Really, it’s never too early to learn a language.  I know.  My little ones are hooked on learning Spanish.  Sure, Dora the Explorer or Diego probably have a little bit to do with it–at least with getting them interested in the language in the first place.

Seriously, though, when sports and activities sign-ups roll around, my kids *beg* for Spanish classes.  As far as I’m concerned, that’s a great thing, especially since studies suggest that the child brain is incredibly receptive to learning a foreign language. 

Language classes are a great way to help a child acquire a second language.  But classes aren’t the only ticket to picking up another language. 

Bilingual Toy

Here are five ways to help your child learn a language: 

1.  Play language CDs–even music in the language.  Play the CDs in the car.  Around the house.  Play them during pregnancy.  Play them during infancy.  The sooner you start, the better. 

2.  Find learning aids.  There are so many products on the market today designed to help language acquisition.  Flashcards.  Games.  CDs.  DVDs.  Podcasts. Talking Toys. 

3.  Label your house in the foreign language.  Label the refrigerator.  Label your furniture.  Label your children’s toys.  Make reference to these items in the language and watch your child’s vocabulary grow.

4.  Have fun!  When learning is fun, your child will only crave more.         

5.  Of course, total immersion is probably the fastest–and maybe even the best–way to pick up a second language.  But not many of us can simply pack up and move to another country!

Does your child speak more than one language?  If so, at what age did they start learning the language, and how did you go about teaching your child the language?