Experts believe that it’s easiest for a child to learn a second language before the age of ten. It’s within this critical period that a child’s brain is at its most elastic, making them better suited for building new neural connections and learning.

If you’re a parent, you already know that your child’s brain is like a sponge, soaking up all sorts of new information and lessons daily. After all, kids of all ages are constantly discovering new things and learning all that the world has to offer.

And it’s a well-known fact that children’s brains are primed for learning new information.

But at what age do children stop learning as easily? Is there a “best age” for a child to learn a new language? Can’t teenagers and adults learn another language just as easily?

Below, we hope to answer these questions and more as we explore everything there is to know related to language and learning during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

The Critical Period Hypothesis

The Critical Period Hypothesis was proposed in 1959 by Canadian neurologist Wilder Penfield and his co-author, Lamar Roberts.

According to the theory, there’s an ideal window in a child’s neurological development when their brain is most suitable for acquiring a new language. After which time, any further language acquisition becomes increasingly more difficult.

The critical period is considered somewhere within the first few years of a child’s life.

During this period, so long as a child is presented with sufficient stimuli, their brain’s neuroplasticity should allow them to absorb and grasp new language concepts quickly.

However, suppose language inputs do not occur until after the critical period has expired. In that case, the theory suggests that the child will never achieve full command of their first language.

That being said, when it comes to second language acquisition, there’s still a great deal of debate on the subject. Estimates for the critical period of second language acquisition generally range between two and thirteen years of age.

But, to get a better idea of the best age for young language learners, we’ll need to take a deeper look into early bilingualism.

Early Bilingualism

Over the years, there’s been quite a lot of controversy regarding children learning a second language.

In the past, educators even believed that learning a second language at a young age would confuse children, causing developmental delays in speech and vocabulary.

While there are some documented delays in children adopting vocabulary and other aspects of a new language, research suggests that bilingualism has either none or only positive effects on a child’s speech development.

Most experts today believe that new language skills developed at a young age have many positive effects on a child.

So it’s clear that teaching your child a second language won’t harm their speech, language, or cognitive development.

But how early can a child start learning a language other than their first?

Language Practice And Learning During Infancy

According to Scientific America, one study found that babies and very young children are capable of thinking logically and rationalizing decisions, even before they can speak in full words and sentences.

Other studies suggest that babies start learning a language while still in the womb.

So it’s not surprising to learn that children are perfectly capable of learning second languages, even at a very young age.

But it’s not until somewhere between the age of one and three that experts believe a child is most capable of learning a second language. For most developmentally normal children, these ages fall within the critical period of language acquisition.

During this time in a young language learner’s life, their brains are already busy learning their first language, driven primarily by a need to communicate with their parents. Therefore, it’s easy for them to absorb additional words and concepts from a second language simultaneously.

Outside of the critical period, there’s not much evidence to suggest any “best age” to learn a second language. However, most research indicates that it only becomes more challenging for individuals to learn a foreign language as they age.

One study from MIT found that the ability to learn a new language is at its strongest before a child turns ten. It’s often virtually impossible to differentiate native speakers from second language learners when second language acquisition occurs before the age of ten.

After the age of ten, the child’s ability to learn a second language doesn’t cease to exist, but it does become increasingly more challenging for them to grasp new grammatical concepts and words.

Teenage Bilingualism

So now we know that a child’s ability to learn a new language is considerably better the younger they are. And we also know that starting language lessons before the age of ten can drastically improve a child’s ability to become fluent in a foreign language.

But at what age does the ability to learn grammar, vocabulary, and syntax begin to decline? Is there a point when learning a new language is no longer possible?

In the past, researchers believed that a child’s ability to learn would start to decrease at some point between the age of five and puberty.

But according to a newer study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), most children remain proficient at learning new grammar up until age 17 or 18.

We should mention again that children who begin learning between the ages of ten and eighteen can still learn a new spoken language. It’s just that it will be a lot more challenging for them.

These children have a much smaller window before their language learning ability declines, especially compared to a child who begins learning at five years of age.

Therefore, older children are considerably less likely to develop total mastery or become fluent in their target language.

Why Language Learning Programs Become More Challenging

Researchers have so far been unable to answer why the critical period for learning languages ends or why second language acquisition declines precipitously after the age of eighteen.

Most experts believe this is caused by socio-cultural changes, first language development, or continued brain development.

In terms of social or cultural changes, it’s often around eighteen when individuals graduate high school, move away from home, and begin working full or part-time.

Therefore, the inability to quickly grasp new language concepts might be caused by external social factors or that older teens are just too busy to learn.

Alternatively, experts believe that the decline in neuroplasticity might be due to interference from a first language. This means that the language concepts and rules the individual has already learned make it harder to learn additional concepts.

Lastly, it’s also possible that biology causes specific changes to brain plasticity at this age, making it harder to learn new languages after age eighteen.

Either way, we know that it’s easier to acquire a second language if we start learning before ten and no later than eighteen.

But aren’t there plenty of examples of fully-grown adults learning a new language?

Adult Bilingualism

There’s no denying that adults can learn Spanish, English, French, or any other language as a second language, even much later in life.

However, it’s simply that adults don’t learn in the same ways as children, and mastering an entirely new vocabulary is considerably more challenging when you already have a language wired into your brain.

As we know, an individual’s grammar-learning abilities decline precipitously after eighteen.

But that doesn’t mean an adult can’t learn a second language.

Interestingly, when researchers bring in samples of adults and children and teach them new language concepts, adults are often the better learners.

So why does research show that children are better at learning than adults?

The answer is that these comparison studies don’t accurately reflect the child or adults’ lifelong learning abilities.

The fact is that adults can’t reproduce the same language learning processes that children use. The adult brain isn’t as elastic as the child’s brain.

So while adults are perfectly capable of learning new vocabulary words and grammatical concepts, they learn and memorize in a different way that takes more time and more effort than children.

Frequently Asked Questions – Learning A Second Language For Kids

Now that we know the many differences between the children, teens, and adults learn, let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our language learning parents.

Why is it easier for children to learn other languages than for adults?

Children are better at learning new words and languages because their brains are better at building neural connections. While an adult’s brain continues to develop its neural network, a child’s brain does this significantly faster. Therefore, children’s brains are better at processing, retaining, and recalling the information they learn.

What are the 1st and 2nd easiest languages to learn?

The easiest languages to learn depends mainly on the individual’s first language. Therefore, if a language learner speaks French as a first language, similar languages like Spanish or Italian might be relatively easy to learn. On the other hand, for English native speakers, Norwegian is said to be one of the easiest languages to learn, thanks to its many similarities with the English language.

How long does it take a child to master a second language?

Depending on the child’s age and learning capabilities, it can take a few months to a few years to learn new words and sentences in a second vocabulary. However, as we’ve outlined above, it’s drastically easier for a child to master second languages if they start learning before age ten.

How can I start teaching a second language to my child?

You can use many online resources, language learning apps, and games to teach your child a new language. But there’s no substitute for learning in a bilingual immersion environment. Bilingual education exposes the child to the language they already know while simultaneously learning new words and concepts in a second language. These types of learning environments also help keep language learning fun.

Is learning a second language worth it?

Yes! Countless studies show that there are many benefits to learning a second language. Bilingual children have many advantages in life that monolingual children don’t. Research also shows that early bilinguals often have better focus, concentration, multi-tasking, and socialization skills.

What is the best way for me to help my child as they learn a new language?

The best way to help your child while they learn a new language is through continuous support and encouragement. Studies show that parental involvement correlates closely with a child’s academic achievement. Back-and-forth conversations with your child, especially in their new language, are scientifically proven to help build the brain’s language center and verbal ability.

Learn A Second Language With LingoCircle

Based out of Brooklyn, New York, LingoCircle is your go-to online language school for kids aged three to fifteen.

We believe that all children deserve to learn a new native language. And that’s why we encourage learning in a fun, stimulating, interactive, and immersive bilingual environment.

Our teachers use an expert-built curriculum and teach children in small groups so that your child gets the attention and focus they deserve.

Are you interested in learning more? Click here to start your free trial today!

Early bilingualism is when a child begins learning more than one language at a young age. Learn about the many positive developmental effects of bilingual children.

