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!