"My son has recently started practicing Russian and already knows many words. But when communicating with his grandmother from Russia, he is shy to speak, he keeps silent. When will he speak?" Parents of children studying Russian abroad want their child to be able to communicate with their relatives. But often lessons alone are not enough. Especially if the child has no or insufficiently developed language environment. Children at school and on the street communicate in a different language and at home it is easier for them to speak the language of their country of residence. Because it is easier and faster. And parents often don't insist because it takes time and effort. How to overcome this language barrier? Especially if the child has only recently begun to master Russian.
What is a language barrier?
A language barrier is a psychological obstacle that prevents a person from communicating freely in a foreign language. It can manifest itself in fear of making a mistake, fear of being misunderstood or ridiculed, uncertainty about one's knowledge. For children, the language barrier can seriously interfere with language learning, because they are still learning to express their thoughts and feelings.
Ways to improve speaking skills
So how can we help children overcome the language barrier and learn to communicate fluently in Russian? Here are some tips:
- A comfortable environment for language learning. The child should feel confident and not be afraid to make mistakes. Encourage any attempts to speak Russian, even if he/she still makes mistakes.
- Games and Entertainment. Children learn best through play. Use games, play songs, cartoons and other entertainment in Russian at home. This will make the process more exciting. And the child will get used to hearing Russian.
- Language environment. Surround your child with Russian speech. At Palme School online school, all lessons are in Russian, even for children who don't speak Russian yet. And for children who have already started learning Russian, there are Conversation School course. These are lessons on different topics, which the children discuss orally in a group or individually with the teacher. Each lesson is based on a specific topic, for which the teacher gives a vocabulary. All lessons are playful, and the child will not notice how he or she will start to talk about themselves, their friends and hobbies.
- Comparisons to other people's successes. Every child is unique, and his or her progress in learning a language may differ significantly from other children. If there are children in your environment who are also learning or already speak Russian, don't make your child feel worse about their mistakes.
- Communicating with native speakers. Whenever possible, organize communication between your child and native speakers. Try to communicate more often with Russian-speaking relatives via video link, even if your child still knows a few phrases. Our group classes with a Russian teacher can help you expand your child's social circle. During Russian language classes, teachers use interactive teaching methods. These are role-playing games, discussions, projects - all of this helps children to actively use Russian and overcome the language barrier.
- Motivation - is the key to successful language learning. Keep your child interested in learning a foreign language by telling him/her how it can be useful for him/her in the future. For example, in this article we wrote about why a child should learn Russian.
- Lack of fear of making mistakes. Mistakes are a normal part of the language learning process. Explain to your child that even adults and even teachers make mistakes. It is important not to be afraid of them, but to remember them and learn to correct them.
- Patience and encouragement for successes. Be patient and praise your child for every success in language learning, even the smallest ones. This will help them to stay motivated and confident.
Conclusion
Classes at Palme School are aimed at comprehensive Russian language learning for children from 4 to 14 years old. Regular attendance at lessons, communication with native Russian speakers, and doing homework in a fun way helps children make rapid progress. And you can try online lessons in any subject at our school for free. Submit an application in the form below and our manager will contact you to book a date for an introductory lesson.
