Want your child to learn a few words in a foreign language? Easy—use a language learning app.

Want your child to learn some basic phrases and expressions in that language? Also easy—watch a few YouTube tutorials.

Want your child to learn how to speak, comprehend, read, and write in that foreign language like a native speaker?

Now that’s a challenge! 

Achieving that goal requires a careful selection and adoption of effective language learning techniques. Which language learning method is best? 

This blog post will be your guide. Here, we’ll share six of the best language learning methods you can use to raise bilingual children! 

At the end, we’ll also share how you can begin your child’s language learning journey with a free online language class in French, Spanish, English, Chinese, Korean, or Arabic.

Let’s jump right in!

6 effective language learning methods for kids

Here are six of our favorite language learning methods, including examples, some potential pros and cons, and helpful resources to learn more.

1. One parent, one language

If you’re a parent looking for an effective way to raise a bilingual child, the One Parent, One Language (OPOL) method could be your secret weapon. This approach is about consistency and ensuring your child receives a balanced linguistic upbringing.

The OPOL method revolves around the idea that each parent consistently speaks a different language to the child. 

For example, if one parent is a native English speaker and the other is a native Chinese speaker, the English-speaking parent communicates with the child exclusively in English. In contrast, the Chinese-speaking parent uses only Chinese.

Pros

• Provides a structured and consistent language-learning environment.
• Allows children to distinguish between languages and develop proficiency in both.
• Helps children establish a deep cultural connection with each parent’s background.

Cons

• Relies on the commitment of each parent to maintain language consistency.
• Can be challenging if one parent is not proficient in the target language.
• May require careful planning when involving extended family and caregivers.

Resources to learn more about this method

“One Parent, One Language”: How It Works

2. Minority language at home

If you want to ensure that your child becomes proficient in a minority language (the language that is not the dominant language of your child’s community or school), the Minority Language at Home method is a strategic approach. 

The Minority Language at Home method places a strong emphasis on using the minority language as the primary means of communication within the family, creating a language-rich environment.

For example, if you’re a French expatriate family living in the United States, you and your partner would consistently use French when interacting with your child despite living in a predominantly English-speaking environment.

Pros

• Provides a strong foundation in the minority language. 
• Ensures that your child maintains and strengthens their language skills in a language that may not be widely spoken in their community.
• Gives children a sense of cultural identity and belonging to the minority language culture and community.

Cons

• Requires consistent commitment from all family members to maintain the minority language environment at home.
• May pose challenges if both parents are not fluent in the minority language.
• Potentially limits your child’s exposure to the dominant language spoken in the broader community.

Resources to learn more about this method

Minority Language At Home Bilingual Parenting Method – Everything You Need To Know

3. Flash cards, spaced repetition, and the Pareto principle 

The combination of flashcards, spaced repetition, and the Pareto Principle is a highly efficient method for language learning. It ensures that your child builds a strong foundation in a new language by focusing on the most essential elements for effective communication.

Flash cards present key vocabulary words, phrases, or grammar rules in an easily digestible format. Spaced repetition ensures that these flashcards get reviewed at increasing intervals to reinforce memory. 

The Pareto Principle, often referred to as the 80/20 rule, focuses on learning the most important and frequently used words and phrases first, which can account for the majority of language comprehension.

Pros

• Highly efficient in building a strong language foundation by concentrating on essential elements for effective communication.
• Spaced repetition ensures that the flashcards get reviewed at increasing intervals, a proven memorization technique for the long-term retention of concepts.
• Saves time by focusing on the most essential language elements.

Cons

• While focusing on essential vocabulary and frequently used phrases is valuable, it may result in overlooking less common but culturally significant language elements.
• The use of flashcards and repetitive learning can become monotonous for some children, potentially leading to reduced engagement or interest in language learning.
• May not cover all aspects of language learning, such as speaking, listening, and complex grammar rules.

