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.
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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
Find a Kidslingo class on Happity today!
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