Activities & Days Out / 26 September, 2018 / My Baba
Learning a second language seems more important than ever today. With young children able to learn and pick up skills faster than any other age group, it makes sense to get them thinking about language, even if it’s only the basics. Here are some top London language classes to get them involved in language learning in a fun and active way.
See also: 13 Best Ways To Entertain The Kids In London This Summer
Get the Spanish sessions started with Bilingual Beats, a musical language-learning class. The bilingual music programme welcomes children from 0-5 years to immerse themselves in sounds and foreign language. Children will learn to listen and move to Spanish music and rhythm, while learning new vocabulary and grammatical structures. Click here to find out more.
Great for: 0-5 years
Where: Various locations around London – check website for specific details
Specialising in Spanish singalongs, La Pajara Pinta teaches basic Spanish skills and vocabulary through traditional folk music, famous Spanish songs, and stories. There are three sessions: singing, writing and reading for children to embrace all aspects of learning Spanish. Read more about Pajara Pinta here.
Great for: 6 months – 4 years
Where: Angel, Crouch End, Dalston, and Highbury, see website for further details
With classes run by native French speakers, Club Petit Pierrot offers a head start for babies, toddlers and children. The sessions, which are centred around having fun, provide a dynamic environment for children to thrive in their language learning. Each week, the educators discuss and tweak the programme to suit the children’s needs and abilities. See website for more info.
Great for: Classes available for up to 8 years
Where: Various locations across London, see website for details
Viva adhere to the formula that languages are best learnt through singing and fun. Parents and toddlers are welcomed along to the class to make friends, build confidence and learn Spanish skills. Classes take place Mondays and Wednesdays for toddlers, and Monday evenings for adults. Private classes are also available on request. Click here to find out more.
Great for: Parents and toddlers
Where: The Sheriff Centre at St James Church, Sheriff Road, London, NW6 2AP
Calling itself ‘the French playdate’, Coucou LouLou brings you immersive and creative classes for babies, toddlers and young children. The idea behind the French playdate came about when the founder realised her bilingual daughter spoke French but never played in French. Under 5s can sign up for Coucou LouLou Mini with lots of play, while Coucou LouLou offers a crafty angle to get creative in French too. Find out more here.
Great for: Up to 6 years
Where: Various locations across London, see website for more details
Offering drop-in German classes for babies and toddlers, Wunderbar Learning is fantastic place to start learning about German language and culture. Through dance, storytelling, singing and a friendly frog puppet called Felix, children will learn to love learning language. See the website to find out more.
Great for: 3 months – 5 years
Where: Various locations in North London, see website for details
Get your children learning and interacting in Mandarin with Link Chinese Academy’s baby and toddler classes. Your little one will learn through rhymes, songs, actions and games. They’ll also be sent home from the weekly class with little things to practise and memorise. Find out more here.
Great for: 1-2 years (Link Chinese offers lessons for up to 14 years old)
Where: St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, London, N1 2TZ
South east London-based Petits Tigres offer French lessons for children 5 years and under. Jackie and Monsieur Le Tigre host fun-filled French singing sessions weekly. The sessions include a mix of puppetry, action songs, rhymes and stories. Everyone from beginners through to native speakers are welcome. Click here to find out more.
Great for: Under 5 years
Where: Punk Me Up, 34 East Dulwich Road, Dulwich, SE22 9AX
Effraspace, 21 Effraparade, Brixton, SW2 1PX and
John Harvard Library, 211 Borough High Street, Borough, SE1 1JA
Featured image: Instagram, BilingualBeats