Children learn and grow in all sorts of different ways. But no matter what, a big part of their development is influenced by their environment.

Therefore, depending on various factors, such as the effort their parents put in, what they watch on TV, or the other children they play with, each child will grow and develop slightly differently from the next.

Similarly, growing up in monolingual and bilingual environments can significantly impact a child’s cognitive and language development, which brings us back to our topic of how bilingualism affects a child’s development.

Are there any differences between the cognitive development of monolingual and bilingual children?

Are there differences in their emotional language development?

And if such differences do exist between monolingual and bilingual children, what causes them?

Below, we hope to answer these questions and more as we explore everything there is to know about early bilingualism and its impact on child development.

What Is Early Bilingualism?

Bilingualism is an individual’s ability to communicate fluently in a language different from their native tongue. “Early bilingualism” is when children begin hearing and learning more than one language at a young age.

Early bilingualism often refers to when an infant hears two languages from birth or at a very young age. However, the term can also describe a child who begins learning a second language later in life, but usually before they reach puberty.

Either way, plenty of research indicates that early bilingualism offers many benefits for children, ranging from increased memory recall and cognitive flexibility to better social skills and communication.

Let’s take a better look!

The Positive Impacts Of Early Bilingualism

In the past, researchers often worried that learning a second language at a young age could negatively affect a child’s native language recognition abilities.

However, modern research suggests that bilingual children have many advantages over monolingual children.

As you’re about to see, bilingual children often score higher on cognitive ability tests, mental flexibility, and phonetic understanding.

Non-Verbal Problem-Solving Skills

According to a study of Scottish and Italian bilingual children, children that spoke more than one language significantly outperformed monolingual children in a series of linguistic, arithmetical, and physical problem-solving tasks.

The study looked at the results from 121 children and found that 62 children scored perceptibly higher than their monolingual counterparts.

In other words, nearly 50% of the bilingual children solved non-verbal problems better.

Creative Thinking, Understanding, And Communication

This same study also found that bilingual children had an increased ability to think creatively, not only in terms of problem-solving but in terms of understanding vocabulary.

According to one of the researchers, Dr. Fraser Lauchlan, an honorary lecturer at Strathclyde’s school of psychological sciences, “there was a marked difference in the level of detail and richness in the description from the bilingual pupils.”

In other words, early bilinguals proved that they could think, understand, and communicate their thoughts and ideas more creatively than monolingual children.

Better Attention And Focus

Furthermore, the study’s results showed that early bilinguals had an aptitude for selective attention.

Selective attention refers to an individual’s ability to process and react to certain stimuli while several stimuli are occurring simultaneously.

This proves that early bilinguals have an enhanced ability to filter incoming information and focus more intently on which stimuli are the most important.

According to the study’s lead researcher, this aptitude comes from a bilingual’s ability to switch back and forth between linguistic codes while thinking.

Enhanced Memory Recall

If all this wasn’t enough to prove that being bilingual benefits children, research also shows that early bilinguals develop better working memory and memory recall capabilities.

Conducted by the University of Granada and the University of York in Toronto, the research looked at a sample of bilingual kids between the ages of five and seven, considered one of the most critical periods for developing working memory.

These children performed better than their monolingual counterparts in various working memory tests and skills assessments.

Researchers concluded that early bilinguals have a better working memory for holding, processing, updating, and recalling cognitive information over short periods.

Working memory has a significant role in the brain’s executive functions, referring to the mental mechanisms involved in the planning and self-regulation of human behavior.

According to Julia Morales Castillo, the study’s lead investigator: “The results of this study suggest that bilingualism does not only improve the working memory in an isolated way, but they affect the global development of executive functions, especially when they have to interact with each other.”

Better Communication And Social Skills

Aside from all the cognitive benefits of early bilingualism, learning a second language will also allow your child to communicate and socialize with others better.

For instance, another study showed that exposure to a multilingual environment promotes more effective communication skills by enhancing a child’s ability to see things from another person’s perspective.

This study followed two groups of children: one group raised in monolingual homes and the other raised in multilingual homes.

Researchers found that children raised in a bilingual environment were considerably better at seeing things from different perspectives. Meanwhile, the children raised in monolingual households often struggled with the same perspective problems and tests.

Being able to understand the perspectives of others goes hand-in-hand with empathy and human compassion, traits that often lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations.

In turn, this affects the way children form and nurture relationships with others.

In other words, bilingual kids have better communication and socialization skills than monolinguals.

Multi-Tasking Skills

Another study looked at the multi-tasking abilities of deaf students who used American Sign Language and written English.

It found that bilinguals proved to be more proficient at multi-tasking than monolingual students. This unique trait stems from a bilingual’s ability to focus selectively on information and prioritize important tasks.

In a bilingual child’s mind, two or more languages are always present in the background. Therefore, their brains constantly switch back and forth, selecting the most appropriate language for the situation at hand.

Similarly, another study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that bilinguals are better at switching between tasks. Researchers looked at testing bilinguals on their ability to engage in three distinct mental processes, defined according to:

1. The ability to remember a rule, which looked at working memory
2. Inhibition, which studied the individual’s ability to refrain from applying a rule
3. And shifting perspectives, which examined the ability to implement a change and apply another rule

According to Peggy McCardle, the study’s lead researcher, “Bilinguals have two sets of language rules in mind, and their brains are wired to toggle back and forth between them depending on the circumstances.”

This type of “switching task” testing is considered a strong indicator of an individual’s multi-tasking abilities.

Factors That Influence The Development Of Early Bilinguals

While there aren’t any adverse effects of bilingualism, it’s crucial to remember that no two children are the same. And that many external environmental factors influence the development of each bilingual child.

For instance, children from different geographic locations might speak any other combination of two or more dialects.

Therefore, the developmental science and individual outcomes of an American child speaking French and English won’t necessarily be the same as a child growing up in Europe who speaks, for example, French and Spanish.

Similarly, a child’s learning environment and exposure level to a new language can also impact their language acquisition and development.

In other words, a child learning two languages in school won’t necessarily achieve the same results as a child learning one language at home from their parents and a second language at school.

That being said, even though early bilingual development impacts each child differently, it’s still safe to say that the good outweighs the bad and that there are many benefits to second language learning at a young age.

The Best Ways To Support Early Bilinguals

Did you know that the population of young bilingual children in the United States has nearly tripled in the past several decades, and now, approximately 25% of all US children speak more than only their native language?

However, despite all of the benefits of being bilingual at a young age, most children who speak two languages don’t receive the proper parental language input patterns to support their early bilingualism.

So what can you do you introduce a second language and support your young dual language learner as they develop?

Aside from teaching your child the importance of bilingualism, it’s crucial to maximize your dual language learner’s exposure to their new language.

Whether you do this by having them use language learning apps, watch bilingual cartoons, listen to bilingual audiobooks, or attend a bilingual preschool, the more they’re exposed to hearing and practicing their new language, the sooner they’ll be able to master it.

Even for parents raising a bilingual child in a monolingual home, there’s no reason you can’t help and support your child as they develop their new vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions – Early Bilingualism

Now that we’ve covered how early bilingualism impacts child development, let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our language learner’s parents.

Does learning two languages delay speech?

Learning two or more languages at a young age will not delay speech. While there are documented delays in acquiring and perfecting some aspects of language, such as vocabulary, modern research suggests that bilingualism has either no effect or only positive effects on childhood speech-language pathology.

Will early bilingualism harm my child’s speech development?

This is a prevalent misconception, and no, second language acquisition at any age will not harm a child’s speech development. While many erroneously believe that learning two languages simultaneously can be confusing, second language learning has a wide range of positive cognitive benefits for children.

What are early and late bilinguals?

An early bilingual is a child or infant who begins learning a second language at a very young age, sometimes right after birth. On the other hand, a late bilingual is an individual, most often a teenager or adult, who begins second language acquisition later on in life.

What are the different types of bilingualism?

There are three types of bilingualism: compound, coordinate, and subordinate. Compound bilingualism refers to a child growing up with two linguistic codes. Coordinate bilingualism refers to second language acquisition later in life, typically during the teen years. And subordinate bilingualism relates to someone who matures speaking one language but learns a second minority language during their adult years.

