5 Easy Fun Activities To Teach Toddlers A Second Language

These days, I’ve been thinking a lot about how to teach my toddler English as a second language. I’m German, my partner is Korean, and we each speak our own language with our son. Between the two of us, we communicate in English, so it’s a mix of languages in our home.

At least while I was in Korea.

Right now, we’re in Germany, and my son is surrounded by German all day long. While I love that he’s getting a really great hang on my language, I also worry he’ll forget the English he’s already picked up—or the Korean.

But let’s be real: I don’t want it to feel like work. So here are some easy fun Activities to Teach Toddlers a Second Language I’m trying out to help him grow in all three languages.

Table Of Contents

1. Teddy Bear Language School
2. Sing-Alongs in Multiple Languages
3. Daily Life Language Labeling
4. Books Books Books
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1. Teddy Bear Language School

First up, meet Mr. Teddy, the unofficial English teacher in our house. I’ve started assigning specific languages to my toddler’s toys. For example:

Mr. Teddy only speaks English
Puppy talks in Korean (my bad Korean lol – better than nothing)

Whenever we play with these toys, I stick to “their” languages. I hope my son starts associating certain languages with different characters. And since daddy isn’t around right now… Plus, it’s pretty hilarious when Mr. Teddy tries different dialects.

You might know this tip from my last post on how to teach a toddler a second language. And I still still stick with it.

2. Sing-Alongs in Multiple Languages

Kids love music, and songs are magic when it comes to language learning. I try to sing to him (really off tune). He accompanies me singing LaLaLa. I’ll switch up the languages:

English songs I’ve picked up here and there: like “Little Spider”
Korean kids’ songs like “Tiranosaurus” (yes, in Korean it’s equally addictive)
German classics I have heaps of kids songs. Like Hänsel und Gretel verliefen sich I’m Wald…

I don’t know that many in English or Korean so if you have good ones write them down in the comments. I’ll try them!

3. Daily Life Language Labeling

Another trick? I’ve started pointing at things around the house and saying the words in different languages. For example:

Can you bring this to the “Refrigerator” (English), “Kühlschrank” (German), and “피드림” (Korean).

Every time we pass an object, I’ll point to it and say the word in one language. It’s a great way to integrate language into everyday life without any extra planning.

Combine language learning with creativity using these Flashcard Craft Ideas.

4. Books Books Books

I read to my son. A lot and he loves books. OK I have a whole wall full off books. I am kinda addicted. I am really happy he loves them too. Current favorites:

“Was ist Was Series?” (German)
Puzzle books
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (we have a German-English version)
The Rainbow Fish

Sometimes I just read the German books in English and point at stuff, since I don’t have a lot of English books. He loves pointing at stuff and saying “words” or sounds.

He also got the TipToi Pen by Ravensburger. I am considering changing the language to English to teach my toddler a second language.

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5. Make It a Game

The biggest lesson I’ve learned as an English teacher? Kids are way more likely to engage when learning feels like a game. Here are some ideas:

Scavenger Hunt: Hide objects around the house and give clues in the target language.
Simon Says: Play using simple commands in English, German, or Korean.
Matching Games: Create pairs of cards with pictures and words in different languages. PS.: Here are 5 Language Flashcard sets. From animals to daily objects.
Storytime : Draw stuff and say the words. Or let them guess.

When it’s fun, they forget they’re even learning.

Final Thoughts: Fun Activities to Teach Toddlers a Second Language

Teaching your toddler a second (or third!) language feels difficult. I think the key is to keep it light, fun, and as a part of daily life. Seeing as my son uses the word happy besides German makes me hope I do it well.

And I think you don’t have to be fluent yourself to help your toddler learn.