What Are the Best Resources for Kids to Learn Languages?

Many parents dream of helping their children learn a new language, but they’re overwhelmed by the endless options or simply don't know where to start. They wonder: what are the most effective resources for children to learn languages? Should they download a language learning app or enroll their child in structured lessons? These endless, but valid, questions might make it difficult to decide; hence, this guide will help parents find the best resources for children learning languages.

There is no single best resource for kids to learn languages. Instead, it’s best to use a combination of approaches, including interactive activities, fun engagement, and age-appropriate content. Kids learn languages best when learning is woven into play and immersion, rather than textbooks and rigid, structured approaches.

These include language-learning apps such as Duolingo ABC and Mondly Kids, language-learning software such as Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages, and free language-learning programs from PBS Kids. This article will cover these options and more, explain how to use them most effectively, and help you choose the right resources for your child to learn a new language.

Why Kids Learn Languages Differently

Children’s brains adapt faster than adults’, making it easier for them to learn languages at an early age. They can absorb the new vocabulary and language skills naturally through context and repetition. For children, learning a new language has many benefits. It promotes problem-solving, critical thinking, writing, and math skills compared with peers who can speak only one language. Additionally, speaking more than one language helps children develop empathy, tolerance, and cultural sensitivity (Mim, 2023).

Best Language Learning Apps for Kids

Parents can make language acquisition accessible and engaging for their children by using language-learning apps. The most effective language-learning apps employ gamification, interactive exercises, and age-appropriate content that sustain children’s motivation. The nature of these apps builds their vocabulary, grammar, and overall language skills, while making the entire process fun.

Duolingo for Kids and Duolingo ABC

Duolingo is a popular, free, gamified language-learning platform that offers bite-sized lessons covering reading, speaking, writing, and listening. This app offers a specialized version, Duolingo ABC, for ages 2-8, that teaches English reading and writing skills, covering the alphabet, phonics, sight words, and comprehension. The lessons are interactive games and stories to build basic vocabulary and foundational literacy skills. Kids progress on the app by earning points and unlocking rewards, making it feel like a fun game. The app also includes safety features such as ad-free browsing and protected child profiles, which are crucial when allowing kids to explore the internet.

Gus on the Go

Gus on the Go supports learning in over 30 languages through vivid animations and interactive games, making it suitable for children ages 2-5. Unlike Duolingo ABC, Gus on the Go introduces vocabulary and phrases in many languages with theme-based lessons, such as numbers and animals. Notably, it incorporates native-speaker audio to ensure accurate pronunciation, and it is designed specifically for younger children needing exposure to multiple languages rather than just English.

Mondly Kids

Mondly Kids offers gamified lessons on popular, familiar topics to help children learn more than 30 languages through play. The app blends interactive activities with speech-recognition technology, allowing kids to practice their language skills and receive immediate feedback. Children can learn basic vocabulary, phrases, and simple conversations appropriate for young learners. The app emphasizes repetition and spiral learning to enhance retention.

ABCya

ABCya offers skill-building games for young language learners and is particularly effective for Spanish vocabulary and basic concepts. While it offers games across subjects, ABCya’s language-learning section emphasizes interactive Spanish exercises. Unlike Mondly Kids and Gus on the Go, ABCya doesn't offer many languages, but it does provide an ad-free version to enrich the user experience.

Droplets

Droplets offers short lessons and games focused on visual learning, introducing more than 35 languages. Compared to other language apps, Droplets emphasizes colorful illustrations and mnemonics to help children remember new vocabulary. Each lesson takes a few minutes, so it's easy to fit language learning into everyday routines, even for busy parents. This app is particularly effective for visual learners who benefit from image-word associations.

Other Notable Language Apps

Little Pim, Rosetta Stone app, and Lingokids are other notable language apps. While Little Pim targets ages 0-6 and uses entertaining videos and interactive activities, Rosetta Stone Kids Lingo Letter Sounds focuses on developing foundational phonics and letter recognition. Lingokids integrates language learning into other subjects such as math, life, and social learning, and is most effective for children ages 2-8.

