Learning a second language is not as easy as you might think. To a kid, learning a second language is like swimming for the first time; you can paddle around the deep end or freak out when dipping your toe in the water.
It is not easy to believe that when your child speaks a different language, they become smart than their peers. Children pick up the language faster than adults, but that doesn’t mean learning a new language is only for the few.
If you are planning to learn a second language this year, this article should prove useful. Here are some factors that are likely to influence learning.
1. Motivation to learn
Are you motivated to learn? What reason do you have to start learning a second language? When your child understands the reason, they should be able to read and write a foreign language fast. It becomes easy to teach them.
A contextual and theme-based curriculum can help students to be more excited about learning a second language. Children begin taking a risk to produce language when they develop an interest in the language.
2. Home support
How is your child exposed to a second language when at home? Exposure to a second language at home is a major factor influencing how fast your child learns a foreign language. If parents only speak one language, will they provide the child with the help they need?
Also, if parents place a high value on learning a new language, their kids will be motivated to learn the language. The parents can push the kids to keep trying even when learning the language is difficult.
3. The learning environment
The learning environment is another factor that influences how fast your kids can learn a second language. Students should feel more comfortable in the environment they are learning the language. What is the school’s belief in learning a second language?
Does the classroom feel tensed, relaxing, or cold when it comes to learning a new language? The learning environment has a direct impact on how students respond to learning. In most cases, an ample learning environment increases the chances of students acquiring the new language.
4. Teaching strategies
The teaching strategy the teacher uses has a direct impact on language learning. What methodology does the teacher use to help the student understand the second language? Is the student conversant with this method?
The method should take into account the different learning styles and learning comprehensions. For instance, writing and performing skits in a target language can help students learn a second language quickly. Teachers should offer students immersive learning experiences in and out of the classroom to help them learn fast.
5. Age
When they start learning the second language, the student’s age is also a factor you should consider most. Nearly all students of all ages can learn a new language. However, there are certain aspects related to age that can determine how fast students learn.
For instance, it is difficult for teens to master native pronunciations when learning a second language. Some students also find it difficult to learn a foreign language as they get old. However, this may not be true for all students.