Finding the time for language learning or to strengthen existing language learning skills can be challenging for busy families, especially when juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities.
However, with a simple and flexible approach, even 15 minutes a day can make a big impact on your child’s language learning journey. Here are some tips to help your family create a natural, outdoor-based language learning routine, particularly for families with children up to 11 years old.
Set Realistic Goals
When creating a language routine, it’s important to set achievable goals. For families with young children, the focus should be on building vocabulary and forming simple sentences, rather than diving into complex grammar. Start small, introducing 5-10 new words or phrases each week, and incorporate them into daily conversations.
You can read about my thoughts on a Charlotte Mason approach in this blog post.
Integrate Learning into Your Routine
The key here is to make language learning part of your existing routine rather than an additional task. Since many families only have about 15 minutes to dedicate to language learning, you can integrate it into regular activities like:
- Outdoor walks: While exploring nature, point out and name things you see—trees, flowers, animals—in our case English and German.
- Meal times: Discuss what you’re eating in both languages.
- Morning routines: Incorporate simple language exercises while getting ready for the day, like naming clothes or actions.
Use a Charlotte Mason Approach
We are totally Inspired by the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy, with the focus on auditory and visual learning. Instead of traditional writing and reading exercises, use everyday interactions to foster language skills:
- Nature observation: While spending time outdoors, encourage your child to describe what they see. Use simple sentences like “The sun is shining” or “The bird is flying.”
- Conversations: Create small dialogues while playing or during outdoor activities. You can ask simple questions like, “What color is the flower?” or “Can you find a big tree?”
If you are looking for more Chalotte Mason inspiration take a look here.
Make Learning Fun with Games
Children learn best when they’re engaged and having fun. Turn language learning into a game by:
- I Spy (in two languages): While out for a walk or in the garden, say “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and let your child guess the object in English or German.
- Scavenger hunts: Create a bilingual scavenger hunt, asking your child to find objects that match a list of vocabulary words. For example, they could search for a “Blume” (flower) or “Stein” (stone).
Limit Technology and Embrace the Outdoors
Many families find themselves relying on technology for language learning, but there are plenty of ways to learn without screens. Outdoor learning helps children connect with nature while keeping language learning engaging. Try:
- Picnic time: While having a snack outdoors, practice naming foods, drinks, and objects around you in both languages.
- Outdoor storytelling: Share simple stories or sing songs in English or German during playtime outside. Cultural integration is important, so incorporating traditional songs or folktales in the target language makes learning more immersive.
Stay Consistent but Flexible
Consistency is key when creating a language learning routine, but it’s also important to stay flexible. Aim for 15 minutes of language practice each day, but don’t worry if life gets busy—adjust to what works best for your family. You might find that three days a week is more sustainable or just mixing it in when you can.
Cultural Connection
Language learning becomes more meaningful when paired with cultural experiences. Introduce cultural elements from both English and German-speaking countries:
- Songs and Rhymes: Learn traditional nursery rhymes or songs from English-speaking or German-speaking cultures.
- Food: Prepare simple, traditional recipes and practice vocabulary while cooking together. We love afternoon tea parties.
- Seasonal activities: Incorporate cultural traditions, like Christmas songs in German or discussing days like Halloween in English.
Final Thoughts
Learning a new language doesn’t have to be a formal or time-consuming process. By incorporating short, meaningful activities into your families everyday life, you can help your child build vocabulary and gain confidence in a second language. Keep it fun, flexible, and natural, and watch as language learning becomes a part of your family’s routine.
Also my book The Outdoor Bilingual Learner (which I know I plug in everypost but…) has been inspired by the Charlotte Mason approach with learning vocabulary and short sentences related to various nature topics encouraging your language learning journey to take an outdoor approach. It may also inspire you on your families langauge learning journey.
Enjoy x