Choosing the Right Language App

When it comes to choosing the language-learning app that would work best for your child’s individual needs, there are a few things to consider. The app you select should be age-appropriate and align with your child’s learning style and preferences. The most effective approach would depend on your child's age, skill level, and the specific language they are learning. While free apps like Duolingo ABC offer a solid starting point, paid options like Gus on the Go provide more structure and an ad-free experience. Ultimately, you want an option that lets your kid learn at their own pace, with slight pressure and a supportive learning environment.

Supplementing Apps with Reading

Language-learning apps are all the rage now, but long before the age of modern technology, books were the go-to for learning anything and everything. That still is the case for many things, including language learning for children. The key to making this work is combining digital learning with reading books in the target language, which enhances comprehension and vocabulary retention.

Reading provides context for new words they learn and naturally reinforces grammatical patterns. The Tuttle Twins books are available in 13+ other languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and more, allowing children to practice reading familiar stories while building language skills.

Best Language Learning Software and Structured Programs

Language learning apps may offer the colorful and gamified approach to language learning; however, language learning software and structured programs use a more comprehensive curriculum-based approach. The best language-learning software offers curricula designed for long-term language acquisition, often including cultural context, grammar instruction, and systematic skill progression.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone offers a comprehensive, immersive, picture-based language-learning experience suitable for children aged eight and above. The software employs a sophisticated yet user-friendly Dynamic Immersion method to map words to images without translation. The sessions are in the form of interactive, bite-sized lessons, covering dozens of languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Japanese. Rosetta Stone also has a pronunciation focus, using the TruAccent speech recognition, which gives immediate feedback. In this way, children learn to speak with confidence, like a native speaker.

MUZZY

The award-winning BBC language program MUZZY uses animated stories and games to teach kids vocabulary, phrases, and grammar concepts naturally. The idea is to use a natural immersion method of language learning suitable for all ages. It’s particularly effective for kids who respond well to visual storytelling. The languages offered include Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin Chinese.

Mango Languages

Mango Languages typically serves older children and adults; however, it has partnered with Little Pim to provide learning opportunities for young children (ages 0-6). Mango Languages uses a video-based method introducing Spanish, French, Mandarin, English, German, Arabic, Italian, and more. The short, engaging lessons help kids build a foundation of practical, culturally rich, and conversational language skills and work great for homeschoolers. For more homeschooling resources, visit Tuttle Twins’ Homeschool Hub.

Key Differences: Learning Software vs Learning Apps

Language learning software is a broad umbrella term for a range of programs, including large, complex platforms. In contrast, apps are a specific type of software designed to be portable, mobile-first tools. The software offers in-depth, structured curricula and sometimes incorporates live teacher interactions and built-in detailed feedback mechanisms. While both work well on their own, the real benefit comes from combining them for effective learning. The learning software provides the foundational knowledge, while the apps are for supplemental practice, repetition, and reinforcement.

Interactive Online Resources and Free Learning Programs

Beyond the apps and software, there are many other free learning programs and websites that are just as helpful, offering interactive exercises, games, and multimedia content. Here are a few examples:

Digital Dialects

Digital Dialects is a language-learning website that offers engaging ways to learn effectively using games, flashcards, and interactive materials. Covering over 80 languages, with audio assistance, Digital Dialects includes vocabulary builders, number practice, and basic phrases, and, notably, it’s entirely free with no registration required.

PBS Kids

Another popular favorite among kids is PBS Kids. As a leading educational media brand for children (ages 2-8), PBS Kids offers free learning programs, including the “Oh Noah!” and “Alma’s Way” collections, which help children learn Spanish easily and in a fun, engaging way. PBS Kids also features American Sign Language (ASL), making it accessible to more children.

BBC Bitesize

BBC offers a free, comprehensive online learning platform for kids aged 3-16+, providing both written and audiovisual lessons to help them learn a second language. The resources provided include structured quizzes and supplemental materials. Languages offered include French, Spanish, German, and others. The lessons cover vocabulary building, pronunciation, and grammar development.

Additional Free Resources

Other online resources to explore include Little Explorers Picture Dictionary for visual learners and Storyline Online for read-aloud videos of children’s books.

Personalized Learning: Tutoring and Classes

Personalized lessons with native speakers and structured classroom environments can make all the difference in children's language learning. Here’s how you can help your child with personalized tutoring and classes:

Online Tutoring with Native Speakers

Online tutoring allows kids to practice speaking and listening with immediate feedback through platforms like Preply. Preply offers personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions, allowing kids to ask questions in real time and learn at a pace appropriate to their skill level and interests.

