What happens in language class for your baby or toddler? We’re joined by Anna Neville, founder of Kidslingo, who’s here to explain the benefits of babies and toddlers learning a second language, as well as what to expect at your very first language class.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Is A Baby Or Toddler Language Class?
A Kidslingo baby/toddler class is a fun and interactive environment where young children are introduced to a new language through songs, games, movement, stories, and sensory play. Designed to spark curiosity and foster early language skills, these classes make learning a natural, joyful experience for little ones.
By offering a culturally enriching experience, Kidslingo classes open up a whole new world of learning for babies and toddlers. These early language skills can inspire a lifelong love for communication and learning across cultures.
Why Start Learning Another Language So Young?
Many people are surprised to hear about language classes for babies and toddlers, but young children’s brains are incredibly receptive to new sounds and patterns, even before they begin to speak. Studies show that early exposure to a second language helps babies recognise and structure sounds, laying a solid foundation for later language skills.
How Do Babies and Toddlers Learn a New Language?
At this age, children absorb sounds and mimic words with impressive accuracy. They naturally excel at picking up the nuances of new languages through repetition and play. Many Kidslingo teachers incorporate Makaton (a form of sign language) to further reinforce language learning, which is particularly helpful for babies who communicate primarily through gestures and sounds.
What Does a Typical Session Look Like?
Each session centres around an age-appropriate theme, such as farm animals, jungle adventures, mini beasts or superheroes. Classes are packed with fun, interactive language activities!
1. Warm-Up: Bonjour/Hola!
We kick off every session with our welcoming Bonjour/Hola song, introduced by the friendly Kidslingo bear. This familiar start helps everyone feel settled and ready to dive in. After warming up, we move on to a name exercise to get each child engaged.
2. Music And Movement
We sing, dance, clap, and play with instruments to make language learning active and fun.
3. Games And Activities
Simple, interactive games reinforce vocabulary and help embed new words in a playful way.
4. Sensory Play
We use different textures and materials, creating a tactile experience to support language learning.
5. Storytelling
Captivating stories are shared in both English and the target language, making language learning come to life.
Throughout each activity, we encourage plenty of repetition, positive reinforcement, and lots of smiles.
6. Wrap-Up
Au revoir/Adiós! We close the session with a goodbye song, often paired with parachute play and bubble-popping, which is always a hit with children and parents alike.
How Are Language Classes Different For Slightly Older Toddlers?
For older toddlers, we also provide activity or craft sheets to help consolidate their learning and develop fine motor skills.
Laminated song sheets are available to help support the learning – but there’s no pressure for anyone to sing if they don’t want to. Grown-ups and little ones like can simply listen and absorb the experience.
Why Are Movement and Actions Powerful In Language Learning?
Combining words with actions has been shown to improve language retention significantly. In our classes, physical movement and visual cues help children understand and remember new words more easily. This multi-sensory approach not only supports language development but also keeps little learners engaged and excited to participate.
What Are the Benefits of Baby and Toddler Language Classes?
1. Language Learning Together
Language classes offer a wonderful, shared experience for both children and their grown-ups. By learning through music, play, and interaction, everyone enjoys the opportunity to discover a new language together.
“It’s always so rewarding to see parent and carer reactions when their child says “Bonjour” or sings Brille Brille (our French Twinkle Twinkle song) for the very first time.”
– Debbie, Teacher At Kidslingo Bow & Hackney London
2. Cultural Awareness
These classes also introduce young children to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, helping to build early cultural awareness.
“A memorable moment was when I taught the class an old song from my country (Peru) . Later, the mum shared a lovely anecdote with me . She told me how their daughter had spontaneously sung this very song in a coffee shop. The waiter, deeply touched by the familiar melody, approached the family and shared that he hadn’t heard the song in years, and it reminded him of his mother. I felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to share a piece of my heritage with my young students.”
