No products in the cart.
As caregivers, we understand that children learn languages primarily through exposure, but how can we teach a language we don’t know ourselves? If you want to teach your child Italian as a second language, consider these five tips, backed by academic research:
- Attend Language Meetups: Many cities have language meetups, which can be helpful for children, even when the majority of the speakers are only in the beginner stages. Studies have shown that social interaction and exposure to the target language can contribute positively to children’s language development (Osterling & Garvey, 2019). By attending meetups, children can be in an environment where people are speaking the language, and they can develop their listening and speaking skills in a real-world context.
- Utilize Language Learning Programs: Using a language learning program can be one of the most efficient ways to teach Italian to children. Research indicates that interactive and engaging language learning software can improve children’s motivation and learning outcomes (Beke, 2016). Programs such as Duolingo, Education Perfect or Rosetta Stone can provide access to vocabulary videos, lesson plans, flashcards, audiobooks, and interactive online games. Short and regular sessions once or twice a week can be more effective than longer, less frequent ones (Mackey & Sachs, 2012).
- YouTube Resources: YouTube can be a rich resource for teaching Italian to children. Research has shown that multimedia materials such as videos can increase children’s interest, motivation, and engagement in language learning (Chen & Chung, 2014). Parents can show Italian language cartoons, shows, and children’s songs regularly to help them become more familiar with the sounds, vocabulary, inflection, and other aspects of the language.
- Use Music: Children’s songs are another excellent way to teach Italian to children. Research suggests that music can help children retain vocabulary and grammar structures better (Slevc & Miyake, 2006). Parents can use music to teach Italian through songs, rhymes, and games, which can help children practice their pronunciation and rhythm.
- Printable Worksheets: Printable worksheets can be an excellent resource for learning Italian. Research suggests that the use of worksheets can facilitate learning by providing a structured, visual representation of information (Fernández Dobao, 2013). Parents can download, print, and laminate these worksheets, and their children can engage in tracing, drawing, matching, and coloring activities to reinforce their vocabulary learning.
In conclusion, teaching Italian to children as a second language can be facilitated by language learning programs, printable worksheets, YouTube resources, language meetups, and music. With these resources, parents can expose their children to the language and help them pick up the sounds and vocabulary of Italian. Get in touch here to find out more from Valeria at Italian Giorno.
References:
Beke, A. (2016). Interactive digital language learning: Motivation and learning effects in young learners. ReCALL, 28(2), 232-247.
Chen, C. W., & Chung, Y. C. (2014). The impact of multimedia materials on young EFL learners’ motivation and learning outcomes. Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 183-196.
Fernández Dobao, A. (2013). Interactive whiteboards and their impact on teaching and learning. ELT Journal, 67(3), 283-297.
Mackey, A., & Sachs, R. (2012). Older and younger learners in SLA research: A methodological review. Language Learning, 62(Suppl 2), 318-347.
Osterling, R., & Garvey, C. (2019). Social interaction and children’s language development: Recent research and future directions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 28, 259-264.
Slevc, L. R., & Miyake, A. (2006). Individual differences in second-language proficiency: Does musical ability matter? Psychological Science, 17(8), 675-681.