How Kids Can Learn New Languages Through Technology
Language education is a fundamental part of children’s development. Every parent wants the best development for their children, and there is no better time to expose them to skills and knowledge that will shape their lives than in their childhood.
As a parent or someone overseeing the care of any child, one of your most important tasks is to help the child to find the best language-learning app. A child’s mind is sponge-like. It can soak up knowledge in different forms.
Technology is a helpful learning tool that has been adopted for teaching children new languages. As a parent, you can help your child to find the best application and technology for learning new languages based on the child’s learning preference.
Why learning a new language is easy for children?
It is better to expose children to learning new languages in their childhood when they have not formed any biases or started to doubt their abilities. Children do not have learning impediments in their minds. They
they assimilate faster and will never be embarrassed about trying new things.
Children learn a lot of things through duplication. Without having any prior meaning of certain words, a child can learn and know what is being said by watching out for certain clues. Children are quick to pick non-verbal cues, intonations, and accents.
They can easily understand contexts surrounding the use of certain words. Even without formal education or knowing how to read and write, a child can eloquently speak any language just by watching and hearing others speak.
Why is it important for kids to learn a new language?
The world is a global village, and technology connects all of us together. Learning a new language (global language) that is different from the child’s mother tongue is an important life skill. That's why parents should help their kids find the best best language-learning apps to speed up the process of learning a new language.
Children who are exposed to different parts of the world early tend to do better than their counterparts with no exposure. Learning a new language also exposes a child to a different culture and vocabulary. This gives them the unique opportunity to see the world from other people’s perspectives.
Learning a new language also aids a child’s sound judgment and cognitive mind. It improves their decision-making skills and their ability to think quickly.
English Grammar Pronoun Quiz
English Grammar Pronoun Quiz is an educational app for the kids to learn about the English grammar pronouns by taking the quizzes and the app will test their knowledge.
How to help your kids leverage technology to learn new languages
Technology’s massive benefits are its flexibility and adaptability for different situations. Technology and education are a perfect match.
Education helps people to develop skills and knowledge that they will apply to create and improve technology. Conversely, technology helps to improve learning processes, and one of the areas that have witnessed immense technology input is language education.
Several technology-inclined tools are available for children to learn new languages faster. These technology tools are sometimes designed with audio-visual aids that improve assimilation among children.
The most common technology used for teaching children new languages include:
Videos
Videos are great as they combine audio with pictures. Children can hear and see a clear example of what is being taught on their screens.
Apps
Language learning applications are helping to deliver language education to kids in a controlled manner. These applications combine many resources and make them available for the child to learn at their pace. The child can always access the applications whenever they want. Another great benefit of these applications is that they can be customized to suit each child’s learning abilities for better learning results.
Songs
Songs can be a great tool for learning new languages. Rhymes and the correct beat pattern can get children grooving to the sound of music in no time. While they are busy shaking their bodies to the beat, they are also learning a new language. These songs stick for a long time, and many even remember them in adulthood.
Games
Games are a great learning tool for languages. Games are a fun method of imbibing new knowledge in children. Puzzles, action games, arcades, racing games, scrabble, etc., are usually adopted for language classes. Games can also have multiple language options, and users can select their preferred language.
Popular languages kids can learn
Some popular languages that your children can learn are:
French
French is one of the most common languages in the world. The French language also serves as a source for most words spoken in other languages. Understanding the French language gives your children a vital advantage when integrating other languages.
Spanish
The Spanish language is a big influence on many world cultures. Spanish shares similar sentiments with French, but it has a broader reach. Learning Spanish will prepare your children for global opportunities.
Mandarin (Chinese)
China is leading in global trade and business. And every country in the world relies on China for some business. China’s originality limits foreign influence in many areas, including its language. If your children succeed in business with the Chinese, you should enroll them to learn Mandarin.
Children are no longer limited to their surroundings. As they grow, they will get exposed to opportunities from different parts of the world. They may have to compete with children from other parts of the world for these opportunities. Learning new languages gives your child an edge, and you can trust that they will be able to compete with the very best. Check out our colouring games for kids to make them learn how to color.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some effective technology tools or apps that children can use to learn a new language?
Some effective technology tools or apps that children can use to learn a new language include:
- Duolingo
- Babbel
- Rosetta Stone Kids
- Gus on the Go
- Memrise
2. At what age can children start using technology to learn a new language, and what are some appropriate resources for different age groups?
Children can start using technology to learn a new language as early as age 2 or 3, although the appropriate resources will vary depending on their age and developmental level. For young children, resources like Little Pim, Dino Lingo, and Muzzy can be helpful, while older children may benefit from apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. It is important to choose resources that are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with the child's interests and learning style.
3. How can parents or caregivers support their child's language learning through technology, and what role should they play in the process?
Parents or caregivers can support their child's language learning through technology by encouraging and modeling language use, monitoring screen time and content, and actively engaging in the learning process. They can also provide a supportive and positive learning environment, offer praise and encouragement, and seek out additional resources or opportunities for language practice.
4. Are there any potential drawbacks or risks to using technology for language learning, and how can they be mitigated?
There are potential drawbacks and risks to using technology for language learning, such as over-reliance on screens, exposure to inappropriate content, and reduced social interaction. These risks can be mitigated by setting appropriate limits on screen time, monitoring content and usage, encouraging social interaction and communication, and balancing technology use with other activities and experiences.
5. Can technology be used as the sole method for children to learn a new language, or should it be supplemented with other activities or resources?
While technology can be a valuable tool for language learning, it is generally recommended to supplement it with other activities and resources. Language learning is a complex process that involves multiple skills and strategies, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Therefore, a variety of methods and resources can help children develop a well-rounded set of language skills.