The Path To Early Bilingualism – Brooklyn, New York

Whether your child is learning their first words or you’re interested in having them learn a second language, there’s no denying the many facets and benefits of being bilingual. 

And the best path to raising a bilingual speaker is through bilingual education.

Here at Bilingual Bebe, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn a second language in a fun, interactive, and immersive learning environment.

Although we’re based out of Brooklyn, we serve children globally and are proud to count thousands of certified and engaged teachers in our team.

We offer online language classes for kids aged three to 15, where your child will learn a new language with a small group of other children with the same fluency levels. 

Are you interested in enrolling your child in our virtual language learning classes? 

Click here to start your trial and get your first lessons for free!

Whether you have one, two, or three on your hands, raising bilingual preschoolers doesn’t have to be hard. Even in a monolingual household where you don’t speak the language you’re teaching them, there’s no reason you can’t raise a bilingual child.

You already know that raising children can often be challenging if you’re a parent. But when you add in trying to raise bilingual children in a monolingual household, things get even more difficult.

After all, how are you supposed to introduce your child to a second language if you or your partner don’t speak the language you’re trying to teach them?

The bad news is that raising a bilingual preschooler presents a few inherent challenges.

But the great news is that it’s entirely possible to raise bilingual preschoolers even in monolingual households.

Below, we’re going over some of the best tips and tricks for bilingual language development in a monolingual home and how you can easily teach your child a second language even if you don’t speak that language yourself.

Teach Them The Importance Of Being Bilingual

Your kids are just like you. And when you care about something, they’ll usually learn to care about it. So if bilingualism is something you genuinely care about, your child will, in turn, learn to care about it too.

Even if you’re not bilingual, you should still do everything you can to show your children that you genuinely believe in the importance of their being bilingual.

Teaching them the advantages of being bilingual from a young age can help when they’re first getting started with bilingual education.

Whether you have family in another country or you’re a new American yourself, you must take the time to explain to your child that being bilingual is important.

Not only are there many cognitive benefits to being bilingual. But there’s also much to be said about knowing one’s cultural heritage and staying in touch with one’s roots.

If your child genuinely understands the importance of learning a second language, they’ll be much better suited to learning that language in the future.

Learn What You Can

If you want your preschooler to learn a new language at a young age, you should lead by example and learn too. This shows them that learning a new language can be fun and exciting right from the start.

Of course, you don’t need to become proficient in a second language to show your kids that bilingualism is important. But the more you can expose them to a new language, the better.

Try and learn what you can about their new language, even if it’s just a few simple words, like “hello” or “goodnight.”

If your child is not currently attending a bilingual preschool or any other foreign language program, it’s imperative to sit down with them and help them learn in one or both languages.

As an adult, it’s not as easy to learn a new language. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Learn what you can along with your child, and you’ll be well on your way to helping them master word learning in their new language.

Maximize The Child’s Exposure To The Second Language

The more your child is exposed to a new language, the sooner they’ll be able to master it.

Therefore, you must find every opportunity to get them to use their new vocabulary.

Something as simple or routine as brushing their teeth or getting them ready for bed can become an excellent learning opportunity if you put your mind to it.

Even if you’re not fluent in their new language, you can still ask them questions about what they’re doing and prod them to answer in their new language.

On top of that, there are plenty of language learning apps, bilingual books, and many other resources you can use to expose your child to a second language.

Alternately, if you know anyone, maybe a friend, grandparent, or relative who speaks the language, you should try to have your child spend some time with them.

Exposure is a crucial aspect of vocabulary development and oral language learning in early childhood. 

So the more your child is exposed to people who are native speakers, the faster they’ll learn to master things like pronunciation, idioms, and other basic language abilities.

Listen To Bilingual Audio Books

Even if you can’t or don’t know anybody that speaks the language, there are still plenty of ways to expose your child to the sounds of their new language, even if they’re growing up in a monolingual household.

Bilingual audio books can be a great way to help your child not only learn the sounds of language, but also to learn how to associate those sounds with words and stories that are interesting to them.

Fortunately, there are plenty of bilingual audio books available, which are usually either free or very affordable compared to purchasing physical books.

Additionally, you might also want to consider having your child spend time watching YouTube Kids or other educational channels where they can find and discover all sorts of new language learning abilities.

Check out these great resources for kids learning French.

• 9 French YouTube Channels for Kids
• 24 French Cartoons for Kids

Be Their Biggest Support

As their parent, you must be your child’s most significant support, especially when learning something new. You need to encourage their learning and celebrate even the small victories regularly.

Studies show that parental involvement in a child’s education is closely correlated with academic achievement.

In one Chilean study, researchers looked at 498 parents whose children were in the second and third grades at 16 different elementary schools.

The idea was to study different levels of parental involvement, classed as either high, medium, or low, and determine whether there was any correlation with students’ academic achievement.

Results showed conclusively that there were differences in the academic scoring of the children, dependent on how involved their parents were. Children whose parents had high or medium levels of involvement generally had higher achievement levels than those whose parents had low levels of involvement.

In other words, we can say that being involved and supporting your child’s language acquisition truly can help them succeed in the long run.

Even if you don’t speak the language they’re learning, do your best to encourage them to learn and make the most of their bilingual education.

Start As Early As Possible

Both monolingual and bilingual children have something in common: their brains are like sponges, ripe for discovering and learning new things.

Therefore, the sooner you get your preschooler started, the sooner they’ll master their new language. If you start them young enough, they might become fluent faster than older children.

A great deal of research indicates that babies can pick up on the subtle aspects of language, such as tone and inflection, even before they begin speaking in full words and sentences.

Studies also show many cognitive benefits of learning a second language at a young age. For instance, learning a second language at a young age is associated with better memory recall, concentration, and focus.

Even later on in life, bilingualism has benefits. One study by a Canadian psychologist found that knowing at least two languages can prevent or delay the development of certain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Consider Enrolling Them In An Immersive Language Learning School

Going back to the importance of exposure, one of the best things you can do for bilingual preschool children is to have them involved in an immersive language learning environment.

This becomes even more important if they’re raised in a household where the parents speak only one language.

Fortunately, there are many bilingual preschools and programs and online learning portals that can help your preschooler master their communication abilities in both a majority language or in minority languages.

LingoCircle offers fully immersive bilingual education classes for children aged three to fifteen. Your child will learn together with other kids the same age and with the same fluency.

Our teaching model is based on an expert-built curriculum dedicated to dual language child development. In other words, your child will learn everything from vocabulary to grammar, and all while having fun.

Click here to start your free trial today! 

Give Them Time

Finally, it’s essential to give your child time to learn, especially if they’re living in a monolingual household.

For adults, research shows that it can take anywhere from 480 to 720 hours to reach basic fluency in a new language. And even though children have better language learning abilities and can learn faster than adults, it will still likely take them a while to become proficient in a second language.

Studies also show that 50% of a child’s learning ability is developed by the age of four, and another 30% is learned by the age of 8. In other words, most of a child’s learning capabilities are developed during their earlier years.

Therefore, the older a child is, the more challenging it can be, and the more time it can take for them to learn a second language. So make sure to give them plenty of time and encourage them throughout their learning experience.

Suppose that their exposure to language has primarily been in one language. In that case, it might also take longer for them to learn a second language vocabulary and associate it with their existing language skills.

Just remember that language development doesn’t happen overnight. 

But the more exposure they get to the new language, and the more support and encouragement they get from you, the sooner they’ll be able to master more than one language.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bilingual Preschoolers

Now that you know the best ways to raise bilingual children in a monolingual household, let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from parents.

How can I teach two languages at the same time?

Teaching two languages simultaneously can be tricky, especially if you only speak one of the two languages you’re trying to teach your child. However, there are many free resources available, games, and language learning apps that you can use to help your little one become bilingual.

How does growing up in a bilingual household affect a child?

There has been a great deal of research to show that being bilingual or multilingual can positively impact a child’s natural development. Studies show that bilingual children have better focus than monolingual children. Being multilingual also increases problem-solving abilities, creativity, multitasking skills, and many other cognitive benefits.

Does speaking two languages to a baby confuse them?

Parents often fear that having two languages spoken in the home can harm their child’s language development. However, there is no evidence to indicate that this is true. Children are extremely sensitive to things such as tone and inflection. Therefore, they can pick up on speech cues and learn no matter what language is spoken.

