Kids who learn a second language can enjoy a range of benefits. Learning a second language can boost skills in listening, critical thinking, and problem solving, all while helping kids improve memory, concentration, and multitasking abilities. Kids who can speak more than one language also show enhanced mental flexibility and creativity. Of course, speaking another language also means a broader view of the world, increased cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate with even more people.

Not sure how to get your child started learning another language? You’ll find a variety of after-school, weekend, and other classes in and around McKinney. Our best daycare in McKinney put together this list to help take the guesswork out of finding the perfect learning opportunity close to home.

Spanish Schoolhouse

“Twins” used with permission via Unsplash by saeed karimi

Spanish Schoolhouse has a few locations in the Austin, Houston, and DFW areas, including one right here in McKinney. The organization features a few great options if you want your kiddo to start learning Spanish from a young age. Their Mommy and Me classes introduce Spanish to toddlers ages 12 to 24 months, the perfect time for young learners to start with a language. Look forward to songs, stories, games, and more alongside your child. These interactive classes introduce your child to sounds and language patterns, setting the stage for learning for years to come.

Their After School program is another great option for elementary-aged kids (K-5). These classes are taught in a full Spanish immersion format, featuring hands-on activities and conversation exploring weekly themes. Kids get to learn through songs, stories, games, and cultural activities as well as worksheets and workbooks.

Spanish World School

With a mission to empower students with language and cultural appreciation, Spanish World School is another area option you’ll want to check out if your kids are interested in learning Spanish. Programs designed to teach kids to become confident, open-minded lifelong learners through language offer a fun and interactive environment for language study in the Dallas area.

Kids ages 2 years old through 5th grade can join after-school immersion classes to kick start their Spanish language education. These 45-minute classes are stimulating and interactive, and they’re available for children with no outside Spanish language experience who come in as beginners as well as students that have some exposure to Spanish and have more advanced language skills. Small classes mean kids get personalized attention, all in a language-rich environment. You can also sign your child up for virtual tutoring sessions that take their language learning to the next level from the comfort of your own home.

TruFluency Kids

Looking for virtual Spanish classes for your children? Look no further than TruFluency Kids. This Dallas-based company helps kids get fluent in Spanish through listening and speaking. These online classes are easy to attend, no matter where you are, and they’re loads of fun, too. Classes taught by energetic professional teachers get your kids up and moving. Kids ages 4 to 6 years old laugh and have fun thanks to dancing and singing, all while picking up useful language skills.

The Bellieu method focuses on listening and speaking so children gain confidence answering everyday questions and speaking about topics in Spanish while using real language. The online classes go beyond single vocabulary words to incorporate relevant phrases, letting kids communicate more fully. Questions, games, and stories are just the start. Kids even make food and crafts as part of these classes, learning Spanish naturally much like they learned their first language.

TruFluency Kids offers a variety of different levels, including beginner, dual language, Spanish conversation, and classes geared toward native speakers. No matter their level, your kids can look forward to small classes. Most classes have only two to six students, ensuring every child gets adequate speaking time each session.

The Alliance Française of Dallas

You don’t have to travel far to find French classes for the kiddos either. The youth classes at the Alliance Française of Dallas offer group classes for both French-speaking and French-learning students. Classes taught by native French instructors mean children get an authentic, immersive experience. Kids learn in a natural way thanks to a range of experiences that balance fun with serious academic goals. Games, activities, and cultural exposure come together in youth classes organized by semester throughout the school year. You’ll find a summer program in June and July as well.

The “Bambins” classes, offered for children ages 3 to 4, are a great place for the youngest learners in your family. Playful activities like songs, dances, games, and storytelling immerse toddlers in a French-speaking environment so they can learn their first sounds and even words in French. Kids ages 5 through 18 can also take part in classes here. Classes for kids and teens are offered in an age-appropriate setting, including classes for French as a foreign language and for native or fluent speakers.

The Dallas Goethe Center

The Dallas Goethe Center is a great option if you want to introduce your kids to German. The center offers courses for children and teens starting at age 4. The fun yet challenging learning environment here gives kids tools for conversations and social interactions. Younger learners start with basic phrases and sentence structures. They also expand their knowledge with beloved children’s games and books in German, not to mention learning about German holidays and traditions.

The German School of Dallas

Another option for German classes in Dallas, the German School of Dallas offers classes every Saturday for kids ages three and older. Here, native German teachers help develop kids’ ability to read, write, speak, and understand German. Kids also gain a broad understanding of the history and culture of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Dallas International School

The Dallas International School also offers a children’s education program for kids looking to learn another language. Experienced teachers who are native speakers provide group classes organized by age and language ability. Target languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish. The Dallas International School also offers private tutoring for languages.That wraps up Crème de la Crème of McKinney’s list of language classes for your kids to try in our area. Did we skip your favorite kid-friendly language class? Let us know so we can add it!