Learning Chinese is difficult. But kids, far more than adults, are well-equipped to learn even this complex language quickly and efficiently thanks to the plasticity of their brains.
Yet even though kids can learn Chinese fluently faster than adults, they need the right tools and strategies to thrive.
Not sure how to learn Chinese as a child, or how to help your child learn this language?
Let’s break down six kid-friendly ways to learn Chinese so you can give your child the tools they need to succeed in this endeavor.
1. Apps and Games
Plenty of evidence shows that kids learn best when they are playing games. With that in mind, consider downloading one of many Chinese learning apps and digital games that your child can engage with on a smartphone or tablet.
Mobile apps and games break down the learning experience into fun handfuls of seconds for your kids.
This, in turn, may help them learn Chinese vocabulary, sentence structures, characters, and other elements of the language more organically than simply having them recite information from a worksheet or workbook.
Apps and games are also convenient since they allow your child to learn Chinese on the go, like when you have them in a car on a visit to see a family member.
2. How to Learn Chinese Language Programs
Chinese language learning programs such as LingoAce are also excellent choices.
These programs answer the question “how to learn Chinese” in an organic and personalized way, offering one-on-one instruction lessons and supportive educational resources for kids and young adults alike.
In fact, the best Chinese language learning programs can help your child grasp this language in a matter of months.
They use one-on-one instructional videos from certified teachers of the language plus flexible learning paths so you and your child can tailor the instruction according to their needs.
3. Educational Videos
Of course, other educational videos found on platforms like YouTube can be similarly beneficial. Just type in “how to learn Chinese”!
Kids usually love watching videos, and pre-recorded videos can be rewound and re-watched over and over again until your child grasps a very difficult part of the language or overcomes a specific challenge.
However, you should review any educational videos before giving them to your child. That way, you can make sure that they are at the right skill level and aren’t overly complex.
You can also ensure the teacher in the videos is knowledgeable and provides the right information.
4. Flashcards!
When all else fails, you can help your child learn Chinese vocabulary by giving them flashcards. Flashcards can also be helpful for learning Chinese symbols and characters.
Flashcards, however, should not be used to help your child learn how to structure sentences or how converse in Chinese.
Simply put, flashcards are great for rote memorization; they are ideal for learning the Chinese alphabet, for instance.
However, when it comes to learning the more organic and complex parts of Chinese, you need to speak Chinese to them or hire a tutor to do so in your place.
5. Chinese-related Activities
You might further help your child learn Chinese through the use of hands-on activities.
Hands-on activities, like chopstick games or other games, can help your child associate different Chinese words and sentences with different activities.
For example, Rosetta Stone offers a very easy chopstick game that combines different elements of Chinese culture, translating words, and games into a single experience.
As touched on above, kids usually love games that teach them things, especially when the thing they need to learn is somewhat complex or difficult.
As an added bonus, engaging your child in activities related to Chinese culture exposes them to that culture more deeply than otherwise.
This can be important if you want to teach your child Chinese as a part of their shared heritage or if you want to help them understand the language and its context more quickly.
6. Chinese Audiobooks
Lastly, introduce your child to Chinese audiobooks. For the best results, have these audiobooks be of books that your child has already read or listened to.
Then they can hear the Chinese version of the same media. Not only does this help them connect different English words and phrases to the Chinese language.
It also helps them understand the different quirks and contextual variances between the two tongues.
Chinese audiobooks are furthermore great opportunities to immerse your child in Chinese culture.
For an added challenge, consider having your child respond to the book in Chinese or converse with you in Chinese if they want to talk about what’s happening in the story. You can play Chinese audiobooks at home, in the car, or anywhere else!
Conclusion
There you have it—six perfectly kid-friendly ways to learn Chinese and bolster your child’s chances of achieving fluency sooner rather than later.
Try combining each of these methods together to maximize your results!