Learning a second language has many important benefits for young children: it can increase problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills, improve academic success, and promote cultural sensitivity and empathy. And the younger they learn another language, the easier it is for them to retain vocabulary and become fluent. That’s because they use the same brain power they’re using to learn their mother tongue and they’re less concerned about making mistakes, which can lead to creative and free expression.

Here are four places you and your children can take foreign language classes around the Mason, Ohio, area.

Spanish Booster

“unknown person writing on chalkboard” used with permission via Unsplash by leookubo

Spanish Booster is a local international language tutoring business that has served the Mason area since 1998. Though Spanish is in the name, this place actually offers high-quality lessons in English, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, and German, too. 

You and your children can take group classes or private lessons to learn a language from scratch, brush up on a language you learned in the past, or continue practicing a language so you don’t lose those skills. This school also hosts cultural seminars and events where you can learn the nuances of communicating in different cultures and explore the traditions, beliefs, and culture of the people who speak those languages. Children 7 years old and up and teens can get private tutoring to help them improve their foreign language skills and boost their grades in a foreign language class.

You can also purchase quality Spanish textbooks, workbooks, and digital lessons through the online bookstore. Plus, the site also has a robust grammar and vocabulary guide to help you in case you ever get stuck during your studies. 

Spanish Booster is located at 7577 Central Parke Blvd. Suite 120 in Mason. 

International Language Plus

International Language Plus is another experienced local language school, and while this one specializes in teaching English as a second/foreign language, they also offer lessons in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Russian. What’s more, is that all of the instructors are native speakers or fluent speakers with at least a bachelor’s degree.

This school doesn’t offer traditional group classes like other schools and instead provides private, one-on-one lessons for adults, children 8 years old and up, and teens. There are appointments all throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, meaning you and your kids can take lessons when it’s most convenient for you. And, you can take them in-person at the school, request in-home lessons, or have them online.

You can find International Language Plus at 9403 Kenwood Road Unit A203 in Cinncinati.

Russian Educational Center Bookvarel

As the name suggests, this language and culture school specializes in Russian language and literature. The Russian Education Center Bookvarel offers language classes in Russian for kids ages 3 to 18 years old and adults. 

The school has a multi-year language program where children ages 3 to 6 get to learn through fun games, activities, and storytime that help them connect images to Russian vocabulary words and practice speaking the language. Kids 6 to 11 years old focus more on reading, writing, and answering critical questions about the children’s Russian literature they read in class. Children 11 to 14 develop proper Russian grammar and syntax by reading and analyzing Russian novels. And children 14 years old and up advance their reading, writing, and speaking skills to fluency until they finish the program.

While that program focuses on practicing Russian from an early age and advancing to full fluency, the Russian as a Second Language program is more accessible to children and adults who have little to no experience with Russian who want to learn the language from scratch. This program combines reading and writing short texts, listening to excerpts, practicing conversation, and learning about Russian culture. There are multiple levels, too: the preparatory level for ages 4 to 6, beginner level for ages 7 to 12, and intermediate level for adults. 

In addition to language learning, the Russian Educational Center Bookvarel also offers children’s programs in math, arts and crafts, dance, theater, choir, guitar, boxing, and chess. Plus, this school hosts holiday and seasonal events that kids in class can participate and perform in. Visit this language and culture school at 3532 Irwin Simpson Road Suite 50 in Mason.

Cincinnati Spanish School & Academy

The Cincinnati Spanish School & Academy offers Spanish language lessons for kids and adults through a variety of programs. 

Kids ages 2 through 11 years old can take the Saturday morning sessions, which are divided by age group and Spanish language experience. These classes are also offered both in-person at the school and online. In these classes, children are immersed in the Spanish language so that they get as much exposure to the vocabulary and grammar as possible, which increases how fast they learn and how much they absorb. The classes’ three-tiered approach starts with basic vocabulary, then builds that vocabulary into short phrases, and then pairs language with cultural learning, too.

Adults can take multi-week sessions either in-person at the school or over Zoom in the evenings Monday through Thursday. These classes are taught exclusively in Spanish by a native speaker, so you are fully immersed in the language and can better learn to think in Spanish. In addition to following along with the textbook lessons, you get to participate in fun activities and games just like the kids. Look forward to watching a Spanish movie and discussing it with your teacher and classmates after or taking part in a cultural activity to improve your understanding of Hispanic and Latino culture.

You can also sign your kids up for private Spanish lessons or family classes so everyone in the house can learn together. The Cincinnati Spanish School & Academy is located at 816 Delta Ave. in Cincinnati.Here at Crème de la Crème of Mason, we offer foreign languages as part of our curriculum so your children can improve their communication skills and speak with people of different cultures. Your children can learn Spanish and Mandarin at our school and take additional classes to keep practicing. Contact us to learn more about our foreign language and language arts lessons.