If you are considering a foreign language as part of your child’s homeschooling experience, there are a few things that might assist you with this decision. Teaching a foreign language will help your child better understand their native language. It opens the door to explore other cultures and has a positive effect on intellectual growth. In addition, if your child gains experience of a foreign language now, they will have a head start for their language requirements in college. Also, a child who learns a second language will have more potential for succeeding in the job market, where many employers view knowing another language as a real asset.

The majority of homeschooling parents in the United States choose Spanish to teach as a foreign language. This is due to the frequency of it’s use in our society. The second most popular choice is Latin. Teaching Latin seems to give students an edge on standardized testing scores. If a foreign language is already being spoken in your household, you probably should consider it a viable option, as it will be easier to teach effectively. However, even if you do not have any foreign language skills, you and your child can learn effectively together.

The key to teaching a foreign language in homeschool is immersion. Due to the fact that foreign languages are difficult to learn, the lessons must appeal to every sense. Visually, it is helpful to choose the best workbooks and use flash cards to label items around the house that pertain to the lesson. Auditory programs are effective tools for teaching children to listen and translate the material. When choosing the curriculum for your homeschool foreign language lessons, be sure that your resources incorporate practice for listening, speaking, and writing. Even though teaching a foreign language can be difficult, with today’s technology and effective tools, it is easier than it has ever been before.