The teacher is the method: why your child’s connection with their teacher changes everything in language learning By Beatriz Tejedor | September 26, 2025 When parents ask me, “What’s the most important factor in my child learning French or...
Turning Language Lessons into Playtime
Turning Language Lessons into Playtime
By Beatriz Tejedor | March 24, 2025
Over the years, I’ve taught dozens of young learners and discovered one universal truth: if it feels like work, kids will tune out. If it feels like play, they’ll dive right in! The secret to getting children engaged in a new language is to bring play into the equation. Games, songs, and imaginative activities can make lessons irresistible.
Start with something simple like “Simon Says,” but use the target language for the commands. If you’re teaching Spanish, for instance, say “Simón dice salta” (“Simon says jump”). Kids adore following these playful instructions, and it helps them associate new words with actions. Another fun idea is a scavenger hunt: hide objects labeled with vocabulary words around the house and challenge your children to find them. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick up the words when a little friendly competition is involved.
Songs are also a fantastic tool. Choose catchy tunes with repetitive lyrics, because repetition aids memory. Let your children dance around and sing along. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation at first—the key is building confidence and enthusiasm. Over time, their accent and fluency will naturally improve.
You can even turn household chores into language games. Ask them to help you set the table in French by calling out each item they place, like “fourchette” for fork. They’ll associate these mundane tasks with playful language practice—and you might get some help around the house in the process!
Remember to celebrate wins. If your child says a new phrase without hesitation or uses a word correctly in context, give them a high-five or a cheerful “Excellent!” The positive feedback loops back into their motivation.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get silly yourself. Use gestures, funny voices, and puppets if you have them. Your enthusiasm will give your child permission to fully engage. After all, kids look to us for cues, and if they see you having fun, they’ll follow suit.
When lessons feel like recess rather than homework, children will stay curious and excited. In the end, they’ll learn faster—and discover the joy of exploring a new language without even realizing it!
Want to see these playful learning strategies in action? Give your child the chance to experience the joy of learning a new language with us! We’d love to invite you to a free trial class, where they can dive into engaging activities, games, and songs designed to make language learning fun and natural. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how we turn lessons into an exciting adventure!
Turning Language Lessons into Playtime
By Beatriz Tejedor | March 24, 2025
Over the years, I’ve taught dozens of young learners and discovered one universal truth: if it feels like work, kids will tune out. If it feels like play, they’ll dive right in! The secret to getting children engaged in a new language is to bring play into the equation. Games, songs, and imaginative activities can make lessons irresistible.
Start with something simple like “Simon Says,” but use the target language for the commands. If you’re teaching Spanish, for instance, say “Simón dice salta” (“Simon says jump”). Kids adore following these playful instructions, and it helps them associate new words with actions. Another fun idea is a scavenger hunt: hide objects labeled with vocabulary words around the house and challenge your children to find them. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick up the words when a little friendly competition is involved.
Songs are also a fantastic tool. Choose catchy tunes with repetitive lyrics, because repetition aids memory. Let your children dance around and sing along. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation at first—the key is building confidence and enthusiasm. Over time, their accent and fluency will naturally improve.
You can even turn household chores into language games. Ask them to help you set the table in French by calling out each item they place, like “fourchette” for fork. They’ll associate these mundane tasks with playful language practice—and you might get some help around the house in the process!
Remember to celebrate wins. If your child says a new phrase without hesitation or uses a word correctly in context, give them a high-five or a cheerful “Excellent!” The positive feedback loops back into their motivation.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get silly yourself. Use gestures, funny voices, and puppets if you have them. Your enthusiasm will give your child permission to fully engage. After all, kids look to us for cues, and if they see you having fun, they’ll follow suit. When lessons feel like recess rather than homework, children will stay curious and excited. In the end, they’ll learn faster—and discover the joy of exploring a new language without even realizing it!
Want to see these playful learning strategies in action? Give your child the chance to experience the joy of learning a new language with us! We’d love to invite you to a free trial class, where they can dive into engaging activities, games, and songs designed to make language learning fun and natural. It’s the perfect opportunity to see how we turn lessons into an exciting adventure!
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Magic-Languages started in response to the growing need to learn and master foreign languages in today’s increasingly globalized world. We offer programs in Spanish, French & English specially designed to enhance students’ capacity for communication in practical ways.