– Paola, Teacher At Kidslingo Kingston Upon Thames
3. Social And Emotional Growth
Language acquisition is a gradual process, so families who join us often continue over the long term, giving their little ones the chance to fully develop skills at their own pace. This consistent learning environment fosters social and emotional growth, encouraging interaction and social skills among peers.
4. Community Spirit
Kidslingo classes also build a strong community spirit, bringing together those who share a passion for languages and cultural exposure. It’s heartwarming to see families come together and support each other on this shared learning journey. They often build bonds with others who are committed to introducing language learning at an early age.
“It’s so lovely when the child hasn’t said anything in Spanish for a number of weeks and then they start saying words. You can immediately see how proud the parents are! The children love to show me how high they can count in Spanish and love to help their younger siblings.”
– Becky, Teacher At Kidslingo Fareham & Gosport
What Should I Keep in Mind During A Language Learning Class?
Our classes are all about enjoyment and taking things at your own pace. There’s no pressure to speak in front of the group. The focus is on having a relaxed and enjoyable experience in whatever way feels comfortable. No prior language knowledge is needed, for children or grown-ups alike.
We know that learning a new language can feel daunting, so we keep the pace slow and the activities light-hearted. With a familiar structure and lots of repetition, everyone quickly picks up the flow of each class and gains confidence in the songs and routines we enjoy weekly.
Where Do Kidslingo Hold Their Language Learning Classes?
Our classes are usually held in local church halls or community centres, chosen for their convenient buggy access, baby-changing facilities, and, in some cases, an on-site café. This welcoming environment gives families a chance to socialise with each other after the class.
What Should I Bring To My First Language Learning Class?
If there’s a chance of messy activities, we’ll let you know in advance so you can bring a change of clothes or have sleeves and trousers ready to roll up. An apron for little ones is also a great option to keep them clean and comfortable during more hands-on activities.
Most importantly, come prepared to have fun and enjoy quality time with your little one as you explore language together!
With Thanks To Anna Neville – Kidslingo
Anna Neville founded Kidslingo 11 years ago to help teach French and Spanish to very young children. She won the 2024 Woman Who 2024 Solopreneur Award for her leadership and transforming Kidslingo into a hugely successful franchise.
Also a big thank you to the Kidslingo franchisees who contributed to this post: Debbie Bradshaw, Paola Vallejos, Stephany Portillo, Laura Smart & Becky Burningham
Moving house is a huge life event for both adults and children. If you are moving house with a toddler, you may be wondering how to make this transition as smooth as possible. Read on to find our tips!
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
How Do I Tell My Toddler About Moving House?
It’s a good idea to talk to your toddler about what will happen, even if they are too young to understand. There are some really good picture books that can help toddlers to understand, such as Usborne’s First Experiences: Moving House by Anne Civardi, or Moving Day! (Helping Hands) by Jess Stockham. These show moving in a positive and fun way.
Show them pictures of the new house, and tell them all about it. Focus on the fun things near the new house. Are they closer to a park? Nearer grandparents?
Will Moving House Affect My Toddler?
Change at any age can be unsettling, but there is always a way to minimise the stress that change brings. Whatever the reason for your move, try to stay calm and positive about the move when talking about it to your toddler, even if you are feeling anxious yourself. If they see you’re excited, they are more likely to see this as a positive change.
Keep to your routine during and after the move. It is good to try and keep bedtime and mealtimes as familiar as possible so they can see that not everything is changing. Tell them about the things that are staying the same: they will still have their toys, and if you are using the same bed or other furniture let them know. Also if all of their family members who they currently live with, such as parents and siblings, are moving too, make that clear so they know the change is not just for them.
How Long Does It Take For A Toddler To Adjust To A New House?
The adjustment time can depend on how big a change the move was, if you have relocated completely or just moved to a house in the same town. It will also depend on the toddler’s age. Older toddlers will have more of an understanding, so will be able to ask questions, while younger toddlers may be more accepting. All toddlers are different, and you know your child best. Make sure they know they are loved and that not everything is changing.
