While thoughts of high school foreign language classes may send shivers down your spine, the opportunity to learn a new language in a fun environment will have your little ones jumping for joy. Kids actually learn new languages much faster than adults. In fact, the younger, the better! Check out these classes that will open up a whole new world of words to your young linguist.
Photo Credit: Yak Academy
Yak Academy
Using play-based immersion techniques, Yak Academy creates a fun environment where kids naturally absorb language through song, movement and activities such as arts and crafts. Students are able to learn at their own pace, in a non-traditional environment. Options include a preschool program, enrichment and “Toddler and Me” classes. Languages Offered: Spanish and Mandarin
Word of the Day: Libre! Yak Academy offers “libre” (meaning free in Spanish) trial classes, as well as sibling and military discounts.
Cost: $118/month for ages 3 and above; $100/month for “Toddler & Me” class; $50 Registration Fee (ages: 1-10)
9939 Hibert St., Suite 105
San Diego, Ca 92131
(858) 679 7760
Online: yakacademy.com
Photo Credit: Language Door Facebook Page
Language Door
From Arabic to Vietnamese — and many languages in between — Language Door provides a wide variety of choices for your kiddo to explore. Native speaking teachers engage students during small group sessions of three to four students. Kids’ classes meet once per week for an hour for eight weeks in order to allow time for the understanding of each lesson and to complete homework. Languages Offered: 20+ languages
Word of the Day: Eenvoudig. Language Door always offers the next level of your language at the same date and time, keeping your scheduling “eenvoudig” (meaning simple in Dutch).
Cost: $199 - $239/session
7380 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 202A
San Diego, Ca 92111
(858) 888-3509
Online: languagedoor.com
Photo Credit: BFLE Facebook Page
Brilliant Foreign Language Education
In the heart of the Otay Ranch neighborhood of Chula Vista, you will find the Brilliant Foreign Language Education (BFLE) center. While primarily offering classes in Mandarin, BFLE has expanded its language options since recently opening its doors. Flexible hours, qualified teachers and small group sessions for grades pre-K, K-6, and 6-12 make finding a perfect class for your family easy. Even better, classes start right away so there is no need to wait for a new session to begin, simply call to schedule. Languages Offered: Spanish, Mandarin, French and Japanese
Word of the Day: 社區 – BFLE loves giving back to its 社區 (Chinese for community) by offering free classes once a month at neighboring Heritage Park Recreation Center.
Cost: $10/class, $30 registration fee per family (ages: 4+)
1392 E. Palomar St. Suite 408
Chula Vista, Ca 91913
(619) 721-6552
Online: BFLElanguage.com
Photo Credit: Lingua Natal Facebook Page
Lingua Natal
Lingua Natal Center’s Origin™ curriculum provides a learning experience based upon a child’s natural curiosity. Lena Sisson, founder of Lingua Natal, has learned that for kids, language learning is the result of a dynamic blend of continual language stimulation, joyous interaction with native people, culture, new sounds and loving encouragement. The center offers programs for six age groups, including Year Round (Beginner to Proficiency), Camps (Summer, Winter and Spring), Home Groups and Enrichment. Languages Offered: French, Spanish and Mandarin
Word of the Day: Thème – Each 8-week session is based upon a thème (French for theme), such as The Solar System and Rain Forests, to keep kids engaged throughout the year.
Cost: Varies by Program (ages: 1-12)
1104 Garden View Rd.
Encinitas, Ca 92024
(619) 585-5269
Online: linguanatal.com
Photo Credit: Italian American Academy Facebook Page
Italian Cultural Center
The Italian Cultural Center in Little Italy offers a fun and relaxing environment to learn Italian, whether you are 2 or 102. Their Parent and Me classes, provided by the Italian American Academy, allows you and your toddler to learn in a fun-filled class of movement, songs and games. Introducing children early to the sounds of the Italian language allows them to develop pronunciation and conversion skills right along with their parent. Language Offered: Italian
Word of the Day: Cucina – The kitchen becomes a classroom for linguists and little chefs, ages 5-8, during cucina (Italian for cooking) classes that are offered each quarter.
Cost: $150/session; $180/Parents & Me or Italian Cooking (ages: 2 – 14)
1669 Columbia St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
(619) 237-0601
Online: icc-sd.org
Have you tried foreign language classes with your kids? Which ones do you recommend? Tell us in the comments!
— Roxanne Holmes
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