Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children’s linguistic and environmental awareness, as language learning is most effective when reinforced beyond the classroom. By integrating second-language exposure into daily life through an environmental perspective, families can create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen language skills and ecological responsibility.
Below, we present simple ways that parents can reinforce language learning with their children:
- One of the simplest ways parents can reinforce language learning is by incorporating nature-related vocabulary into daily routines. For instance, during outdoor activities like walks in the park, parents can introduce new words in the target language by naming trees, animals, and weather conditions. Interactive games, such as scavenger hunts or nature journals in a second language, help children associate words with real-world experiences.
- Parents can encourage their children to use a second language while practising sustainability at home. Labelling recycling bins with words like “paper” and “plastic” in both languages reinforces vocabulary while promoting eco-friendly habits. Cooking plant-based meals from different cultures offers another opportunity—children can read ingredient lists, follow simple recipes, and learn new terms related to food, health, and sustainability.
- Books, podcasts, and videos focusing on environmental themes are excellent tools for parents to support language learning. Platforms like UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development and National Geographic Kids offer engaging multilingual content that blends environmental education with language skills. Parents can read stories aloud, discuss global environmental challenges, and encourage children to express their thoughts in the second language.
- Learning a language is also about understanding cultural perspectives on the environment. Parents can explore how different cultures address sustainability by watching documentaries, following global environmental movements, or connecting with multilingual families. The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML) offers strategies for integrating cultural awareness into language learning, providing ideas for making environmental topics more engaging and globally relevant.
Conclusion
Extending environmental language learning beyond the classroom is not just about reinforcing vocabulary—it’s about fostering lifelong habits that connect language, culture, and sustainability. By integrating nature-based activities, sustainable living practices, multilingual storytelling, and community engagement, parents can create an enriching learning environment. This approach not only enhances language acquisition but also nurtures children into global citizens who understand the importance of environmental stewardship.