What should I do if my preschooler isn’t speaking by two or three?

If your child has reached the age of two or three, and they’re still not speaking, it might be time to see a professional. Both pediatricians and speech language pathologists can determine whether your little one has any hearing or learning disabilities. They will likely recommend speech therapy if needed.

How To Teach Language Proficiency In A Monolingual Household

As your preschooler learns and discovers all the world has to offer, it’s your job to be there for them and help them out whenever you can. And while there are plenty of ways to encourage learning a second language in a monolingual home, there’s no substitute for formal bilingual education.

LingoCircle is an online language school for children between three and fifteen years old.

Are you interested in enrolling your child in our virtual classes? Click here to get their first lesson for free!

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Duolingo is a popular language learning app that aims to make language learning fun and interactive, using a variety of methods including games, audio lessons, and speaking practice.

But is Duolingo good for children learning French? Yes and no, depending on when and how kids use it to practice French.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the app and evaluate its usefulness for kids. We’ll also provide some tips on how to supplement what your child learns from using this app.

What Is Duolingo?

Duolingo is a language learning app that is available for free on both iOS and Android devices. The app is designed to help users learn languages through a series of short, interactive exercises.

Duolingo offers courses in over 30 different languages, including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Irish, Danish, Swedish, and Russian.

How Does Duolingo Work?

Duolingo works by using a spaced repetition system, which is a method of teaching that involves repeating information at increasingly longer intervals. This helps to ensure that users retain the information they have learned.

Duolingo also uses a gamification system, which means that it turns the act of learning a language into a game. Users earn points and unlock new levels as they progress through the app. For example, when using Duolingo for French, you’ll be asked to complete a series of exercises, such as:

• Translating a sentence from French to English
• Writing or speaking a sentence in French
• Choosing the correct French word to fill in a blank
• Pairing English words and phrases with their French translations
• Listening to sentences and responding in French

If users complete any of the exercises incorrectly, you’ll be shown the correct answer and given an opportunity to try again. Duolingo also has a leaderboard feature, which allows you to compare your progress to other people using the app to study the same foreign language.

How Much Does Duolingo Cost?

The Duolingo app is free to download and use. However, there is a Duolingo Plus subscription available which costs $6.99 per month. This subscription removes ads from the app and allows users to download lessons for offline use. Currently, you can also start your subscription to Duolingo Plus with a 14 day free trial.

Pros and Cons of Duolingo for Kids

There are both pros and cons to kids learning French with Duolingo. Let’s look at both sides to help you decide if it’s a worthwhile addition to your kid’s language learning routine.

Pros of Duolingo for Kids

#1 Gamification

Kids may enjoy learning on Duolingo because it can feel like a game. The gamification system can make learning a new language more fun and engaging for kids.

#2 Engaging visual design

One of the main advantages is that Duolingo is a very visual app, which can be helpful for kids whose attention spans may make it challenging to learn a language from traditional language textbooks.

#3 Learn a language anywhere, anytime

Another advantage to using Duolingo to learn French is that it can be used anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and you can start learning. This is perfect for kids who are often on the go or have a lot of free time.

Cons of Duolingo for Kids

#1 No speaking or pronunciation practice

One of the main drawbacks is that there is no speaking component to the app. This means that children will not be able to practice their pronunciation, which can be an important part of learning a new language and using it in real life.

#2 Little to no grammar explanations

The Duolingo app does not provide many grammar explanations, which can make it difficult for kids to understand some of the core rules of the language. This could be problematic for children who are just starting to learn a language, as they might not know how to properly form sentences on their own.

#3 Requires high level of discipline and self-motivation

It can also be a disadvantage that the app is mostly self-paced, as kids might not always be motivated to keep using it if they are not seeing immediate results.

Will Your Child Become Fluent in French Using Duolingo?

Honestly, no. The Duolingo app is not designed to be the single resource for anyone looking to become fluent in a foreign language. The app lacks important components that promote fluency, such as conversation practice, opportunities to learn native pronunciation, and the cultural context for vocabulary and grammar.

So, it’s practically impossible for anyone to become fluent in French only using Duolingo’s French course. However, Duolingo can help children to develop a basic foundation in French that they can build upon with other language learning activities.

Is Duolingo Good for Children Learning French?

Overall, Duolingo is a great resource for children who want to learn French (or any other language). However, it is important to supplement Duolingo with other language learning activities such as:

• Reading French children’s books
• Watching French cartoons and French movies
• Playing French learning games
• Studying with a private French-language tutor
• Taking language classes with a certified French-language teacher

It is a combination of these methods that will truly help children fully develop their French language skills and attain the advantages of being bilingual!

Final Thoughts

So, overall, is Duolingo a good resource for children learning French? Yes and no. The app is free to use and it can be a helpful way for children to develop a basic understanding of the French language.

However, Duolingo is not a comprehensive language learning solution and it should not be the only tool that children use to learn French. For best results, Duolingo should be used in conjunction with other activities such as reading books in French, watching French TV shows, and taking French classes with a certified teacher.

If you really want to help your child to become fluent in French, sign them up for online French language classes with LingoCircle. All of our classes are taught by native-speaking French teachers and are perfect for kids, aged 3-15 years old. You can even sign up for a trial to get the first lesson free!

If you’re teaching Spanish to your child, you’ll be glad to know that online lessons and resources are available. Bilingual Bebe is a virtual language school, based in Brooklyn, New York, where we help kids learn Spanish, French, and English.

Did you know that the United States has the fourth largest Spanish-speaking population in the world?

Or that roughly 25 million US citizens aged five and older speak fluent Spanish at home?

With these facts in mind, it’s easy to see why learning Spanish at a young age can be so important.

Fortunately, there are many ways to learn Spanish for kids, including games, cartoons, nursery rhymes, and more. 

Below, we review a few fun facts and some frequently asked questions we hear from parents looking for online language classes in Brooklyn, New York.

5 Fun Facts Spanish Education For Kids

1. The Spanish language is the third most spoken language after English and Mandarin.
2. The very first “modern novel” was written in Spanish. In English, it’s known as Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes.
3. Most Spanish words are derived from ancient Latin.
4. Twenty-one countries around the world have Spanish listed as their official language.
5. There are more than 500 million people who speak Spanish globally, including those who speak it as a second language.

What is the best way for a kid to learn Spanish?

Unlike adults, kids learn best through fun and discovery. Therefore, the best way to teach Spanish vocabulary to a child is by making it fun. Playing Spanish board games, reading Spanish books, watching Spanish cartoons, and listening to Spanish music are great ways to help your young one learn. A fluent Spanish teacher or Spanish tutor can also help!

How can children learn Spanish for free?

There are many ways to start teaching your child Spanish for free. Search for online Spanish learning tools, games, and other free resources online. However, there’s no better alternative than learning from an expert-built curriculum taught by skilled and experienced Spanish teachers.

At what age should a child start learning Spanish?

A child’s mind is like a sponge. Therefore, the sooner they start to learn Spanish, the sooner they’ll be able to master the language. Experts recommend speaking to your child in Spanish or any new language even before they begin to talk. Some research shows that children can even learn language basics while still in the womb.

Can my child learn Spanish online?

Yes! There are many ways that your child can learn Spanish online. Search sites like YouTube for free Spanish videos, Spanish resources, or other online Spanish classes for kids. Just remember: to teach children properly, you must make learning Spanish fun and enjoyable!

Online Spanish Lessons For Kids – Brooklyn, New York

Bilingual Bebe is a leading online language learning school in Brooklyn, New York.

We serve all areas of New York City, including Flushing, Harlem, Chelsea, Soho, Sunset Park, Chinatown, East Village, Upper East Side, Jamaica, Astoria, and more.

However, because Bilingual Bebe offers online Spanish courses, our goal is to help children learn Spanish no matter where they are.

We provide virtual Spanish lessons for kids, English lessons, and French lessons in a fun, interactive, and engaging environment where children can learn Spanish, all while having fun at the same time.

So if you’re looking for kids Spanish classes near me, Spanish toddlers classes, or Spanish classes for kids, Bilingual Bebe is precisely what you’ve been looking for!

