Learning foreign language doesn’t have to be limited to only textbooks or rigid classroom instruction. The most rewarding learning experiences can come from social activities that bring the whole household together! If you are a parent raising bilingual children or a student learning a foreign language on your own, here are some fun family night activities that can make language learning a joyful experience for everyone!
Vocabulary Language Puzzles
Foreign language-themed puzzles help to build vocabulary recognition and spelling skills in a challenging and engaging way. Puzzles can be completed individually or as a family.
Turn Cooking into a Language Immersion Experience
Meal prep can be turned into both a language learning and cultural immersion experience!
• Look for traditional food recipes from the countries where the foreign language is spoken. For example, you can find a recipe for croissants if French is the target language, or Sushi for Japanese.
• Prepare a list of specific vocabulary in the language related to the recipe and cooking. For example: flour, oil, chicken; to mix, to cut, to bake; “we need…”.
This list can be reviewed before or introduced during the cooking session.
Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Games for Vocabulary Practice
Create a treasure hunt around the home with clues written in the foreign language.
•Prepare a list of words or phrases to translate in the target language, then other family or household members can search for items that match the words. For example, if Spanish is the target language, the word list can include “rojo” (red), “libro” (book), or a phrase to translate, like “Busca el objeto que dice ‘Manzana’.” (Find the object labeled ‘Apple’).
A language treasure hunt helps with using language in real time and building vocabulary.
Hosting a movie night with a film in a foreign language is a great immersion experience! You can look for family-friendly movies that provide subtitles. After watching the film, the family or household members can discuss the plot, characters, and new vocabulary and phrases each person learned.
Vocabulary Flash Card Games
Foreign language flashcards are a useful and fun way to incorporate language learning into a family game night. Flashcards can be used to play games like memory match, Go Fish, or charades to promote communication, vocabulary recall, and quick thinking in a foreign language.
Bingo for Language Learning
Create or print out bingo cards with pictures of objects, animals, or items in the target language. Call the words out in the target language (i.e “manzana” for a photo of an apple), and have players mark their cards. The first to complete a row will shout “Bingo!”. Afterwards, have the winner translate the words. This is a great activity for reinforcing vocabulary recognition and listening skills.
Language learning doesn’t have to only be mobile apps or formal lessons. Learning through social engagement and shared experiences is also valuable. Turning learning into games and playful challenges can make learning a new language an enjoyable experience for both children and adults!
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