Resources to learn more about this method

Using spaced repetition in language teaching and learning 

4. Language immersion programs abroad  

Language immersion programs abroad offer a transformative experience that surrounds your child with native speakers and makes the target language an integral part of their daily life. 

These programs not only enhance language skills but also cultivate cultural awareness, independence, and a broader worldview.

For instance, if your child is learning Spanish, but you live in Canada, you might consider enrolling your child in a Spanish language immersion program in a Spanish-speaking country like Spain or Mexico. 

This experience would place your child in an environment where they are constantly surrounded by native Spanish speakers, accelerating their language learning and providing a deep cultural understanding.

Pros

• Language immersion programs abroad offer a fully immersive experience, making language acquisition a natural and integral part of daily life.
• Your child gains a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and traditions associated with the language.
• The intensity of the immersion experience often leads to rapid language proficiency.

Cons

• Your child would be away from home for an extended period while attending the program, which can be emotionally challenging.
• Language immersion programs abroad can be costly, and parents need to plan and coordinate the logistics carefully.
• Adapting to a new language and environment can be stressful, and some children may face homesickness or culture shock.

Resources to learn more about this method

Language Immersion abroad: An essential part of a student’s evolution

5. Dual-language schools

If you’re looking for a comprehensive and structured approach to raising a bilingual or multilingual child, dual-language schools offer an ideal solution. 

These schools provide students with a full immersion experience in both the target and dominant languages.

Children attending these schools receive instruction in various subjects in both languages. For example, a dual language school might offer mathematics and history classes in English and French, ensuring students can read, write, and speak both languages fluently.

Pros

• Dual language schools offer a complete immersion experience in both languages, creating a language-rich environment.
• Students typically achieve a high level of proficiency in both languages, often becoming bilingual or multilingual. 
• Dual language schools provide not only language skills but also a deep understanding of the cultures associated with the languages. 

Cons

• Getting a spot in these schools can be highly competitive, and not all families may have access to such programs.
• Families need to be prepared for a continuous education in both languages, which may not align with their long-term goals or circumstances.
• Beginner learners may find the intensive language immersion overwhelming, especially if they struggle with one of the languages. 

Resources to learn more about this method

Bilingual Education and Dual Language Programs

6. Online bilingual education programs

Online language classes are a highly accessible and effective way to introduce children to a new language or enhance their proficiency in your family’s heritage language. 

These classes offer interactive and engaging learning experiences with native-speaking instructors, all from the convenience of your home.

These classes are typically conducted via video call platforms or dedicated language learning platforms. Teachers engage language learners in lessons, activities, and conversations to enhance language acquisition.

Pros

• Online bilingual education programs provide unparalleled convenience as they can be accessed without the need for physical travel or a fixed schedule.
• The use of technology, multimedia resources, and interactive activities keeps children motivated and enthusiastic about learning a new language.
• The presence of native-speaking instructors ensures that children have exposure to authentic language usage, pronunciation, and cultural nuances.

Cons

• Not all families may have the appropriate technology and a stable internet connection, which can limit accessibility.
• Children might miss out on the benefits of face-to-face communication with peers and teachers.
• Participation in online language education programs can lead to increased screen time, which may concern parents who want to balance digital learning with other activities.

Resources to learn more about this method

What Is Bilingual Education? What Parents Need to Know

Try an online language class for free with LingoCircle

At LingoCircle, we know your child’s language education is a worthwhile investment. We also know it’s even better when you can start with a free trial! 

That’s why we offer a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your child’s language learning journey with a complimentary class.

Why choose LingoCircle

• Certified, native-speaking teachers. Our classes are led by certified, native-speaking teachers who provide authentic language instruction, ensuring your child learns from the best.
• Interactive classes. Our classes are interactive, engaging, and designed to make learning a new language fun. Your child will have the chance to interact with peers who share similar proficiency levels, connecting with students from all over the world.
• Small class sizes. To maximize language learning, we keep our class sizes small, with a maximum of 5 students. This ensures personalized attention and a conducive learning environment.

To start your child’s free language class trial, click here and fill out the form!