Contact us today for more information, or click here to start your FREE trial of our online Spanish classes for kids.

Have you ever thought about raising a bilingual child? 

Perhaps you have seen other parents trying bilingualism at home, and it makes you wonder if you should try it too? 

Well, you’re not alone. More and more people are raising bilingual or multilingual children in today’s society. 

In the US alone, over 13 million kids, or 24% of the children in the country, speak a language other than English at home—Spanish being the most common one. Although different sources give different numbers, it’s estimated that over half of the global population is bilingual. 

As globalization became a reality, the advantages of being bilingual have become more evident than ever before. That’s why bilingual education institutions such as LingoCircle and  Homeschool Spanish Academy have become so popular in the last few years.

Why Bilingualism? 

The real question is—as you’ll see in a minute—why not? 

There are many benefits to bilingualism, multilingualism, biculturalism, and biliteracy.

There isn’t a debate about it. 

LingoCircle and Homeschool Spanish Academy understood this a long time ago and have been offering families in the US and worldwide the opportunity to raise bilingual children. 

Their flexible and easy-to-use systems have earned the trust of tens of thousands of families. Here are seven advantages bilingual children have over monolinguals. 

7 Advantages of Being Bilingual

Let’s now explore some of the main advantages of bilingualism, including social and cognitive benefits and career advantages, and other culturally essential benefits. 

1. Increases School Engagement and Academic Success

Research has shown that bilingual children outperform monolingual ones in test scores and their reading and writing abilities. 

Bilingual kids also have better attendance at school, fewer behavioral problems, and higher involvement from parents.

So, if you want to help your child at school, considering a second language such as Spanish or French can be an excellent choice.

2. Stronger Working Memories and Attention Spans

In the past, linguists and psychologists believed that learning a second language could slow down the development of children. 

However, modern studies have shown that that’s simply not true and that quite the opposite happens.

Researchers have shown that “bilingual students usually have stronger working memories and attention spans.” These are two of the main cognitive benefits of bilingualism and skills that directly influence academic results and behavioral progress.

3. Heighten Cultural Intelligence and Open-Mindedness

Learning a new language is learning a new culture. 

When your child learns French, English or Spanish at LingoCircle or Spanish at Homeschool Spanish Academy, she isn’t learning only grammar and spelling. 

She’s also adventuring into a whole new culture. 

This biculturalism develops in children “a strong sense of their cultural identity” and an interest in cultural events. 

But unfortunately, monocultural kids don’t share the same interest. 

Learning about a different culture also benefits essential developing skills such as empathy, tolerance, and an open mind to the world and other cultures.

4. Higher Vocabulary Range

Due to learning a second language, bilingual students tend to be exposed to more words in both languages than monolingual children. 

This results in bilingual kids having a higher vocabulary range than children that only speak their native language. 

The human mind isn’t like an empty warehouse with limited space to fill but more like a flexible balloon that expands itself as you keep adding knowledge to it. 

5. Upgrades Your Child’s Neurological Structures

If you’re worried about what bilingualism can do for brain development, don’t! 

Researchers have found that bilingualism “may alter the neurological structures” and affect how they process information. 

Studies showed that “higher proficiency in a second language […] correlates with higher gray matter volume in the left inferior parietal cortex.”

In other words, bilingualism does affect brain development, but in a positive way. 

6. Literacy Acquisition

A study in bilingualism showed that “knowledge of several different orthographies enhances L1 and L2 proficiency.” 

This means that if English is L1 and Spanish is L2, the proficiency in both languages is enhanced by learning a second language. 

This is known as biliteracy, or “the ability to read and write in two or more languages.” 

Biliteracy is explained by bilingual children’s greater phonological awareness and vocabulary memorization. 

Additionally, reading skills are transferable. In other words, bilingual kids develop stronger literacy skills.

7. Gain a Competitive Edge

So, bilingualism makes your child more intelligent, better at school, and more open-minded, 

But what about her career prospects? 

Can bilingualism influence what kind of job your child will get in the future? Many examples suggest precisely that.

For instance, the American Graduate School of International Management reported a competitive advantage due to their foreign language skills and cultural knowledge. 

On the other hand, Euro London reports that bilingualism can increase your salary by up to 15%. Finally, according to The Economist, your child could earn between $50,000 to $125,000 more just for speaking a second language.

Take Advantage of All These Benefits and Give Your Child the Gift of a Second Language 

Once you’ve learned about the benefits of bilingualism, the question isn’t “why bilingualism?” but “why not?”

Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of all that and give a competitive edge to their child?

LingoCircle and Homeschool Spanish Academy are two of the best language schools in the market, and they can help you give your child the gift of a second language. 

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

At LingoCircle, your child gets daily guided activities, and you can choose from full-immersion or dual-language programs in French, Spanish, English, Chinese, Korean, or Arabic. 

Sign up today for a free trial class at LingoCircle and give your child the gift of a second language and the chance to be a bilingual kid!  

On the other hand, Homeschool Spanish Academy (HSA) is a school that’s famous for teaching Spanish as a second language, and it offers personalized Spanish classes tailored to any level. 

Sign up today for a free trial class at HSA with one of their certified, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. 

They teach over 40,000 classes every month and offer flexible scheduling and affordable payment options. 

Routine, repetition, and fun are three of the most important facets of teaching your child a new language. Learn the best tips for teaching French to preschoolers.

As a parent, there’s no doubt that you want the best for your child. And one of the best ways to do this is to ensure that they’re able to learn, grow, and communicate their needs.

Whether your child learns French, English, or Spanish as a second language, simply learning another language at a young age is a great way to set them up for success later on in their lives. As we’re seeing the world shift before our eyes, remote work is becoming the norm and the workforce is becoming more international than ever. Language, cultural fluency and communication are quickly becoming key skills for tomorrow’s citizens. 

However, one of the biggest challenges parents encounter is finding the best ways to introduce a second language to their young ones. 

After all, your preschooler is still most likely busy mastering their first language and learning everything else that a toddler needs to discover about the world. But this is actually a time in children’s lives when acquiring a second language comes very naturally.

So at what age should they start learning French? What are the best learning tools to use when teaching them another language? How long will it take a child to learn French? Is French hard to learn for kids?

These are all questions parents have when considering a different language for their young children.

So if you’re wondering how to teach kids French, you’re in the right place! 

Below, we aim to answer these questions by exploring some of the best tips for teaching French to a preschooler.

Let’s dive in!

#1 – Build A French Language Learning Routine

Whether we’re talking about making their bed, brushing their teeth, or learning a second language, routine is the foundation of any new skills or habits you want to instill in your preschooler.

Research consistently shows that routines are important for children. Having a routine provides comfort and helps make their lives more predictable.

Therefore, you must build a routine around your child learning French.

Fortunately, plenty of activities you already do with your child provide the perfect opportunity to foster learning French through practice and repetition.

For instance, you might consider building a French language learning routine around their breakfast, where you use the food they’re eating to help them learn and memorize words in French.

Furthermore, routines like bedtime story, or even cleaning up toys, cooking meals, doing chores and bath time are also great opportunities for building an effective French learning routine.

The point is to find any opportunity you can throughout the day to allow your toddler to practice and repeat the new language and vocabulary that they’re learning in French. 

#2 – Use French Language Learning Games

One of the best things to do when teaching French to a child is to make learning into a game. Not only do kids love games, but research shows that learning apps, games, phonics tools, and puzzles can be effective ways to teach children.

For instance, language games like Scrabble Junior or Boggle Junior have been found to improve a child’s fluid reasoning skills and language processing speeds. And while games like these might be a bit too advanced for your preschooler, there are many other early education and French language learning games you can use to learn new languages.

French learning games are one of the best methods for engaging your child and ensuring that they see learning as something fun to do.

#3 – Read French Kids Books

One of the best methods to teach your child French is through interactive storybook reading. 

According to research, the conversations held between children and their caregivers can help improve their vocabulary in a new language. 

French storybook reading can be especially beneficial when the child is encouraged to ask questions and explore their curiosity about the story.

For instance, children often ask questions about the illustrations they see in their books. These questions provide excellent opportunities to teach them new words and ideas in French that they can associate with images rather than abstract sounds.

