5 Ways to Reinforce Language Skills at Home

With winter break around the corner, many parents are looking for ways to keep their kids productive and engaged during their time off from school. This upcoming free time is a perfect opportunity to assist your child in developing new language skills. 

Reinforcing a second language during vacation break can give your child the opportunity to not only improve their language skills but also set themselves up for success come the New Year and new school semester in their in-school language courses. From online language courses to calling up a fluent friend there are many different ways you can help your child reinforce their language skills in the home. 

5 Ways to Reinforce Language Skills at Home

1. Use Online Language Courses to Support In-School Learning

When learning a new language, a lack of practice or exposure can quickly lead to regression. Consider enrolling your child in an interactive online language course to help them continue to expand their language skills. An online language course can become a valuable resource in reinforcing the teachings your child has learned in school while also providing the opportunity for a more in-depth and individualized exploration into the language.

2. Encourage Them to Teach You

One of the best techniques for gaining a better understanding of a topic is to teach another individual what you have learned. Prompt your child to teach you something new each day. Whether it is a new phrase, expression, or historical fact related to their new language; take a few minutes each day to let them teach you while practicing their language skills.

3. Look For Immersive Language Experiences

Immersing oneself in a language is often the most effective solution for learning a language more quickly. It is not necessary to pack your bags for a trip abroad; instead look for local events, television programs, or music in the language to encourage your child to practice their language skills in everyday interactions. Attend a cultural event where native speakers will be present, a musical performance in the language, or even frequent a shop or restaurant to practice speaking the language when ordering or making a purchase. Look for creative ways to expose your child to the language that will appeal to them and make learning fun.

4. Join Them on Their New Language Adventure

Oftentimes parents who see their children learning a new language are inspired to join them. After all, the best way to practice a language is to speak it and practice it on a daily basis. If you are also interested in learning a new language, become your child’s study partner for a bonding experience, and to elevate each other’s language skills.  

5. Call In Your Fluent Connections

If you have a friend or family member who is a fluent speaker of the language your child is learning, ask them to lend an ear from time to time to allow your child to practice their skills in speaking and understanding the language. Conversational speaking is invaluable to any language learning practice and all meaningful exposure to the language your child can experience will ultimately help them refine their language skills.

Keep Your Student’s Language Skills Sharp!

Learning a new language requires constant practice and social interaction with other language speakers. The above tips will help your student keep their skills sharp during winter break and while learning remotely.