4 Language Learning Apps to Help You Prepare for a Summer Abroad

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2019 Issue

For teachers and students alike, summer break is often the time for a much-needed vacation abroad. And while you start planning your perfect getaway, you might want to consider picking up a foreign language to help you on your travels. With Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi, and French topping the list of the most widely spoken languages, here are some cool apps designed to help make learning them fun!

ChineseSkill
(Free – iOS, Android)

This game-based app uses mini lessons to train listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Mandarin Chinese language. Questions start off easy, such as listening for Pinyin (pronunciation), single word translation, drawing Chinese characters with drag-and-drop strokes, and finding the correct order for words in simple phrases—eventually progressing to full sentence translation from English to Chinese. ChineseSkill consists of 45 topics covering everything from greetings, food, numbers, nature, social activities, and more.

Endless Spanish
(Free – iOS, Android)

Geared towards younger kids, Endless Spanish teaches commonly used Spanish words through interactive word puzzles. Learners must assemble letters of words that turn into adorable little monsters, and solve sentence puzzles that transform into animated illustrations of what they describe. See the word “grande” (big) grow larger, and the word “flor” (flower) open and bloom! The app also tracks progress by rewarding points and badges, and includes a narrator who pronounces each word that is displayed.

French Class
(Paid – iOS, Android)

Linguineo’s French Class app offers a full course of 10 language lessons covering conjugations of more than 100 verbs and a vocabulary bank of over 4,000 words, as well as 40 grammar topics and 200 useful phrases. Activities include games such as crosswords, word searches, and recognize the image exercises, along with an awards system. Users can keep track of their progress by saving statistics and summaries of their completed exercises, together with errors made.

Learn Hindi
(Free – Android)

Featuring over 11,000 words and phrases with audio pronunciation, Learn Hindi created by FunEasyLearn allows users to practice reading, writing, and speaking Hindi. Lessons begin with the alphabet and individual words, then move on to full sentences that are divided into different categories such as making friends and travel. There are over 30 quiz games as well, including one where learners listen to a word and then choose the corresponding image. With a useful integrated search tool, users can also find instances of an exact word or phrase translated into the language.

Avatar photo

TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Education News

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.

Ohio Teacher Wins Summer Getaway in “Sunshine for Teachers” Contest

The grand prize winner and 19 first prize winners celebrated with their schools during schoolwide smoothie parties hosted by Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

TEACH Magazine
TEACH Magazine
TEACH is the largest national education publication in Canada. We support good teachers and teaching and believe in innovation in education.

Advertisement

Read More

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Anti-racism and Activist Education: Empowering the Next Generation

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of changemakers, especially when it comes to addressing racism.

Common Sense Media Releases New AI Toolkit for School Districts

The toolkit provides teachers and district leaders with practical tools to facilitate AI adoption.