Developing a Routine to Learn a Language

By Dhananjay Talwar of Threshold Education

1. Why Language Learning Matters

As somebody who has learnt over twenty languages to different levels, including at least nine to fluency, language learning is a real passion and source of joy for me!

My experience and fervour for both learning and teaching languages has shown me a lot about how language learning works, and I have no doubt that being successful in language learning largely comes down to motivation, rather than talent.

Learning a language can be rewarding and beneficial in very many ways – when learning a language, you are certainly not just memorising a bunch of words and grammar rules! What you are actually doing is learning a new way of seeing the world, a new code, that allows you to connect with many new people, to access their way of life, to discover and explore a group of people, a culture, even literature, that you would not have been able to access at all otherwise.

Once you truly appreciate this, the mechanics of how you learn a language become less significant. However, given my experience and expertise in the field of languages and that many homeschooling parents ask me about the best ways to establish an effective language learning routine, I decided to share my advice in this article.

2. Identifying Your Motivation and Goals in Language Learning

Before you decide on a language or pick up a textbook, think about your “why.” Understanding your motivation — and your child’s — for learning a language helps guide every decision that follows. Are you learning a language to:

• Connect with cultural or family heritage?
• Prepare for international travel or missions?
• Strengthen cognitive development and academic growth?
• Encourage curiosity and global citizenship?

Once your motivation is clear, set some overall goals for your language learning – which languages are you focusing on? What level do you want to reach? For example:

• For younger children: “To be able to read a children’s book in Spanish by the end of the year.”
• For older children or teens: “To hold a 5-minute conversation in French by the end of the semester.”
• For the family: “To be able to watch a movie in German with German subtitles and understand at least 60% by next summer.”

Once you have this overall goal try to break this down into smaller goals or stepping stones.

For instance, if your objective is to read a children’s book in Spanish by the end of the year, what intermediate steps would you take, such as mastering the present tense in Spanish, to reach the overall goal? Make a note of these smaller milestones as well!

3. Creating a Realistic Schedule for Your Homeschool

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility — and that’s especially helpful with language learning. While consistency is key, learning doesn’t need to happen in long, intensive blocks. In fact, short, frequent sessions are often more effective.

Now that you have your short-term and long-term objectives, here are a few ways to structure language learning into your routine:

• Daily Exposure (10–20 minutes): Use flashcards, sing songs, or review vocabulary. For younger children, short and playful sessions work best.
• Weekly Themes (2–3 times per week): Focus on a topic like animals, food, or travel. Introduce related words and practice them in context.
• Integrated Learning: Try counting in the target language during math, using new vocabulary in art projects, or labelling household items.
• Family Language Time: Dedicate one meal or part of the day to practicing together, even if it’s just greetings or phrases.

4. How to Choose the Right Resources for Your Family

With so many language learning tools available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, homeschooling allows you to tailor resources to your child's learning style and your teaching preferences.

Here are the most common types of resources and how to use them effectively:

• Curriculum-Based Programs: Look for structured homeschool-friendly curricula like Song School Spanish, TalkBox.Mom, or Muzzy BBC. These often include lesson plans, audio, and activities.
• Apps and Online Platforms: Duolingo, Memrise, and Gus on the Go are engaging for different age levels. Try to balance screen time with offline interaction.
• Books and Printables: Use picture dictionaries, storybooks, and printable games or worksheets. Look for materials with visuals and repetition.
• Media and Entertainment: Watch cartoons, listen to songs, or play games in the target language. Exposure to native pronunciation and culture is invaluable.
• Language Exchange and Tutors: Older children can benefit from pen pals or supervised sessions with online tutors.

The secret sauce in language learning is not talent, but motivation, so select the resources that appeal most to the family and that you would enjoy using!

5. How to Maintain Motivation and Make Language Learning Fun!

Language learning can feel slow at times. There will be days when progress feels invisible and motivation dips. The key is to make language learning something your child (and you!) look forward to.

Here are some simple ways to keep it fun and engaging:

• Gamify Your Routine: Use reward systems, apps with levelling systems, or challenges like “word of the day” races.
• Incorporate Interests: If your child loves animals, learn animal names and watch zoo videos in the target language. If they enjoy music, explore foreign-language songs or karaoke.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Did your child remember a word unprompted? Write a sentence correctly? Celebrate with a sticker, extra playtime, or even a themed treat.
• Get Creative: Make skits, play pretend, or do scavenger hunts in the target language. Fun makes learning stick.
• Learn Together: When parents learn alongside their children, it becomes a shared adventure. Your own willingness to speak, make mistakes, and try new things models resilience and enthusiasm.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of changing the setting. Take your language learning outside, to the kitchen, or even to a park day with themed vocabulary activities.

I hope this advice directly boosts your language learning. Make sure to remember the key to learning languages: having fun!