Have you looked at foreign language learning apps for your homeschooled kids?
With SO many options on the market, identifying the right foreign language learning apps for you or your kiddos can be a challenge.
And, while we want to set good tech boundaries with our kids, using a language app is SO much easier and cheaper than taking in person classes.
I’ve tried several of the more popular apps myself and am excited to break down some of the options for foreign language learning apps!
Keep reading to make an informed decision on the best language learning apps tailored to the homeschooling needs of your child.
Table of Contents
Why Is Learning A Foreign Language A Good Idea?
In a globalized world, foreign language proficiency has transformed from a luxury to a necessity.
Firstly, learning a new language at a young age has been shown to boost cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, creativity and critical thinking.
Tesol research also supports the idea that bilingual kids have better cognitive functionality, especially in aspects of creativity and mental agility. Who doesn’t want that for their kiddos?
Benefits to Learning Another Language
When you study another language, you gain a unique cultural perspective and understanding that is typically not part of the standard curriculum.
With so many cultures representing rich histories, traditions, and stories, the learning resource expands dramatically, offering a more global education.
In fact, most kids around the world speak at least a little bit of another language!
Speaking a foreign language opens up a world of opportunities in the future. Be it on personal aspects of self-growth, or professional features of diversity and competitiveness, multilingualism fosters all areas comprehensively.
Given these advantages, incorporating foreign language learning in your homeschool curriculum becomes a wise and beneficial decision.
App #1 – Busuu Overview
Busuu stands out as an amazing language learning app! Designed with a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface, Busuu seeks to make language learning accessible, enjoyable, and ultimately rewarding.
I personally loved using Busuu to study German and Italian! It’s so pretty, easy to use, and I really liked the exercises. It felt very much like I was taking a formal course.
One of the unique facets of Busuu is the range of languages available to learn. From often-taught languages like Spanish and French to less common but equally fascinating ones such as Polish or Turkish, Busuu offers language learning opportunities that cater to varied interests.
How Does Busuu Teach?
This is where Busuu really shines! The app presents every language course in a structured manner. It starts with basics such as common phrases and vocabulary, and gradually moves on to more complex grammar and conversational skills.
I loved that Busuu taught essential phrases right away, such as greeting others and introducing yourself.
Each lesson culminates with a series of interactive quizzes that serve to consolidate learning and to provide learners with real-time feedback. This way, learners constantly know where they stand and what they need to work on.
Extra Features of Busuu
The premium version of Busuu unlocks additional features too. This includes the ability to engage in conversation with native speakers, obtain certified proficiency levels, and more. This makes the learning experience even more immersive.
This, to me, was my FAVORITE feature! You can submit your exercises to be corrected by native speakers. And, you can provide feedback to others who are learning your native language, too!
This, I feel, is a huge benefit for homeschoolers because the app really emphasizes learning alongside others while being really independent. 🙂
Busuu’s structured course layout, timely feedback mechanism, and strategic progression system align perfectly with this.
In the end, Busuu doesn’t just teach a foreign language! It truly gives you an enriching cultural and linguistic experience.
Busuu Pricing
Busuu is FREE to get started! If you want more features, such as chatting with native speakers, that is only available on the premium plan.
Pricing seems to vary for premium depending on the offers they have available, but they range somewhere between $7-14 a month, and it’s cheaper to pay for a yearly subscription
App #2 – Duolingo Overview
I think most people have heard about Duolingo by now! This fun, FREE, simple app is truly a great way to learn and practice a foreign language.
Most of the lessons involve matching words with pictures, listening and translating, and typing in responses.
But, where Duolingo really stands out is the way they have gamified language learning!
Points, leaderboards, and achievements motivate students to consistently maintain their learning streak. The fun factor of Duolingo is huge!
How Does Duolingo Teach?
Duolingo offers a HUGE range of languages. And, I do mean HUGE.
Beyond the commonly taught languages like French, Spanish, or German, homeschoolers can dive into languages like Danish, Welsh, or even High Valyrian!
The lessons are very short and they build in games, reminders, and challenges to keep you motivated.
Extra Features of Duolingo
One plus to Duolingo is they place a heavy emphasis on learning the correct grammar. While this might seem counterproductive, it’s actually the best way to learn a language if you want to master it.
It’s also a fun way to connect with your friends! You can connect with people you know in real life, compete for leaderboard standings, and more!
Duolingo Pricing
Duolingo is also free to get started! You can pay for the premium version, which offers more gamification options and no ads.
Again, pricing varies a little based on what type of subscription you choose. But, the pricing is roughly $83 for the year as of this writing (2023).
Other Popular Foreign Language Learning Apps
Beyond Busuu and Duolingo, there are many other apps that effectively teach foreign languages. I’ve not personally used these, but I have talked to people who have used them
I’m listing them below so you can find the one that works for you!
App #3 – Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone, a veteran in language learning software, offers comprehensive courses across 24 languages. Its immersive approach focuses on associating words with imagery which can be particularly useful for visual learners. It also includes a voice recognition feature to aid with pronunciation.
Rosetta Stone Pricing
Rosetta Stone is not free, but they do have a monthly plan starting around $10/month. You can also buy a lifetime subscription for $299.
App #4 – Babbel
Aimed at practical conversation skills, Babbel offers 14 languages and structures lessons around real-life topics like travel, culture, and business. Its speech recognition technology helps learners perfect their pronunciation, making it a worthwhile tool for homeschoolers aiming for fluency.
Babbel Pricing
Babbel is comparable to Rosetta Stone. There’s no free option, but it costs around $10/month or $349 for a lifetime license.
App #5 – Mango Languages
Offering over 70 languages, Mango Languages stands out with its focus on cultural insights. Lessons are designed around real-life situations and cultural context, providing a well-rounded understanding of the language in use.
Mango Languages Pricing
Mango Languages is actually offered for FREE through many institutions, libraries, and more! Head to their website to find out if you have it available near you.
What Foreign Language Learning App Will You Try With Your Kids?
Mastering a new language from the comfort of your home has truly never been easier. Learning a new language is NOT easy, but it’s a great hobby to pursue! It also adds so much value to your kids’ homeschool education.
Which app do you think you would want to try with your kiddos? Pick one and give it a try today!
