How to learn a foreign language WITH your kids!

Did you know most of the parents in The Cultured Home program aren’t actually fluent in the language they’re teaching their kids?

I think that is SO amazing!

They’re proof you DON’T need to be a native-speaker to teach your kids another language. 

I’m proof too - I taught my kids French without being a native speaker.

I did it, heaps of parents in our program are doing it...and so can you. 

I’ve rounded up 5 easy-as-pie tips to help you learn a language with your kids. 

Start with kids lessons

The great thing about learning with your kids is you’re literally both starting from the same place! 

This means you’re gonna get a bunch of value from following along with lessons in a language program designed for kids (hint hint: The Cultured Home!) 

You’ll likely get ahead quicker but starting from ‘ground zero’ together with the basic lessons is a great jumping off point

Oh, and once you realise there’s about a gazillion conjugations to learn, you’ll probably long for those easy days of learning how to say ‘cat’ and ‘dog.’ 

• Label stuff

Grab your pen, pad of sticky notes and google translate app - you’re about to label the shiz outta stuff, mama. 

Labelling objects around your home in the new language is a tried and true way to get new words to stick in your mind. If your child is at reading age, it’s a great way to learn together.

Keep labels to the most popular spots - kitchen, kids bedroom, etc - and high use items.  

When you’re both in the room make it a habit to say 3 or 4 of the words out loud together. 

Saying the word while actually using the item makes it easier to remember too.

• Read bilingual books

Do you approach reading to your kids in another language with the same terror you would doing after-school grocery shop with little ones in tow.

This can’t end well. What was I thinking. Never again. 

While I agree avoiding supermarkets during peak hour with the kids is a sanity-keeping move, reading to them in a new language doesn’t have to be as terrifying.

Bilingual storytime is a great way to learn together! Starting with super simple stories will help you both ease into learning new words.

• Track your progress

I love setting a goal and visually tracking my progress to meet it. There’s something soooo motivating about it…..Type A personalities, are you feeling me?

This tip is for mamas with older kids who’d enjoy tracking progress and turning it into a bit of a challenge. 

Get yourself a white board, stickers or anything else fun to mark off your progress. 

Draw up the board with the mini challenges and check them off when complete. 

• Week one might be learn 3 new words together
• Week two could be watch 4 x 10 minute video lessons together
• ...and so on

Feel your language learning motivation sliding? Look at the board and remind yourself of how far you’ve both come!

• Turn on Netflix subtitles

Next time you hit up Netflix for a kids program, turn the subtitles on. Listening in English and seeing the new words is a good way to boost language recognition. 

If you’re a non-native speaking mama who’s learning a new language I’d love to hear any tips you have to share! x

✨ Psst... When you're ready, here are a few ways I can help you get started with teaching your kids a foreign language at home...

1. Download my free 10 Page Guide for Parents to help you see how easy introducing a foreign language at home can be - especially if you don't speak the language at all.

2. Want a plan to run consistent language lessons that are fun and easy?
Access your first week of play based foreign language lessons for FREE here, all that's left is to select your language + start today!

3. Looking for a 12 month, step-by-step plan and play based resources to help you introduce a language to your little ones with EASE? Quit scrolling on Pinterest and Join our 12 Month Annual Lesson Bundles to get everything you need to started and KEEP GOING!