a result, some of the French traditions that kids love have been passed down from generation to generation. From its delectable cuisine to its vibrant festivals, France is a country filled with centuries of traditions and experiences that children will cherish for a lifetime. This article will explore the French traditions that children find wonderfully captivating.

1. Food Traditions

From the humble croissant to the tremendously indulgent chocolat chaud, France has a rich and diverse culinary history that children can enjoy.

#1- Les Crepes:

One of the longest-standing food traditions in France involves crepes, both sweet and savoury. Crepes are typically made in the morning or during the evening at the market, and children can often find them served with cheese and ham, or sweetened with sugar and Nutella.

Kids can help to make their own crêpes, and fill them with their favorite combinations of course. This classic French cultural tradition is one that is enjoyed by both kids and adults alike!

The French crêpe is a thin pancake that has been popular in France since at least the 12th century. In its most basic form, a crêpe is made of a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and melted butter. The batter is poured on a special type of griddle called a “crêpière” and quickly cooked on both sides, resulting in a light and flexible pancake that can easily be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.

The precise origin of the French crêpe is unknown, but it is believed to have developed originally in Brittany, a region of northwestern France. The traditional Breton crêpe is made without milk and is often filled with salted butter and thick local ciders. Over time, the crêpe spread throughout France and became a staple of urban and rural communities, adapted to a variety of local tastes and ingredients. Today, crêpes are popular across France as a breakfast food, street food, or dessert and can be filled with sweet or savory fillings. In addition, the crêpe has become a mainstay of French cuisine and can be found in high-end restaurants across the country.

#2-La Fondue

Another food tradition that children adore is fondue, a savoury dish of melted cheese, and is usually served with crusty baguettes and vegetables.

The fondue tradition is said to have originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century, when a shortage of fuel for cooking left people looking for ways to use whatever ingredients were on hand. Cheese and melted cheese dishes, as well as croutons, would be added to a pot and heated over an open flame. Eventually, pieces of bread and potatoes would be dipped into the hot cheese or melted butter. The popularity of fondue increased over time throughout Europe and eventually became popular in the United States in the 1960s.

#3-La galette des rois

La galette is a type of cake or pastry found in many regions of France. It can vary from region to region, but usually consists of a base made of either puff pastry or breton pastry and topped with a variety of fillings, such as almond cream, apples, prunes, or chocolate. It is often served during New Year’s Eve and Christmas, as well as other occasions.

The galette des rois tradition is believed to have originated in France and dates back centuries. The tradition can be traced back to the Middle Ages when merchants presented it to French royalty to celebrate the Epiphany (the celebration of the arrival of the three Wise Men). The traditional galette contains a small figurine or “feve” (bean) hidden inside. The person who finds the feve is believed to be the “king” or “queen” of the day.

2. Cultural Traditions

For kids, attending a festival or carnival is also a cherished tradition. From the famous Fete de la Musique in Paris to smaller regional fètes, these events offer plenty of opportunities to dress up, go on rides and sample local delicacies.

1. The Spring Fête de Printemps

A festival of the beginning of spring, usually celebrated in late March to early April. This typically includes traditional French dances, food, and crafts. It is a fun way to incorporate a bit of French culture into your child’s life.

2. Pâques (Easter)

An annual festival celebrated for the memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Pâques is an important holiday for French families. During this time, many families will dye eggs, go on egg hunts, and nibble on chocolate bunny crafted by artisan chocolatiers.

3. Celebration of Bastille Day or Quatorze Juillet

This annual holiday marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, the beginning of the French Revolution. Kids can learn a bit of French history while also participating in parades, concerts, and fireworks events that usually mark Bastille Day celebrations.

Historically, Bastille Day marks the storming of the Bastille fortress-prison by the people of France and set into motion the French Revolution.

The Bastille was originally built in the 14th century as a fortress-prison and was used by the monarchy in France to punish their political opponents. It became a symbol of the monarchy’s power and oppression in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1789, the people of France rose up in rebellion against the monarchy. On the morning of July 14th, the people of Paris marched to the Bastille, laid siege to the building, and freed the seven prisoners who were being held there. This event marked the beginning of the French Revolution and was the symbol of the people’s struggle to overthrow the monarch’s oppressive rule.

Today the storming of the Bastille is remembered with parades, fireworks, and festivals across France on July 14th, Bastille Day. Every year, the French President makes a traditional speech on the day, followed by a celebration and fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower.

