Learn a New Language this Summer!

Ever since I moved to San Antonio, it was clear that the four years I spent learning French in high school were pretty much a waste of time.  I keep making half-hearted promises to myself to learn Spanish, but it took a little competition from my daughter to spur me on.

I had recently downloaded “Duolingo”, a free iOS app (also available on Android and on the web), that I keep reading about on various blogs.  Before I had the chance to try it out, my daughter latched on to it, and challenged me to try to beat her point total.

Duolingo basically makes learning a language into a game.  You earn points as you translate things correctly.  There is even a speaking portion included.

If you have a child who is interested in learning a new language, you might want to let him or her try Duolingo.  (Please be aware that a Facebook or e-mail account is required to register.  But the good news is that there are no ads or in-app purchases.)  And if you really want to motivate your child, set up a separate account for yourself, and engage your child in a bit of friendly competition!

I’m not sure about Duolingo’s appeal to different age levels.  My daughter is 10, if that helps.  But it seems to me that any user who is able to read, and has the motivation to learn a language, would enjoy this program.

Let me know if you end up trying it!  I’d love to hear more feedback on Duolingo!

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