And as we’ve already mentioned, routine and repetition are excellent ways to improve a child’s language learning skills.

Therefore, as you read and reread the same French children’s books, your child will become increasingly familiar with the vocabulary from the story, in turn, helping them improve their language acquisition skills even more.

#4 – Listening To French Music And Singing Songs

Learning French for a kid is different from learning it as an adult because children don’t learn in the same way. While adults learn primarily through seeing and reading, children learn primarily by using a range of senses, such as touch, feel, and sound. 

In other words, singing songs and memorizing nursery rhymes can be a great way to help your child learn French.

Because preschool children thrive on repetition, French nursery rhyme lyrics, combined with catchy tunes, can considerably improve your child’s ability to memorize new words and master the French language.

Plus, most children’s songs and nursery rhymes have standard translations available in several different languages. 

So as your little one learns nursery rhymes in their native language, it will be much easier for them to learn, understand, and memorize the lyrics in the French language as well.

Check out these fantastic French songs for kids!

#5 – Watch French Kids Shows and Movies

Teaching French to children at home is easy when you use French cartoons, shows, and movies for toddlers. Plus, these are all simple, fun, and effective ways to help a child start speaking French in no time. 

Research shows that cartoons can provide children with a more natural approach to learning a language like French. 

This is because the child will learn to associate the sounds of the French language with the images and objects on the screen, combining both visual and auditory learning. Over time, this helps them develop a more natural way of speaking a new language.

Check out these excellent French cartoons for kids!

#6 – Make Learning French Fun

When teaching French to preschoolers, you must ensure that learning activities aren’t dull or monotonous. And that’s why the list above mostly includes simple, fun, and entertaining activities.

Not only do young children respond better to fun and exciting activities, but fun activities are also more memorable.

For instance, when you teach your child a new song in French, whether by making funny faces or dancing around and being silly while singing, it can help them remember the new words, terms, and sounds they’re learning.

The idea is to get them happy and excited when teaching children French. It shouldn’t feel like a chore or something bothersome to do.

This way, your child will learn to be excited about their new language acquisition skills, and the lessons they learn will stick with them as they grow. 

#7 – Give It Time

Whether you’re working on teaching your child French, English, Spanish, or any other language, it’s crucial to understand that it will take time.

Research indicates that it can take as long as five to seven years for a child to master a new language at an academic level.

Therefore, while it’s great to start their French language learning experience at a young age, you should acknowledge that developing their French language skills will take time and consistency. 

#8 – Introduce Them To Native French Speakers

French games, storybooks, music, and cartoons are all excellent language learning tools. But there’s nothing better than practicing French one-on-one with another individual.

Whether you speak French yourself or know somebody who does, maybe an aunt, uncle, or their grandparents, it can be highly beneficial to have your child practice French speaking regularly.

The more your child is exposed to natural conversational language, the quicker they’ll be able to pick up on things like idioms and dialect. 

#9 – Learn French With LingoCircle

Here at LingoCircle, we believe that the best approach to learning any new language is an engaging, interactive environment, where children engage and interact with their French language speaking teachers and other children of the same age who possess the same fluency levels as them.

LingoCircle’s online French classes for kids comprise small groups of no more than five students at a time. Our online classes ensure that each child benefits from the classroom learning experience and dynamic all while being given plenty of one-on-one time and attention from their teachers.

With an expert-built French curriculum and French teachers who know how to connect with children on a deeper level, your child will be mastering everything from French grammar to everyday French dialect in no time.

LingoCircle’s group language learning environment also means that children are happy to be with their friends. And more than that, it ensures that they’re excited to learn French together, participate, and have fun while doing it!

Click here to start your FREE trial!

FAQs – Teaching French To Preschoolers

We’ve now covered some of the best tips for teaching French to a preschooler. Let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from our French language learning parents.

How do you introduce French as a second language to a preschooler?

While there’s no right or wrong when teaching French to kids, building a routine and forming good French language learning habits early are the best ways to start them on the path to linguistic success. French learning games, books, songs, and simply making learning fun are also great ways to reinforce good language habits at a young age.

At what age should you introduce French to a preschooler?

Researchers believe that children’s brains are most ripe for receiving and learning new information until they are near the age of three. However, studies have shown that second language acquisition still peaks at or before the age of 6 or 7, other claims that this window extends until puberty but they all agree that learning a secondary language only becomes more difficult the older we get. So if you want your child to learn a second language, it’s best to start their French language education at a young age.

Can a toddler learn French?

Yes, a toddler is at the best age to learn French as they are still learning and decoding their first language. Although it takes time and consistency to acquire French vocabulary, teaching your child French at a young age is a great way to plant the seeds of language early, which you can then nurture to grow over time as they continue to learn.

How long will it take for my child to learn French?

While each child’s learning curve will be different, research shows that it can take five to seven years for children to fully master a second language. Teaching kids French is easier when you start them early. Therefore, the sooner they begin learning French and building their new vocabulary, the sooner they’ll be fluent in their new language.

How To Teach French To Beginners

Fortunately, many simple yet fun and practical language learning resources exist to help you introduce French to a preschooler. And because there are so many benefits to learning a foreign language, getting your child started as early as possible is crucial.

We founded LingoCircle on the idea of helping parents teach their children a second language as early as three years of age. But unlike other language learning tools, your child won’t just be learning from repetition.

With LingoCircle, your child gets a genuinely immersive and educational French experience that will put them on the path to mastering their new language as quickly as possible.

We have an expert-built French curriculum where they’ll get to participate and have fun while learning vocabulary, grammar, conjugation, culture and more!

Click here to try LingoCircle for FREE!

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Did you know that learning a second language has benefits that extend far beyond just being able to communicate with people from other countries?

In fact, there are many benefits of learning foreign languages that can be enjoyed by both children and adults! Some of these benefits include improved cognitive abilities, increased cultural awareness, and even better problem-solving skills.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top benefits of learning a second language at an early age and address some common myths against language learning. We’ll also give parents some tips on how to help their child learn a foreign language!

11 Benefits of Language Learning for Children

Learning a foreign language takes a lot of time and dedication, no matter when you start. But, as an online language school, we know the benefits are well worth the effort!

Here are 11 of the top benefits of learning a second language as a child.

#1 Take advantage of the easiest time to learn a foreign language

Children’s minds are like sponges when it comes to language learning. Research has reflected that humans have a “critical period” for learning new languages. During this critical period, their brain is primed to quickly pick up correct pronunciation, grammar, and syntax. Post-puberty, their aptitude for learning a language is reduced. So, the earlier your child starts learning an additional language, the better!

#2 Enjoy cognitive benefits

Studies have shown that people who can speak more than one language are better at multi-tasking and focusing their attention than monolinguals. Research by Georgetown University Medical Center states that brain scans of bilinguals showed more gray matter in regions that involved executive function. One of the best ways to help kids become more intelligent is to expose them to multiple languages early in life!

#3 Foster a global mindset

Language and culture are very deeply intertwined. Therefore, when a child learns another language, they gain a cultural awareness and a deeper insight into how people from that culture see the world. In fact, some linguists believe the languages we speak shape our perception of the world. By learning a foreign language, your child can develop a more global perspective. This is something that is becoming increasingly important in our interconnected world!

#4 Access global information, media, and cultures

In our digital world, much of the information and media children consume is in English. While there are benefits to this, it also means that children who only speak English are missing out on a wealth of information and cultural experiences that are only available in other languages. By knowing a second language, children can access a whole new world of books, TV shows, music, history, art, comedy, and more!

#5 Make friends from foreign countries

One of the best benefits of learning a second language is the ability to make friends from all over the world! With social media and travel becoming increasingly common, it’s easier than ever to connect with people from other cultures. If your child knows more than one language, they’ll be able to communicate with their new friends without relying on translation apps.

#6 Develop more empathy and cultural sensitivity

Research shows that people who speak more than one language are more attuned to others’ emotions and better able to see things from another person’s perspective. This is likely because they grow to understand that there can be more than one way to view a situation. As the world becomes more interconnected, it’s important for our children to develop empathy and cultural sensitivity.

#7 Connect with your family’s cultural heritage

If your family has a heritage from a country where a language other than English is spoken, learning your family’s mother tongue can help your child connect with their ancestors and feel proud of their background. It can also be a way for them to connect with relatives who still live in the home country and only speak the native language.