5. Fete de la musique

The Fête de la Musique is a French celebration of music which takes place every year on June 21st. The date marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This day is also the summer solstice, which is when the sun is at its maximum elevation in the sky, providing hours of daylight for enjoying music outdoors.

The holiday was established in 1982 by Jack Lang, the French Minister of Culture at the time, with the goal of making music accessible to everyone. The event is celebrated all over France and celebrated with live music performances in parks, squares, and public spaces. The celebration has since expanded through Europe and the world, and is now celebrated by more than 300 cities. It has come to represent an annual celebration of music and culture, a phenomenon that allows everyone to appreciate music regardless of skill and fashion.

Another French tradition that many kids look forward to is the classic Sunday afternoon family stroll. This can consist of a leisurely walk through a local park to visit with friends, or a more intensive hike up a mountain trail. Either way, the chance to get out into nature and spend quality time together is an experience all French families enjoy. Additionally, parents might also take the chance to teach their children about unique plant and wildlife that populate the area. The importance of preserving these natural areas is an important lesson for French children.

6. Mardi Gras

In France, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is the final day of the Carnival celebration just before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, the day is filled with parades and other festivities, most notably the city’s largest ball which is held in Nice, France on the Promenade des Anglais. There, people from all parts of the world come to dance and revel in the pre-Lenten festivities.

Mardi Gras (also known as Fat Tuesday or Carnival) is an important festival celebrated in France that occurs the day before Ash Wednesday. There are many activities available for kids to enjoy during Mardi Gras, including parades, dancing, music, street theatre and food.

One of the most popular events in Mardi Gras is the Grand Parade. Many towns in France hold their own parades and feature marching bands, dancers, clowns and elaborate floats. Kids will enjoy the colorful costumes, clowns and other fun aspects of the parade.

Mardi Gras is also celebrated through dancing. Traditional French dances such as the farandole, the saltarello and the bourrée can be performed by kids, and traditional music is often performed during Mardi Gras parties. In some places, a dance called the “Round of Kings” is also done, in which the invited kids form a circle and dance around the “King” or “Queen” of the circle.

Conclusion:

We hope this article was helpful in giving more insights into French cultural traditions that kids are fond of. At LingoCircle we make it a priority to not only immerse children in the language but also French culture knowledge. Through small group classes, children get the benefits of conversing in the language and share about their culture and personal attach to the language with friends from around the world. A much more valuable and enriching experience that a one on one session.

Are you dreaming of your family speaking Spanish fluently? You can make this dream become a reality with Spanish immersion! 

Although, you may be wondering: how can you immerse yourself in Spanish, especially if you don’t live in a Spanish-speaking country? The answer here is not to move across the world! Just by making a few small changes, you can create an immersive environment from the comfort of your own home.

Spanish immersion doesn’t have to be expensive either. While Spanish immersion schools may be the best option out there to encourage language fluency, it’s completely possible to do this from your home and for little to no cost.

Here are some small changes that you can make in your daily lives to start learning Spanish as a family today!

Change 1: Change the settings in your electronic devices 

With technology at our fingertips, you have an easy opportunity to pick up some native phrases and immerse yourself and your family in Spanish by switching all of your device’s language to Spanish. 

Since we commonly use phones, tablets, the TV, and computer, you will be surprised as to how much vocabulary you will learn from making this switch. As you download new apps, do some research, and communicate with friends and family, you’ll be learning as you’re doing habitual tasks. Changing your electronic devices to Spanish easily boost your skills. 

Change 2: Mix up your daily vocabulary

Do you know the Spanish word for every object in your house? Start enhancing your vocabulary with things you talk about every day right under your nose.

You don’t need to put sticky notes on every single object in your own home to learn vocabulary (unless you really want to). However, if you don’t know the word for some objects, it’s a great idea to look it up and write it down. Writing down new words is a memory technique that will help you and your children remember and be able to recall the word later on. 

Although big goals are great, it’s best to start small. If you write down the name of every object in your home, you can easily be overwhelmed with new information. It’s best to start with just a few objects (or the objects in one room) at a time to build your vocabulary comfortably, get used to using them in a sentence, and then move on to the next set. 

Check out this list of easy Spanish words for kids to get started!

Change 3: Start surfing in Spanish

Where do we search for the majority of information? The internet. 

