When teaching foreign languages to children, it is essential to avoid common parental mistakes that can dampen a child’s enthusiasm for learning. This perspective comes from Maria Agaltsova, a teacher of children’s English at Skillbox, who spoke with socialbites.ca.
Agaltsova notes that many parents rely on rewards to push children toward better grades and completed assignments. While this approach may produce quick wins, it can erode long-term interest in learning as the child grows and seeks more rewards. Building internal motivation becomes key to sustaining curiosity and persistent study habits.
Children are naturally curious about new knowledge, and this curiosity can be nurtured by aligning studies with the child’s own interests. By exploring what genuinely captures the learner’s attention, educators and parents can tailor activities that feel meaningful and engaging rather than merely disciplinary tasks.
Moreover, Agaltsova emphasizes that textbooks are not the sole source of learning, especially for preschoolers and early elementary students. The modern classroom increasingly incorporates varied materials to keep young minds engaged and excited about discovery.
For younger learners, absorbing large volumes of information from a textbook can quickly become dull. Across the globe, teachers and educators are adopting interactive methods to teach languages more effectively. When introducing a foreign language to preschool and early primary students, using a variety of game-based techniques proves especially effective, helping children connect new words to actions, sounds, and playful contexts rather than to rote memorization.
Another common pitfall is an overemphasis on memorizing fixed texts in a foreign language. Memorization can hinder learning efficiency, while a more dynamic approach engages the whole body and senses. For instance, learning new verbs by acting them out with movements, facial expressions, and gestures helps solidify meaning and recall.
Experts encourage the use of tangible objects that can be touched, smelled, and even tasted during lessons. People naturally anchor concepts to sensory experiences in their native language, so pairing language with smells, textures, and tastes can make new vocabulary more memorable. Talking, singing, or storytelling about objects held in the learner’s hands—whether it is a teddy bear, a transforming toy, or a simple everyday item—creates a richer, more engaging learning experience than distant, abstract examples like London alone. Tactile, olfactory, and gustatory associations with foreign words can greatly enhance long-term retention, according to the expert.
In practice, the most effective language learning for children blends curiosity, movement, and meaningful play. It invites children to experiment with sounds, rhythm, and social interaction in a supportive setting. The aim is to nurture a positive relationship with language that persists beyond the classroom, turning initial exposure into lasting skill. A well-designed program leverages interactive tasks, story-based activities, and collaborative games to keep students motivated, curious, and confident as they expand their linguistic horizons.
Ultimately, the best approach respects the child’s pace while providing diverse stimuli that make language learning feel like an adventure rather than a series of chores. With thoughtful guidance, caregivers can help children discover the joy of languages and build a solid foundation for future learning success.