#8 Become better at decision-making

Children and adults have to make a lot of decisions throughout life. According to research, bilingual people are better at problem-solving and making decisions than those who only speak one language. If your child starts learning a foreign language at an early age, they’ll develop the ability to think about multiple options and make decisions more easily. 

#9 Develop a growth mindset

We all have to work hard to improve ourselves and reach our potential. People who know more than one language often have a growth mindset because learning a language requires you to continuously challenge yourself and push your boundaries. A growth mindset has been linked to success in all areas of life, so it’s definitely something you want your child to have and apply from an early age!

#10 Experience advantages at school and on standardized tests

Being bilingual can give children a leg up academically. Bilingual children often score higher on standardized tests and have an easier time understanding and retaining information. 

#11 Have time to bond with your child

If you’re bilingual yourself or a foreign language enthusiast, teaching your child a second language is a great way to bond with them. You can share your love of the language and culture with them and help them to understand where you come from. It’s also a great opportunity to spend some quality time together!

5 Common Myths about Teaching Foreign Languages to Children

The benefits of learning a second language as a child are hard to refute. Yet, many people still fall into the trap of thinking that it’s a disadvantage or a waste of time because of some common myths.

Let’s take some time to debunk a few of those myths now so that you have no doubt you’re doing what’s best for your child!

Myth #1 – Learning a foreign language takes away time from more important subjects

Some people may argue that learning a foreign language takes away from time that could be spent learning other important subjects like math or science. However, studies have shown that children who learn a second language actually tend to perform better in these other subject areas. So, don’t let anyone tell you that your child is sacrificing their education by learning another language!

Myth #2 – It’s better to wait until kids are older to learn a second language

Some people believe it’s better for kids to learn languages once their brain and social skills are more developed. However, research has shown that the earlier children start learning, the better they become at acquiring languages. So, if you want your child to be bilingual or even multilingual, the sooner they start learning, the better!

Myth #3 – Learning two languages at the same time will confuse kids

This is perhaps the most common myth about language learning at an early age. Some people believe that if children learn two languages at the same time, they will become confused and won’t be able to learn either language properly. However, research has shown that this is not the case. In fact, kids who learn two languages simultaneously often develop a better understanding of both languages than those who learn them separately.

Myth #4 – People all over the world speak English so learning a foreign language is a waste of time

This is simply not true. While English is the most widely spoken language in the world, it’s estimated that only about 360 million people speak it as a first language. That leaves a huge portion of the world’s population who don’t speak English as their first language! Learning a foreign language can open up so many opportunities, especially if the language is in high demand.

Myth #5 – Children can only become bilingual if they live in a bilingual household

This myth is also not true. While it certainly helps if children are exposed to two languages at home, it is not necessary. There are many programs and schools that offer bilingual education. And there are many ways parents can raise bilingual children even if they don’t speak a second language themselves!

How to Help Your Child Learn a New Language

Learn together

While you need to know math to teach your child algebra, that’s not the case with learning a new language. Sure, it’ll be easier to teach your child another language if you’ve already mastered the basics; but it isn’t always necessary.

You can use this opportunity to learn new things with your child. It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time together doing something productive and valuable.

Plus, when your child sees you do something with pleasure, they will positively relate to the activity. This helps them develop a favorable attitude towards learning at a young age!

Play games in the new language

Children unconsciously learn a lot about the world through everyday activities. One of the best ways they learn and retain information is through games because having fun makes learning much easier!

There are a ton of games and activities designed to help kids learn a new language. If your child is learning French, check out these fun French learning games for kids!

Watch cartoons in the second language

Children love watching cartoons. You can take advantage of the shows they enjoy and help them learn a new language at the same time.

It’s also important to remember that simply reading and writing won’t help your child gain an overall grasp of the language. Listening and speaking are two other essential skills young children need to learn alongside reading and writing.

Watching cartoons is a brilliant way for kids to master speech through listening and repeating words and phrases. If your child is learning French, you can check out this list of French cartoons, many of which can be watched online for free!

Sing nursery rhymes and songs in the second language

Children can learn native pronunciation and new vocabulary with songs and nursery rhymes. Music is also a fun way to learn and often easier to remember than reading texts. Music can also reflect the history and culture of the language, which adds another dimension to your child’s learning.

No matter what language your child is learning, you can find many foreign language songs on YouTube. You can also find some of our favorite French songs by checking out our post on 10 popular French songs for kids!

Read children’s stories and books

Children’s books are another great way to give your child a strong foundation for a second language. Books for children include simple words, fun stories, basic grammar, and easy-to-understand language structure.

Helping your child establish a habit of reading books at an early age is also another benefit that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for good books in French, check out our list of the best French children’s books!

Sign your child up for language classes

Language classes are a great way for kids to learn a new language in a structured setting. It’s also an opportunity for your child to interact with other children and a teacher who’s a native speaker of the language. Just be sure to choose a class designed for kids!

If your child is learning French, LingoCircle’s online French classes are designed for children based on their age groups and fluency. With no more than 5 children in each class, our native-speaking French teachers give personalized attention to every child and ensure they have a lot of fun while learning how to speak, read, write, and understand French.

Final Thoughts

There are many advantages to knowing more than one language. And the earlier you start, the better! So, don’t buy into the common myths that say kids shouldn’t learn a second language! Instead, support their language learning journey by following the tips we shared in this blog post!

And if your child is learning French, be sure to sign up for a free trial with LingoCircle today!

When it comes to raising bilingual children, you may be wondering where to start. How can you help your kids learn a new language? The best way to do it is by exposing them to the language as often as possible in fun and engaging ways! 

That’s why, in this blog post, we’ll share 12 French activities for kids that will help them learn and practice the language. These activities include music, cartoons, games, books, and more! 

Fun French Activities for Kids

#1 Listen to French Music

One great way to expose kids to a new language is through music. There are many French songs for kids that are both educational and fun, making them great for younger children. There are also a lot of great French nursery rhymes for preschoolers. Check out some of our favorite songs that you can find on YouTube!

• J’ai un gros nez rouge
• 1,2,3 nous irons au bois
• Petit escargot

You can find the YouTube videos of those songs and even more French music by checking out our blog post on French songs for kids!

#2 Play French Learning Games

French learning games are another great way to make learning fun and engaging. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Jacques a dit – the French version of the popular game Simon Says
• Le pendu – the French version of the spelling game Hangman
• Mistigri – a French card game that helps children practice French vocabulary for numbers, colors, and animals

For more games to play with children learning French, check out our blog post on 12 French learning games for kids!

#3 Read French Books

There are many great books available that can help teach kids about France and the French language. Reading is also one of the best ways to learn a new language. 

There are also plenty of great French books for kids! You can check out which ones our French teachers love the most by reading our blog post on the best French children’s books.

Here are a few of the books on the list:

• Le géant de Zéralda by Tomi Ungerer
• Prout de mammouth by Noé Carlain and Anne Laura Cantone
• C’est mon arbre by Olivier Tallec

#4 Watch French Cartoons and Movies

Watching cartoons, TV shows, and movies is another great way for young children to learn French as these media expose children to correct pronunciation, new vocabulary words, French culture, and more. Here are a few of our favorite French cartoons and movies:

• Petit Ours Brun (animated French cartoon)
• Astérix (classic French cartoon)
• Kirikou (animated feature film)
• La grande migration (animated short film)

You can find links to watch some of these shows and learn more about them by checking out our blog on 24 French cartoons for kids!

#5 Make French Arts and Crafts

Arts and crafts are a creative way for kids to express themselves, discover French culture, and learn how to follow instructions in French. Here are some French crafts ideas:

• Make a “papillon” (butterfly) out of construction paper and pipe cleaners
• Color or paint a picture of famous French landmarks (e.g. the Eiffel Tower), the French flag, French foods, or famous French paintings
• Draw a comic strip featuring your favorite French cartoon characters
• Make a collage of pictures from French magazines or newspapers
• Decorate a part of your house to celebrate a French holiday

#6 Watch French YouTube Channels

YouTube is an excellent, free resource to help young children learn French grammar and vocabulary, improve listening comprehension, and discover French culture! Here are some of our favorite French YouTube channels for kids:

• The French Minute
• French Fairy Tales
• Learn French Through Music

You can find the links to those YouTube channels and more by reading 9 French YouTube channels for kids!