The next time that you are searching for information, tracking down a recipe, shopping for gifts, getting on social media, or even checking world news – try searching in Spanish. By typing keywords into the search bar, you’ll see a variety of search results completely in Spanish. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Spanish as a native speaker would.

Reading recipes or following food guides, you will have a great way for you and your family to get familiar with Spanish in the kitchen. As far as social media goes, start following some Latin celebrities to see how they communicate, give compliments, use slang, and choose hashtags on different topics. 

Caution: when following celebrities, pay attention to where they are from. Each Spanish-speaking country has its own dialect. What does this mean? It means that their vocabulary may differ from the vocabulary that you are already learning. 

Although different dialects can be great for you to expand your vocabulary, it’s better to focus on one dialect at the beginning of your Spanish immersion. For example, Spanish from Spain is quite different from Spanish spoken in Latin America. In this dialect, you will not only find different vocabulary words, but also a different verb conjugation that is only used in Spain.

If you are not planning to travel to Spain, it may be better to focus on a different dialect for your first one. Staying in one dialect will help you build consistency within your fluency, but in the future, diving into different dialects can really help your Spanish take off to the next level.  

Change 4: Create stories and journal 

Depending on the age of your children, journaling every day in Spanish can be a great way to enhance their language skills (and your own!). Journaling is a way to express creativity and emotions. It’s also a great way to calm down, relax, and think about your day.

Doing this in Spanish will be a great way to practice reflection, build a train of thought, and practice different sentence constructions. Even if you only start with a few sentences, bullet points, or just a few words, this will encourage more brain function in Spanish.

If your child isn’t old enough to journal, encourage them to draw and create a story about their picture in Spanish to practice their thinking, description skills, and language development. 

Change 5: Read in Spanish

Reading stories encourages imagination and builds vocabulary quickly. Books have endless topics, themes, lessons to learn, and teachable moments. From learning about dragons, to cooking your favorite meal, to following sports, the vocabulary possibilities are endless. 

Luckily, many popular children’s books and novels are available in Spanish already. You also have the option to find your favorite book properly translated.

You can read your favorite books to your children in Spanish and have them follow along. If you are already familiar with stories, it makes it very easy to understand the vocabulary without having to pause to grab a dictionary. 

If you’re interested in reading some of the best children’s books in Spanish, check out this article of the 10 best Spanish books for kids or 15 top-rated bilingual books for kids (in English and Spanish). 

Change 6: Write to-do lists in Spanish

This may be challenging at first, especially because thinking of your to-do list might be a stressful task. But practicing your writing skills and your everyday vocabulary will really help you improve your fluency level and create an immersive experience.

By writing a to-do list and talking about what your daily plans are with your family, you realize how many everyday words you may not be familiar with already.

 Once you write down a new word, be sure to put it on a flashcard to keep practicing afterward.

Change 7: Learn while you relax with a movie

Want to catch up on the latest TV series, watch a movie with the family, or give your child some screen time? 

With the globalization of our world today, you’re likely to find your favorite TV series or movie available in Spanish. However, it’s even better to find a Spanish or Latin program and get exposed to their movie culture while learning the language. On many streaming services, you’ll have the option to search for programs in different languages, but if you can’t find anything you’re interested in – take a look at YouTube! 

If you need to find a place to get started, we’ve done some research and have found 7 great movies in Spanish for your whole family and 12 TV shows in Spanish for kids! 

Change 8: Use your commute to your advantage

We spend a lot of time each day commuting. Whether it’s driving the kids to school, going to work, driving to the store, taking your child to soccer practice, play dates, a long road trip – we commute for hours and hours every week. 

Commuting is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Spanish while driving, taking the bus, or walking to your destination. There are many Spanish audiobooks, podcasts, and radio stations that you can put on to pass the time and learn!

You can listen to a kid-friendly novel, an intriguing podcast, or jam out to some Latin music. This is a great way to pick up vocabulary on the go while accomplishing your daily tasks.

Spotify, Amazon, FM radio, and Apple Music have tons of options for Spanish playlists just waiting for you to listen. Some of these music apps provide you with lyrics while you’re listening. Although you may not be able to enjoy this feature if you’re driving, it’s great for others in the car to use to follow along with the lyrics. 

