How to Help a Child to Learn Mandarin

The most effective technique to teach a child a second language is to expose them to it at a young age. Learning Mandarin Chinese, however, is no easy task for a child.  Here are some recommended ways parents can support their children.  

1. Have fun while learning

Learning a language requires more than just keeping the kid's attention academically. For a child to enjoy learning, they must also have fun. Generally speaking, children, who perceive speaking Mandarin as enjoyable, will do it more readily.  Since they are young, a child can pick up Mandarin more quickly. Mandarin can be learned outside a textbook as well.  Parents could, for instance, expose them to a children's Mandarin book or have them watch Mandarin cartoons.

2. Use digital

The textbook isn't the only choice, as previously mentioned. It is now possible to use technology to a child's advantage with Mandarin. There are several educational apps available to help children improve their Mandarin skills. Examples include playing Mandarin games and Pinyin apps. This way, children can learn at school and home simultaneously.

3. Set some daily real-life scenarios

Using Mandarin regularly or making the subject personal for a child will help them improve. Parents can provide their children with opportunities to practice Mandarin by pretending they are at a Chinese grocery store to buy something. Or they could simply ask the child to request in Mandarin when they ask for something simple at home, such as a snack or a cup of water. This way, they feel more comfortable and confident speaking Mandarin outside the home. By generating real-world scenarios, the child might be inspired to put them to use.

4. Keep a schedule

Maintain a child's Mandarin learning on a schedule. For instance, studying Mandarin at this hour, on these days of the week, or having a language-only activity.  This is an excellent technique for learning better and faster and to get the child into the habit of speaking Mandarin. In this way, they can practice Mandarin anywhere, even outside the classroom.

5. Learn together

Parent-child engagement in the classroom is crucial for a child's growth. It is also recommended that parents also learn Mandarin with their children.  Besides providing advantages to the child individually, learning Mandarin helps the parent and child develop a closer relationship. It will be possible for children to recall this valuable experience when speaking the language.  Rather than a destination, learning is a journey. A child doesn't need to go on the journey on their own; a parent can hold their hand. A language can serve as more than just a means of communication; it can also strengthen the relationship between parent and child.