What to do if your child struggles to remember vocabulary in a second language
Helping children learn a second language can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with challenges. One of the most common difficulties parents encounter is helping their kids retain vocabulary. Words seem to disappear as quickly as they’re learned, leaving both parents and children feeling frustrated. The good news is that forgetting vocabulary is a natural part of learning, and with the right strategies, your child can build strong language skills while enjoying the process.
In this article, we’ll explore practical, research-backed techniques to help your child remember vocabulary and thrive in their language-learning journey.
Why vocabulary is hard to remember
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand why children may struggle with vocabulary retention. The main reasons include lack of repetition, which causes words that aren’t revisited frequently to fade from memory; overwhelming content, where learning too many new words at once leads to confusion and fatigue; minimal context, where words are learned in isolation rather than as part of meaningful sentences; and stress or boredom, which can hinder engagement and retention.
Understanding these challenges can help parents create an environment where vocabulary retention becomes more effective and enjoyable. For more tips on setting up a successful learning routine, explore our guide on why online schooling works for expat families.
Effective strategies to improve vocabulary retention
Children are naturally visual learners, so pairing words with images or physical objects can significantly enhance retention. Flashcards with pictures, drawing illustrations related to new words, or creating a “vocabulary wall” with fun visuals are great tools. If your child enjoys games, integrating visual gamification can make learning more interactive. Learn more about gamification in language learning to discover how it can help.
Short, daily sessions are more effective than cramming. Dedicate 10–15 minutes a day to review vocabulary through games, flashcards, or storybooks. Parents often wonder whether apps alone are enough for effective learning. Find out in our comparison of language classes versus apps to see what suits your family best.
The best way to make new vocabulary stick is by using it in meaningful ways. Incorporate new words into conversations, name items around the house, or play games like “I spy” in the target language. For more ideas on how to use practical activities to reinforce language skills, check out our article on family activities to practice Spanish during vacations.
Storytelling is another powerful way to reinforce vocabulary naturally. Encourage your child to create a short story using new words or co-write one together. Reading books or listening to audiobooks in the target language also exposes them to vocabulary in context, improving recall. If you’re not fluent in the language your child is learning, our guide on how to teach your kid a language you don’t know offers practical advice to help you support them.
Music is one of the most effective tools for retention. Songs combine rhythm, melody, and repetition to make words easier to remember. Look for children’s songs in the target language and encourage your child to sing along. Activities like charades or scavenger hunts can pair vocabulary with movement, reinforcing words through muscle memory. Discover why music is a good way for kids to learn a language and how you can incorporate it into your routine.
Avoiding common mistakes
While supporting your child, avoid common pitfalls like pushing too hard, which can lead to frustration; introducing too many words at once, which overwhelms their learning capacity; or skipping review sessions, as repetition is key to long-term retention. If your child is growing up in a multilingual household, explore the benefits of raising kids in a multilingual family for tips on balancing multiple languages effectively.
How Diluu can support your child
At Diluu.com, we specialize in making language learning fun, engaging, and effective for kids. Our online classes focus on vocabulary retention through interactive activities, games, and stories, guided by native-speaking teachers who create immersive experiences. For children who enjoy social learning, group classes are an excellent option. Learn about the benefits of group language learning for kids and see how collaboration can motivate your child to stay engaged.
Final thoughts
If your child struggles to remember vocabulary, don’t be discouraged—it’s a normal part of the learning process. By integrating consistent practice, creative techniques, and supportive tools, you can help them overcome this challenge and build confidence in their second language. Language learning isn’t just about memorizing words; it’s about creating a love for communication and exploration. Celebrate every small victory, and remember that resources like Diluu.com are here to guide and support you every step of the way.