After a while, you’ll be able to sing along to your favorite new songs. If you don’t have the lyrics in front of you, it’s important to listen actively and not passively, so you can pick out keywords and phrases to benefit from the music.

Change 9: Take Spanish language classes online

Constant practice can make all the difference. Reading and listening are great ways to immerse yourself in Spanish, but if you aren’t speaking on a regular basis, you are missing out on a very important skill. 

One great way to have active conversations is by taking classes online. There are many different types of classes out there, so it can be a bit hard to make a choice. Especially for children, having outside resources and reinforcement for Spanish immersion can be quite helpful for their bilingual development. 

When choosing a class, it’s important to find a native, certified teacher that is well-experienced and can really help your child. With LingoCircle, you can have access to an online bilingual education programs with a curriculum designed to help children reach a higher level of fluency. Our online Spanish classes for kids and tweens (ages 3-15) can help enrich your child’s Spanish proficiency fast!

Most importantly, this program creates a unique classroom experience, connecting bilingual children from around the world. Your child will converse and collaborate with classmates in Spanish all while learning to write and read. You can even try out this unique classroom experience to help immerse your child with a free trial lesson!

Change 10: Check out local events and activities

In many cities, there are groups of Spanish-speaking people who come together for activities, services, and socialization. 

To really immerse yourself and your family in Spanish, search in your area for any groups, outdoor activities, book clubs, church services, outdoor groups, tea time, or any classes that are offered in Spanish. A quick Google search will help you find a new world of activities happening in your community or the surrounding area. 

If you can’t find any information online, go to your local YMCA or community center and ask if there are any programs that they’re aware of. Chances are, you’ll have luck with finding some local events! 

Change 11: Travel abroad

If this is something that works for your family, what’s a better to immerse yourself in Spanish than visiting a Spanish-speaking country? 

By visiting a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll be using Spanish in real-time and with native speakers. Not only will you get the opportunity to speak more, but you will also be immersed in the culture at the same time. Consider searching for a type of language exchange program or a Spanish immersion program for the whole family. 

But before traveling, making these changes to help you start being more accustomed to Spanish in your own home is a great way to learn at your own pace without any pressure.

Is Spanish immersion possible at home? 

As you can see, Spanish immersion is 100% possible from inside the comfort of your own home!

Exposure is the most important element in learning a language and achieving fluency. Even without living in a Spanish-speaking country, making small changes in your daily life can really help you immerse yourself further and reach the next level. Good luck!

As parents, we all want what’s best for our children. We want them to thrive, succeed, and be prepared for the future. One way to give your child a competitive edge in our increasingly globalized world is through bilingual education. But what is bilingual education exactly? 

Bilingual education is a means of instruction in two languages at the same time using a specialized school curriculum. Still, bilingual education is about more than just learning two languages.

There’s also more than one way to teach bilingual education. The most common methods include dual language programs, transitional bilingual education, and language maintenance programs.

In this blog post, we’ll go over the pros and cons of bilingual education as well as what types of programs exist. We’ll also provide guidance for parents who want to raise a bilingual child.

Let’s begin!

What Is Bilingual Education?

Bilingual education is an educational approach that uses two languages as the medium of instruction. The goal is to help students become proficient in both languages while also mastering academic content. 

While this approach may sound new to some, it has actually been around for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations that recognized the importance of learning multiple languages.

Over time, bilingual education has evolved, with a focus on meeting the needs of diverse populations, such as immigrants and indigenous communities. Its purpose has remained the same, though: to provide students with a high-quality education that prepares them for success in a multilingual and multicultural world.

In today’s world, the importance of bilingual education cannot be overstated. With globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of cultures, bilingualism is becoming more valuable in various fields, from business to diplomacy.

Types of Bilingual Education Programs

Bilingual education is typically offered by a specialized academic institution equipped to instruct various subjects in two or more languages. These types of programs are structured in a way where they split the teaching in the two languages throughout the day.

There are several types of bilingual education programs available, each with its unique approach and benefits. Here are a few of the most common types:

Dual Language Immersion

A dual language education program teaches students both languages simultaneously, to achieve bilingualism and biliteracy. In a typical dual language program, students spend half their day learning in one language (e.g., English) and the other half in another (e.g., Spanish). This approach has been shown to promote not only language development but also academic achievement and cross-cultural understanding.