Top Tips:
On the lead up to the move and move day itself, have a bag of their special things (such as favourite toys, mussies, or even favourite outfits) separate so you have this to hand.
Include and involve them, tell them about the process. Maybe they have had friends or family who have moved before, who can tell them about how it works.
Focus on the positive bits of how fun it will be to have a new house. If they do have specific worries or are just feeling uncertain, tell them this is normal and talk through it in a way they can understand.
Unpack familiar things first so they can see they still have their toys and furniture etc.
Keep to routine to give a feeling of consistency.
Get as much help with packing as possible- some firms will pack up your belongings for you.
If it is an option, let your child/children pick their own room.
We hope these tips will help make the change as easy as possible for you and your family. Although moving is a big change, focusing on the fun new things about their new house or new area will make it easier for everyone. If you are looking to make new friends, for you and your little one, try looking for baby or toddler classes near your new house. New friends will make all of the difference! Search Happity for classes near you.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
There are many exciting milestones for your toddler. Maybe they are transitioning from cot to bed, or starting to try and dress themselves. At some point, you will want to start potty training with your toddler. All toddlers are different, but here are some potty training tips that we hope help!
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
What Age Should I Start Thinking About Potty Training?
There is no set age to start potty training, as all toddlers are different. The NHS suggests anywhere between 18 months and 3 years is a good age. Some are ready sooner than others, while some will stay in nappies a bit longer. There is no need to worry if your toddler is staying in nappies longer than their peers though. If you push to potty train them before they’re ready, the process will be difficult and take a long time.
Rather than looking at age, look at if they are ready:
Are they interested in potties and going to the toilet?
Do they tell you that they have done a poo or wee in their nappy?
Are they going for longer between nappy changes?
Are they old enough to indicate that they need to use the potty?
What Is A Good Potty Training Schedule?
Start by buying a potty and keeping this in the bathroom or your child’s bedroom. Put it somewhere they see it and get used to it. Maybe they can even help you choose a potty they like, such as one that is their favourite colour. You can gently suggest that they sit on the potty if they need to do a poo or wee, but don’t force it. Make it fun, and if they don’t want to sit on the potty, that is ok. They may take some time to get used to the idea.
Praise goes a long way. Even if it is just to say well done to your child for sitting on the potty, if they have not yet had a wee in it. Some children love sticker reward charts. This can excite them about the process. Or find a good picture book about potties to help them understand. If you are looking for training pants, you could look for ones with their favourite characters or fun designs on, to make it appealing to them (training pants are more absorbent than normal underwear, and are easy to pull up so can allow independence).
It is normal for toddlers to take longer to get used to potty training at night. If they wear pants or training pants during the day, but a nappy at night, you could tell them that it is a special nappy for night time. You could draw a moon or other night symbol on their nappy to help them understand, and also keep it fun.
It is good to approach potty training when both you and your toddler are both relaxed and have time, and are at home. It is good to be in a familiar place and are both feeling positive about trying.
What Is The Hardest Day Of Potty Training?
This varies for everyone, as all toddlers are different. For some, day one is hardest, especially if your toddler is not ready. For others, it is regression. If there is a big change in your child’s life, like a house move or new sibling, this may disrupt potty training. But this is nothing to worry about and is perfectly normal. Just keep their routine consistent, and tell them it is ok if they have accidents. If potty training is not progressing or your toddler is not enjoying it, be prepared to have a break, and try again at a later date when your toddler is ready. Trying again later is not giving up, it is just doing what is best for your toddler. Forcing them into potty training will not help.
What Should You Not Do When Potty Training?
It is good to keep potty training positive and fun. If they are not enjoying it, then it is best to stop potty training. Make sure you do not make your toddler feel bad or embarrassed if they have an accident. Try not to make negative comments about their poo or wee, and try not to make a face even if it is smelly! Don’t let them think these functions are bad or disgusting. Instead tell them that everyone goes to the toilet and this is an important thing to do. This way they can associate potty training with fun and independence, and something they can be proud of.
