5 Simple Ways to Help Your Child Practice at Home

You've signed your child up for language lessons. They're making progress. But you want to help them practice at home—without turning into their teacher or creating more stress.

Good news: you don't need to be a language expert. You don't need to speak the language yourself. You just need to create opportunities for natural practice. Here are five simple, stress-free ways to do it.

1. Let Them Play Games in the Target Language

This one's easy. If your child already plays Roblox, Minecraft, or other games, encourage them to play in English or Spanish. Most games have language settings.

Better yet, if they're taking lessons through PlaySEND, they can continue playing the same games they use in lessons. The language becomes part of their gaming world, not just a school subject.

2. Watch Shows and Movies Together

Netflix, Disney+, YouTube—most platforms let you change the language. Start with shows your child already knows and loves. Since they know the plot, they can focus on the language.

• Start with subtitles: Use subtitles in the target language, or in your native language if that's more comfortable
• Gradually reduce support: As they get more comfortable, try without subtitles
• Make it fun: Watch together, discuss what's happening, but keep it light and enjoyable

Don't make it a lesson. Just watch. The language will sink in naturally.

3. Use Daily Routines

Language doesn't have to be a separate activity. Weave it into what you're already doing:

• Mealtime: "Can you pass the salt?" in the target language
• Getting ready: "Time to brush your teeth" or "Put on your shoes"
• Bedtime: "Good night" or "Sweet dreams"
• Simple requests: "Can you help me?" or "Thank you"

Start with just a few phrases. Don't overwhelm. The goal is natural integration, not perfection.

4. Find Online Communities

If your child plays games online, they're probably already interacting with kids from other countries. Encourage these interactions—they're practicing language without realizing it.

Many games have built-in chat systems. When your child types "Can you help me build this?" in English to a player from another country, they're practicing real, practical language.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

This might be the most important one. When your child uses a new word or phrase, celebrate it. Not with a big production—just acknowledge it.

• "I heard you say that in English! That's great!"
• "You remembered that word from your lesson!"
• "I'm so proud of how you're learning."

Positive reinforcement works. When children feel good about using language, they want to use it more.

What NOT to Do

Just as important as what to do is what to avoid:

• Don't correct every mistake: Constant correction kills confidence. Let mistakes happen naturally.
• Don't make it a test: "What's this word?" or "Say this sentence" turns practice into pressure.
• Don't force it: If your child isn't in the mood, don't push. Language learning should feel natural, not forced.
• Don't compare: Every child learns at their own pace. Focus on your child's progress, not someone else's.

Remember: You're Not the Teacher

Your role isn't to teach. It's to create opportunities. You're providing the environment where language can happen naturally. The actual learning happens through:

• Their lessons with trained teachers
• Natural exposure through games, media, and daily life
• Their own curiosity and motivation

Your job is to support, not to instruct. And that's actually easier.

Conclusion

Helping your child practice language at home doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't require you to be a language expert. It just requires creating natural opportunities for language to happen.

Start small. Pick one or two of these strategies. See what works for your family. And remember: the goal isn't perfection. The goal is progress, one small step at a time.