How to Support Language Learning at Home When Schools Don’t Teach It
Not all schools include foreign language instruction in their curriculum, especially in early grades. But that doesn’t mean your child has to miss out on the benefits of bilingualism.
Whether your child is in kindergarten or middle school, you can support second language learning at home in fun, practical ways. Here’s how to get started.
1. Start with Everyday Vocabulary Choose practical words that match your child’s daily routines, like greetings, colors, food, and family members. Use them consistently during activities:
- “Let’s brush your teeth / Vamos a cepillarnos los dientes”
- “Where is the spoon? / Où est la cuillère?”
Use sticky notes to label household items with words in both languages. This builds passive exposure throughout the day.
2. Build a Light Routine You don’t need a full school-style curriculum to make progress. Ten to fifteen minutes a day of focused practice -songs, games, or simple videos- can make a big difference.
Programs like Dinolingo’s Family Plans vs. School Plans are designed to adapt to both home and classroom learning. With options for up to six kids per account and age-specific content, it’s a flexible tool for families supporting language learning outside school.
3. Mix in Offline Activities Pair digital resources with printables, crafts, or real-life applications. For example:
- Match food vocabulary with a cooking activity
- Act out animal words with toys or drawings
- Create a mini vocabulary book together
Dinolingo offers printable worksheets, flashcards, and coloring pages to reinforce learning away from screens.
4. Use Books, Music, and Stories Bilingual picture books and children’s songs build listening comprehension and introduce grammar in context. Try:
- Unite for Literacy for free digital bilingual books
- Super Simple Songs for music in multiple languages
- Storybooks Canada for narrated stories in English, French, and more
5. Involve the Whole Family Language learning is more effective when it’s social. Invite siblings, grandparents, or caregivers to join in the fun. Even basic repetition of words during dinner or bedtime adds up over time.
6. Celebrate Progress Use sticker charts, word count goals, or Dinolingo’s gamified rewards system to keep kids motivated. They’ll earn points, badges, and even digital dinosaur characters as they learn.
Final Thoughts Even if your child’s school doesn’t teach a second language, your home can. With accessible tools, age-appropriate content, and consistent mini-practices, bilingual learning becomes part of everyday life.
All it takes is a few minutes a day, and a little creativity.
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