We hope this has helped give you some more ideas about potty training. The NHS website has some useful information about potty training and more tips. If you have any concerns about potty training, speak to your health visitor or GP who will be able to give more advice.
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
Is your three-year-old starting nursery for the first time and you’re looking for tips to help get them prepared? Then this is the guide for you! Read on to find our ten top ways to prepare your toddler for nursery.
Looking for fun activities with your baby or toddler? There are thousands of classes and groups on Happity. Find one you’ll love here.
How Do I Get My Toddler Excited About Nursery?
Ever tried to get your kids excited about doing something, only for it to land like a lead balloon? Well, it can be the same with nursery. The more you talk about it, the less your child seems interested. This is understandable as, for them, nursery can still feel like an abstract concept.
Sometimes a more ‘organic’ approach can help children become more naturally enthusiastic. Anything you can do to hinge the idea of nursery to something concrete and real can be a bonus. Perhaps you go shopping together for their new bag and find a lunchbox they would like to use. Or maybe take a walk to the nursery gates one morning and hear the excited shrieks of children coming from inside.
Some children may naturally start to feel curious, others may start saying things like ‘that’s my school’ or ‘this is the way to nursery’. Others will completely ignore the situation until it actually becomes a reality!
1.Involve Your Child In Packing Their Bag
Most nurseries will ask that children take a small backpack to hang up on their peg. This will contain essentials like a spare change of clothes, a water bottle and a snack. If your child is staying over lunchtime, you will also need a packed lunch (no nuts!)
Try to involve your child in packing their bag. Some children will love finding a pair of pants, leggings/trousers and top from their drawer and putting them in a bag. This also leads to opportunities for role-play where your child can practise packing and unpacking the bag. If your child is still in pull-ups, make sure you pop one or two of those in as well in a nappy sack for the morning.
Many nurseries give the children some independence in finding items if they need them, so if they have practise unzipping/zipping the pockets and finding their water bottle etc., this can help them feel more confident.
2. Find A Teddy/Mascot/A Photobook
Getting your child’s teddy or baby ready for school (even with their own back-pack!) can be another way to help your toddler to prepare for nursery. So embrace a bit of roleplay as teddy scoots to school, eats his lunch and (probably) wets his pants! Some nurseries ask children to bring in a few photos or simple ‘book’ showing friends and family. This can be a comfort for the children if they are missing home, as well as a talking point with their teacher or key worker.
3. Play School At Home – Ways To Prepare Your Toddler For Nursery
Your child may come home from a settling-in session and start wanting to roleplay. Maybe they’re calling out names, taking a register, finding things or sitting on the carpet. Encourage this and join in if you can. It may be what your child needs to process their new environment.
4.Encourage Outdoor Play
Another way to prepare your toddler for nursery is by getting your child used to being outdoors in all weather. Invest in full waterproofs and wellies, which you will usually need to supply for nursery. Nurseries will typically have an outdoor play session every day, whether it’s raining, frosty, snowing or sunny. So help your child get used to different types of weather. Maybe try some rainy day activities.
Some nurseries may run as a ‘forest school’ or give children forest school type sessions. See our article on Viking Parenting for how parents can embrace time outside
5.Encourage Your Child In Making Choices
Binary choices can work really well for children of this age (three to four). For example, would you like to wear leggings or trousers? Shall we walk or scoot to nursery today? Would you like apple or banana for snack?
These choices can help your child feel more prepared and happier to go in knowing they have had some say in what is happening.
6.Use A Calendar – Ways To Prepare Your Toddler For Nursery
It can be helpful to have a visual on the wall so your child knows which day/times they are going to nursery, when they will be at home with you, and when the weekend is. Try this chart here. Also, you can try asking a few open-ended questions like ‘What do you like playing?’ or‘ What’s your favourite toy’? If they already attend the nursery setting but are moving up a class you could ask, ‘What do you play with your friends at nursery?’, ‘Who do you play with?’ or ‘What’s your favourite thing to play with?’ If your child doesn’t answer, don’t worry. They may not want to engage with questions at the moment.