Transitional Bilingual Education

Also known as early-exit bilingual education, transitional bilingual education programs help non-native speakers of English transition to English-only classrooms as quickly as possible. In a transitional bilingual education program, students receive instruction in their native language for a limited amount of time (usually one to three years) while also receiving instruction in English. The goal is to help students develop English proficiency while maintaining their native language skills.

Maintenance Bilingual Education

Also known as late-exit bilingual education, maintenance bilingual education programs help students maintain their native language skills while also developing English proficiency. In a maintenance bilingual education program, students receive instruction in both languages for an extended period (usually five to seven years or more). The goal is to ensure that students become truly bilingual and biliterate, with strong skills in their native language and English.

Each type of bilingual education program has its unique strengths and benefits, and the choice of program will depend on a variety of factors, including the needs of the student, the goals of the program, and the resources available. As a parent, it’s essential to research the options available and choose the one that best meets your child’s needs.

Overcoming Obstacles: Finding Bilingual Education Programs Near You

Finding a school that offers one of the bilingual programs listed above is one of the easiest ways to create a consistent bilingual environment for your child. However, finding a bilingual school may be a bit difficult, depending on where you live. 

Another way to give your child a bilingual education is by speaking in a minority language at home, homeschooling with an age-appropriate curriculum in the minority language, watching educational movies, having external bilingual classes to encourage further interaction, and so on.

This at-home approach requires a blend of face-to-face school and homeschooling due to the level of curriculum needed. Although this may be a more rigorous route, it is still a very effective way to raise a bilingual child. 

Either way, there are pros and cons to bilingual programs.

Pros of Bilingual Education

1. Improved brain functioning and memory

Some scientists believe that learning two or more languages improves and strengthens various parts of the brain. Adopting multiple languages allows your brain to recognize patterns quickly and draw connections. This improves your mental state and learning capability in multiple ways. As the brain strengthens, thanks to a foreign language, it gets stronger overall. 

Think of your brain as a muscle. If you run, your legs get stronger, and you get faster. As a result, you are overall in better shape; your breathing improves, your ability to perform cardio improves, your abdominals strengthen, etc. It’s like a domino effect — each muscle has an impact on the next. This is true with the muscles and capabilities of your brain as well. 

2. Better career opportunities

As the career world is increasingly more competitive, the ability to speak multiple languages will be a great advantage when looking for a job.

Speaking multiple languages and having the ability to perform your job in two or more languages can dramatically improve your chances of landing a job in the future.

Especially if your child could be interested in working for an international firm, a second language may even be required. Not only can a foreign language be valuable for landing a job, but it can also be beneficial to seeing a salary increase.

3. It creates an opportunity for early diversity

Children are not concerned with societal issues like adults are. The average child is most concerned with making friends, playing games, and having fun. Exposure to foreign languages and cultures means that children will be aware that more than one way of life exists. 

Because of this, children who speak multiple languages have an easier opportunity to celebrate and enjoy cultural differences instead of shying away from them. This is an attitude that they will learn to embrace throughout their lives. 

4. Easier to participate in exchange programs

If your child attends a bilingual school, chances are there will be opportunities to study abroad and participate in an exchange program. Even at a monolingual school, public or private, there may also be opportunities for a foreign exchange program, but the spots for the trip are generally limited. 

In bigger schools, there are only a certain number of places, but many interested children. When it comes down to it, the details matter. Speaking a second language will be an advantage over the rest of the crowd.

Many undergraduate courses are only taught in one language at the university level. By choosing to study abroad in a country where you speak the native language, your child will be eligible for scholarships and an authentic experience in the host country. 

If you ever want to prepare your child for the opportunity to study abroad, whether in a small group, at the high school level, or the university level, bilingual education is a great way to start.

5. Beneficial for your travels

Being bilingual is a huge advantage when it comes to traveling. If you go to a place where you speak the native language, the locals will generally be a bit more friendly. 

By speaking the local language, you already show interest in their culture, so the people automatically feel appreciated and more understood. 

It’s an exciting time to chat with locals about their favorite places to visit in their country, where to find the best food, the coolest local events, and advice for what not to do while you’re visiting. 

6. It’s easier for a child to learn a second language

Learning one foreign language can be a difficult task, but learning two or more languages simultaneously can be even more difficult. However, children’s brains are at their peak capacity for learning and develop the quickest when they are young. Exposure to a foreign language at an early stage in life will help children absorb complex information more easily. 

