Did you know that only 20% of students in the United States learn a foreign language? With so many benefits of learning a second language, from improved cognitive skills to increased job prospects, teaching your child a second language is one of the best things you can do for them. 

However, if you're not a native speaker, it can be challenging to know where to start. So whether you're interested in teaching your kid how to speak Punjabi, Hindi, Malayalam or Telugu, here are four must-know tips for teaching your child a second language so that they can reap all the benefits:

Start Early

The earlier you start teaching your child a second language, the easier it will be for them to learn. Studies have shown that the best time is to start from birth to 3 years old, which is the same time that a child is learning their first language. During this time period, their mind is more flexible, and they can more easily understand the sounds and structures of a new language. However, don't worry if you haven't started that early! Kids can still learn a second language at any age. It will just be more difficult the older they are. 

Make It Fun

Learning a second language should be enjoyable for your child, not a chore. One way to make it fun is to include songs, games, and other activities that incorporate the new language. For example, the Lingo Dodo pads are interactive learning toys that make it easy to teach your child words and phrases through fun songs and games. By making it fun, your child will be more likely to want to learn and to be successful in their studies.

Set a Goal

When teaching your child a second language, it's essential to set a goal for what you want them to achieve. This will help you create a plan and track their progress. For example, if your goal is for your child to be able to have a conversation in the new language, you can break that down into smaller goals, such as learning 50 new words or being able to hold a conversation for five minutes.

Practice Every Day

One of the best ways to learn a second language is to practice it every day. This doesn't necessarily mean sitting down for an hour-long lesson every day but finding small ways to incorporate the language into your daily life. For example, you can read a bedtime story in the new language or practice counting to ten while making dinner. By practicing every day, your child will gradually become more proficient in the second language.

Wrapping It Up

Learning a second language has countless benefits, so it's worth teaching your child a new language. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to helping your child become bilingual or even multilingual! And who knows, maybe you'll even learn some yourself along the way. Click here for more resources on teaching a second language to your child.