Helping children maintain an additional language during long school holidays can be a challenge — especially for parents who don’t speak the language themselves. However, with consistent, manageable routines and some creative engagement, students can retain and even improve their language skills while school is out.
1. Practise Every Day
Regular exposure is key. It’s better to dedicate 15–20 minutes daily than to cram a few hours once a week. Daily practice helps vocabulary and grammar become embedded more naturally. Try building language time into your child’s routine — perhaps after breakfast or before dinner — so it becomes a habit rather than a chore.
2. Let Them Choose a Book
Reading is essential, but it should be enjoyable. Start the holidays by letting your child pick a book in their target language from a bookstore or library. When children feel ownership over what they read, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Parents can also join in by reading their own books and sharing the experience as a family activity.
3. Keep a Vocabulary Notebook
Encourage your child to keep a dedicated notebook — or use their phone — to jot down new words and expressions they encounter. Reviewing this daily and incorporating new vocabulary into real conversations can significantly improve retention. Tools like Quizlet.com are great for creating personalized flashcards, visual aids, and quick quizzes.
4. Maximize Language Exposure
If you’re spending time in a country where the target language is spoken, encourage immersion through everyday activities. Watching local TV shows, listening to the radio, reading newspapers, or simply noticing signs in public spaces can provide valuable passive exposure. Language learning is often more effective when it’s a natural part of daily life.
5. Keep Writing
Writing can be easy to overlook during a holiday, but it’s important for reinforcing vocabulary and structure. For students learning Chinese, for example, websites like Strokeorder.info help with practicing proper character formation — reinforcing both form and meaning.
6. Encourage Real Conversations
Conversation is where fluency comes to life. Encourage your child to use the language in real-world situations — ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or greeting shopkeepers. These small exchanges build confidence and help children move beyond the classroom setting into everyday usage.
7. Involve the Whole Family
Language learning can be more motivating when it’s a shared goal. Consider joining your child by learning the language alongside them. Whether through lessons, mobile apps, or informal practice, it’s a great way to support your child and model lifelong learning.
Final Thoughts
Summer doesn’t have to mean a break from language development. With simple, consistent activities and family support, children can maintain and even grow their language skills over the holidays — all while having fun and staying engaged with the world around them.