While adults learning a second language may feel pressured to speak perfectly or feel embarrassed due to accents and making mistakes, children are the opposite. When children learn any language, they will make mistakes and easily learn from them. 

Children generally feel less pressure to perform when learning a second language and do not experience the same type of embarrassment when making a mistake. 

7. Learning one new language makes it easier to learn more

Once children begin learning a second language, the language development part of their brain strengthens. 

Their brain can recognize patterns in more than one way. Sentence structures, vocabulary, subject-verb agreement, etc., are just a few patterns that children will have to pick up on to learn a second language. 

If your child wants to learn a third language in the future, starting with a second language will make this a faster process. Once their brain has adapted to this type of learning, it makes it much easier to go through the process again. 

Cons of Bilingual Education

1. Learning specific content can be extremely difficult

Although childhood is the best time for younger children to learn a new language, they can experience second-language difficulties starting off. 

When things are new, they are especially difficult. New concepts in a new language can bring stress to young students who just want to communicate with their friends, teachers, and peers. 

2. Education in a second language can be inconsistent 

If you live in an area that has a school offering bilingual education, chances are that that school has an age limit. 

Some bilingual schools are for kindergarten, elementary, and middle school but do not have a high school program. And on the reverse side, some schools only offer bilingual programs to high schoolers. 

As a result, children may lose some of their foreign language skills. Although bilingual programs can be a great advantage, if your child never uses their second language after finishing a certain school level, they might forget it.

3. A bilingual education is not cheap

Foreign language programs usually are not the cheapest form of education available. 

Due to budget cuts, arts and language programs are disappearing across the country. Many schools have to focus on a monolingual curriculum unless the state mandates a second language. 

On top of that, any extracurricular language learning activities will most likely come at some expense. Although the benefits of bilingual education make it worth it in the end, it’s important to consider the costs at the beginning. 

4. There may be a lack of qualified teachers and assistants

For a bilingual classroom to succeed, it has to provide children with quality exposure to the target language. High quality of exposure can usually only be found in teachers and teaching assistants who are fully fluent in both languages and have adequate teaching experience. 

Although it could be an excellent opportunity for a non-fluent teacher or teaching assistant to improve their language skills, it would not necessarily be a fully immersive experience for the students enrolled in the class. The demand for quality teachers around the nation is always high, and finding quality teachers at a monolingual school is difficult enough. 

5. Bilingual education can shift a student’s focus

In standard bilingual classrooms, language learning is split roughly 50/50 throughout the day. If a child has trouble learning and using their second language, they can fall behind in other subjects or lose interest in learning the language. 

Although this isn’t too common, the only way to improve the minority language is through practice. More practice requires more time focusing on the language and less time focusing on other extracurricular activities throughout the day like art, music, sports, workshop, etc.

If a child feels like they are missing out on “fun” activities throughout the day, they might have a shift in their focus. They may focus negatively on what they are missing out on instead of on what they can gain with more practice. 

6. It prevents student involvement in local culture

If a young child is learning two cultures and languages at the same time, they may have a hard time “fitting in” with people who don’t have the same cultural background. 

Of course, making friends in class will be easy. Still, there may be a culture gap with monolingual children simply because they have different routines, communication styles, and ways of processing information. This is a unique extreme but can be an isolating situation for children who are adjusting to people who only have one language and one culture.

7. It comes with preconceived ideas 

Bilingualism and learning about other cultures can be associated with a touchy subject: immigration. Some communities have a negative view of the structure of bilingual schools. Some see it as a way that immigrants can avoid adapting to the national language and culture. 

This is undoubtedly a challenge that shouldn’t heavily impact your decision to enroll your child in a bilingual education program. There is no way to please everyone in any circumstance, and bilingual education, although highly beneficial, is no different. 

Final Thoughts: Why Bilingual Education Is Important

For the next generation, speaking multiple languages will be a highly sought-after skill and may even be considered more of a standard. As learning a language is much easier for children, it makes sense to enroll in a bilingual education program from an early age – just be sure to continue bilingual education efforts outside of and after school.

Want to help your child become bilingual from home? Sign them up for a free trial for an online language class with LingoCircle! We offer dual language programs, elementary school curriculums, and CEFR programs in French, Spanish, English, Chinese, Arabic, and Korean. Certified, native-speaking teachers lead each class for children ages 3-15.