#7 Cook French Food

You can also help your child learn about French food by cooking together. Try making some simple French food recipes like crepes, quiche, or ratatouille. You can also have your child help you make dinner one night and focus on French ingredients and cooking methods.

If you need some ideas, check out this list of French recipes from BBC Good Food!

#8 Explore French Fashion

Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world, making fashion an important and fun part of French culture. So, one fun idea is to put on a French-inspired fashion show. Kids can practice describing the clothes of their peers in French.

Another way to immerse your child in French culture is to have them dress up in traditional clothing. For girls, this might be a pretty dress and for boys, maybe a button-down shirt. You can explore ultimate french fashion for kids with brands like Petit bateau or Jacadi. 

#9 Visit French Museums or Exhibits

If you live in a city with a French museum or a museum that occasionally hosts exhibits related to French culture, plan a day trip to visit it! Most museums have interactive exhibits and activities for kids that will help them learn about the country’s history and art. This is a great way to spend an afternoon together while learning about another culture!

#10 Celebrate French Holidays

Holidays are a great way to get your kids excited to learn about another culture and maybe even start some new traditions of your own. So, try celebrating one or more of the major French holidays with your kids! Start by decorating your house with traditional holiday decorations. You can also make a special dinner or treats that are traditionally eaten on that holiday.

#11 Travel to a French-speaking country

Traveling to a country where people speak French is a great way for your child to get immersed in the language. Of course, we know it isn’t exactly cheap to take the whole family on vacation just so your child can practice speaking French! You can also learn a lot about France’s major attractions online and get your child excited about making a trip there sometime in the future. 

If you can’t manage a trip to France because it’s too far, consider visiting Quebec, the French-speaking region of Canada. There are also many other French-speaking countries besides France! For example, you can also consider traveling to countries like Belgium and Switzerland.

#12 Use language learning apps

Language learning apps are another way to make learning French fun and interactive for kids. These apps often make use of gamification techniques to keep kids engaged and motivated. Here are a few popular apps that you can download to help your kids learn French:

• Duolingo
• Memrise
• Gus on the Go

You can also find more apps by checking out 8 of the best language learning apps for kids!

Final Thoughts

Learning a new language doesn’t have to be boring. You can keep your child excited about learning French by trying one or more of the activities we’ve shared in this blog post!

Want to go a step further to really help your child improve their French skills? Take a look at our online French classes for kids at LingoCircle! We offer fun and engaging bilingual education programs for children ages 3-15. Sign up now and get the first lesson for free!

Are you looking for a fun and innovative way to help your child learn French? If so, you should consider using French learning games!

Games are a great way to learn a new language because they are enjoyable and interactive. And do you know what that means? Your kids are likely to be excited about playing these games to learn how to speak French! 

In this blog post, we will discuss several different types of French learning games, including social games to play in groups, board games to play at home, and online games for kids to play on their own. We’ll also discuss the top advantages of using games to learn French. 

Let’s get started!

Social Games in French for Kids 

The following social games are great for playing in groups of three or more. For example, if you’re hosting a French-language playdate with several children, you can play one of these fun games to practice French.

You’ll also see that all of these games have an English-language equivalent. That means, as a parent, you don’t have to spend much time (if any) learning the rules of the game before you can start playing with your kids. However, you may need to brush up on your own French skills! 

#1 Jacques a dit

This classic game is the French version of Simon Says. It’s a great way to practice listening to and following instructions in French. It’s also a great way to practice French vocabulary for body parts! 

On top of that, you don’t need any equipment to play this game. You just need a group of kids and someone to give commands in French that start with “Jacques a dit…”! 

#2 Avec mes yeux d’espion

This is another classic game that will be familiar to English speakers. It’s a French version of the game I Spy. To play, one player selects an object in the room and then describes it to the other players using French vocabulary. The first person to guess the object correctly gets to be the next spy.

This is a great learning game for French beginners to practice vocabulary related to colors, shapes, letters, common objects, and more! It’s also a game that requires no additional equipment. 

#3 Une chasse au trésor

Une chasse au trésor is “scavenger hunt” in English. And it’s another great game for French beginners to practice useful vocabulary words! 

To play, all you have to do is make a list of items in French for the kids to find. Whoever finds all the items first, wins! This learning game can be played indoors or outdoors.

#4 Que Suis-Je?

This French learning game is similar to the classic game of 20 Questions. One player thinks of an animal, person, or object in French. Then, the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to try to figure out what thing the other person is thinking about.

By playing this game, kids get to practice asking and responding to questions in French while using lots of common French vocabulary. It’s also another one that requires no additional equipment and can be played anywhere! 

#5 Le pendu

Le pendu is the French equivalent of the popular game Hangman. To play, one person thinks of a word in French and the others have to guess what the word is by guessing letters. If they guess a letter that is in the word, the player writes it in its correct spot. If they guess a letter that is not in the word, they get one step closer to drawing a hangman! 

By playing this game, kids can practice French letters, spelling, and common vocabulary words. It’s another example of a fun learning game that can be played anytime, anywhere! 

French Board Games and Card Games for Kids 

French board games and card games are great options for kids who enjoy games that require coming up with strategy, interacting with others, and using their imagination! Board games are also usually played with multiple people, which makes them perfect for family game night. 

#6 Mon premier verger

Mon premier verger is a French board game for young children, ages two and up. The game can be played with two to four players. The aim of the game is to be the first player to fill their basket with fruit from the orchard. 

By playing this game, young French learners get to practice French vocabulary for numbers, colors, shapes, and fruits. You can buy this board game on Amazon.

#7 Mistigri

Mistri is a French card game for kids ages three and up. The objective of the game is to collect as many cards as possible by matching the number or color of the card in your hand with the card on the table.

By playing this game, kids will practice French vocabulary for numbers, colors, and animals. You can also buy this game on Amazon. 

#8 Le monstre des couleurs

Le monstre des couleurs is a French board game for kids ages three and up. The objective of the game is to help a monster figure out his emotions. Throughout the game, children are prompted to also talk about their emotions in French. 

As you can tell, this game is a great way for young French learners to express their thoughts in French while also practicing French vocabulary for numbers and colors. You can buy this board game on Amazon. 

#9 Taboo

Taboo is a classic game that may be familiar to you if you’ve played the game in English. The French version can be a really fun game for kids with intermediate to advanced French skills! 

To play, one person gives clues to the other players about a word on a card without saying a list of related, “taboo” words. The quick nature of the game makes it a great way to test and grow the vocabulary of kids who already feel somewhat comfortable speaking French. You can also buy this game on Amazon. 

Online Games in French for Kids

In addition to social games and board games, there are also many online games for learning French. These types of games can be a great option for kids who want to learn on their own. Here are some of our favorite websites with online games for learning French.

#10 Digital Dialects

On the French language section of the Digital Dialects website, there are games for learning French vocabulary for numbers, colors, days of the week, months of the year, and more. For intermediate to advanced French learners, there are also games to practice French verb conjugations and advanced vocabulary words. 

#11 Hello-World

On the Hello-World website, there are a lot of French learning games for kids to practice and learn French vocabulary for colors, animals, numbers, the alphabet, and more.

#12 Quia French

On the Quia French website, there are French grammar games, vocabulary games, and more. Most of the games are created by French teachers and are suitable for children with beginner, intermediate, and advanced French skills.  

Advantages of Using Games to Learn French for Kids

Here are a few of the top reasons we think your kids will benefit from playing one or more of the French learning games we’ve shared above.

• Games can be a fun way to practice French in a low-pressure environment.
• Games tend to be more engaging for young learners than traditional methods such as flashcards or textbooks.
• Games can also be played with friends or family members, which can make learning a language more enjoyable.
• Playing games can help kids develop problem-solving skills and improve their memory of essential vocabulary in French.

Final Thoughts

French learning games are a great way for parents to help their kids learn the language while having fun at the same time. Try out one or more of the games we shared on this list. We’re sure you’ll quickly see the benefit of this method of getting your kids excited about learning French! 

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