7. Have A (Visual) Routine
For days when your child is going to nursery, try and follow the same routine. This could be something like ‘get up’ – ‘use potty or toilet’ – ‘eat breakfast’ – ‘clean teeth’ – ‘scoot or walk to nursery’.
All children (and particularly if your child is neurodiverse) will benefit from a visual routine stuck to the wall somewhere. You will find that many nurseries, and Reception classes too, use visual cards for their routines so children know when to expect snacks and breaks/free play.
8. Try To Be Low Key
If your child is anything like some of our own children here at Happity, too much advance warning can actually lead to more anxiety. Young children don’t have the most developed sense of time. So ‘next week’ can feel like ‘tomorrow’ to them. Anything in the past can be ‘yesterday’. So maybe a day or two before is all you need to mention to them that they’ll be going to play at a new place. From experience, sometimes the more casual, the better!
9. Go To Settling-In Days And Sessions
One of the best ways to prepare your toddler for nursery is to make sure you attend any settling-in sessions. Some nurseries will invite parents in for these as well, so your child feels safe and secure exploring their new environment with you by their side. Others will ask you to drop your child off for a much shorter session than usual, so they can begin to get used to the routine and key worker or teacher.
The advantage of attending a settling-in session with your child is that you can make connections easily with parents and children in the same class. These friendships can be very reassuring for you and it can make arranging playdates much easier if you have already swapped details.
The advantage of your child attending on their own is that they may find it easier when it comes to their ‘first day’. They will already have a sense of what it’s like to go in and come out ready for you to pick them up.
10.Go To Some Baby And Toddler Classes – Ways To Prepare Your Toddler For Nursery
If you’ve never tried a baby or toddler class with your toddler, now might be the time to try one. The socialisation of baby classes can help to normalise the environments for children ahead of nursery.
Telling your child new information just before they go to sleep can mean their brain switches back on or even increases anxiety for the next morning. Then they may find it harder to go to sleep in the first place! But your child seems unsettled at bedtime in the days or night before they are due to start, perhaps they are thinking about nursery. After all, it is a big deal for them! A casual conversation may be all they need to dispel some of those worries and help reassure them.
Try saying something like, ‘Oh yes, going to a new place can feel a bit scary or different. But the teachers will help you and there will be lots of friends to share and play with.” Perhaps if they have a favourite teddy or soft toy, you could suggest he/she goes with them to start with. Or maybe share the name of their keyworker, ask them what they like best about playing with friends etc.
How Do I Avoid A Teary Drop-Off?
In all honesty, you can’t. Don’t worry if your child bursts into tears as they’re getting ready to go in the door – or once you say goodbye. It’s just part of the separation process and is totally natural. Think how much better you feel after a good cry. It’s the same for our toddlers – that release of emotion can be necessary for them to process this new change before they move on and try something new.
Having said that, if they are expecting to say goodbye to you at the door, and know what’s in their bag, this may give them some sense of control. So their tears may be very short-lived, particularly if they are securely attached (i.e. have a strong bond with you and know/trust you are coming back for them at the end of the session).
Just trust that your child will be with an experienced and caring professional, so they are likely to be ‘fine’ within a few minutes of you leaving.
“My daughter would be teary most mornings, but would come out bouncing and singing at the end of the morning, saying she’d had loads of fun with her friends.”
– Liz, Team Happity
Want to get out and about, have fun with your baby or toddler, and meet other parents?
Search Happity to find everything that’s happening for the under-5’s in your local area – from music and singing classes, to messy play, arts and crafts, baby massage, gymnastics and more. Simply enter your postcode and child’s age to search, and then book your spot in a few taps. Enjoy dedicated fun time with your little one, watch their skills develop, and make friends at the same time. Mums, dads, grandparents and carers will all find something to love!
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