Community Programs and Local Resources

Learning doesn’t have to be done in isolation. When the apps, software, and digital resources have done their bit, it might be time to explore community programs and local resources at your fingertips. Community centers and local libraries often provide free or pocket-friendly language classes for kids. There may also be local community language classes where kids can be exposed to different cultures through activities, celebrations, and safe, engaging interactions with fellow learners.

School-Based Language Learning

Getting your child to join a language club at school can help them make new friends while also practicing their language skills. It also boosts their confidence as they get to learn and interact in a supportive environment. Many schools offer dual-language programs or language clubs that provide regular opportunities to practice in an immersive environment.

Everyday Language Learning Activities

Learning new languages becomes more efficient and productive when incorporated into daily life. By intertwining the new language into their daily routine, your child is learning while engaging in their activities. You can help them associate their vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of the language as they use it in familiar settings, and with familiar people.

Labeling Household Items

Label household items in the language they’re learning to facilitate word associations and vocabulary development. It can be as simple as putting sticky notes on common household objects, such as doors, refrigerators, toys, shoes, and even personal effects, such as hats and favorite pieces of clothing.

Using Media with Subtitles

Subtitles are a great way to solidify all that your kid has learned. Start with English subtitles while watching TV shows and movies in the target language for support, and as their skills progress, switch the subtitles to the target language and eventually, work your way up to removing the subtitles entirely.

Music and Audio Resources

Music and audio resources are a great way to get even more familiar with a new language. Songs can enhance memory and retention in children, helping them memorize vocabulary and phrases through melody and repetition. Explore age-friendly music, podcasts, and other musical resources to develop your kid’s language skills.

Reading Books in the Target Language

Reading familiar, engaging stories in English and then in the target language can help them build new connections. Start with picture books, then progress to simple chapter books as their skills develop. The Tuttle Twins books available in 13+ languages, including Spanish, French, German, and Italian, can help your child build their reading skills in their target language.

Daily Conversation Practice

Encourage your child to speak the target language, even with just a few words at first. Common, frequently used words such as colors, numbers, and greetings are a great start, and they can gradually progress to common requests and eventually to a full conversation.

How to Choose the Right Resources for Your Child

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right language learning resources for your child. However, the best approach is to combine multiple resources rather than rely on a single one. Here are a few factors to consider to ensure your child has the most comprehensive language-learning experience.

• Consider Age and Developmental Stage: Some resources and tools are most effective for specific age groups. Between the ages of two and five, visual, game-based apps like Gus on the Go and Mondly Kids are a great choice. Ages six to eight would benefit most from slightly more structured lessons with tools such as Duolingo ABC or Muzzy. Children older than nine do well with comprehensive software such as Rosetta Stone or conversational platforms like Mango Languages.
• Match Learning Style and Preferences: Every child is unique, with distinct interests and learning styles. Some children do better with visual-based learning, excelling with illustration apps like Droplets, while others prefer auditory learning, doing well with music, podcasts, and listening exercises.
• Balance Free and Paid Options: Free platforms such as PBS Kids provide excellent starting points without financial commitment. Duolingo offers both free and paid versions. While free options provide just enough to get started, you can progress to investing financially in paid platforms. Start with free options/versions to find what works best for your child and progress as needed.
• Prioritize Safety Features: Your child’s safety is the most important thing. Language-learning apps should include adequate safety features, such as the absence of ads and dedicated, secure child profiles. Most apps designed for young learners eliminate any external links, social features, and advertisements. Look out for these and always keep an eye out.

Conclusion

The best resources for kids to learn languages combine digital learning through apps like Duolingo and Mondly Kids, structured lessons from software like Rosetta Stone, free learning programs from PBS Kids, and everyday activities like watching TV with subtitles and reading books in the target language. Children learn languages most effectively when learning feels like play, so choose resources that match your child's age and interests, and incorporate interactive activities and real-world practice. For additional educational support, visit the Tuttle Twins homeschool hub for more resources.

References

• Afsana Haque Mim, The Importance of Multilingualism in a Globalized World: Understanding Multilingualism, 2023.