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Language Learning Part 4: Learning with Lingotot

Welcome back to our Language Learning Series. This week we were delighted to be able to try out a Lingotot language class in York. I have been looking into language classes for a while as I think they are a great way to boost enthusiasm for language learning with little ones plus, of course, you get to meet new people.


The Lingotot class we attended was in Spanish so I felt a little bit like a duck out of water as my Spanish skills are non-existent but Louise who runs the class made me and Poppy both feel very welcome. As too did the other lovely parents who were taking part with their own little linguists.

The class was incredibly relaxed with an emphasis on having fun and learning through play. There were songs, games and a story all geared towards the very young. Louise was very good at engaging with the children and encouraging them to join in with lots of repetition and the use of various toys and puppets.

Our favourite part of the class (apart from the singing) was the fantastic craft activity. Poppy was delighted to be let loose with a glue stick and together we made a hedgehog or "un erizo" with autumn leaves. After the class Poppy proudly showed everyone who was even slightly interested in her creation as we walked around Tesco doing our shopping!


Before the end of the class, Louise brought out some different toys so the children could play together whilst the parents got to have a chat over a hot cuppa, giving the class a real sense of community. It was definitely a great opportunity to meet other parents in the area and it gave me a bit of time to find out more about Lingotot and the thinking behind the classes.

About Lingotot

From chatting to Louise, it is clear that she is extremely enthusiastic about teaching languages to children and is keen to set up new classes. She offers a free taster session* to all those who are thinking of joining one of her classes in the York area. So if it is something you think you would like to try, do get in touch with Louise via the Lingotot York Facebook page.

If you are not local to York, Lingotot run language classes nationally and in a variety of settings from community classes for babies and preschoolers like the one we attended to classes within nurseries and schools as well as after school clubs. A range of languages are offered including French and Spanish plus the less popular German, Mandarin and Arabic.

As well as social and academic advantages of knowing multiple languages, there are cognitive benefits too, which is why this type of class is growing in popularity. As we discovered, Lingotot classes are designed to be interactive and fun with learning through songs, stories, games, drama and play. Young children pick up the language as they do in their mother tongue, through repetition and mimicry.

All the tutors are either native speakers or have a degree in modern languages, they complete a Certificate in Teaching Early Years Languages and a Diploma in Teaching Primary Languages.

You can find out more about Lingotot and check whether there are classes in your area by visiting the website here.

Learning German

On a personal note, I am really keen to attend a German class with the Mini Reviewers and I am trying to gather support in the local area, so if this is something you would be interested in please do get in touch with me or Louise from Lingotot.


Language Learning Series

This is the fourth part of our Language Learning Series so if you enjoyed this post, why not check out the rest of the series:



Next time we will be reviewing Gus on the Go, an App for learning languages. 
In the meantime, do get in touch with any language learning tips, activities or products you recommend. We love to hear from you!

Kate & Poppy xx


*Please note we attended a free taster session with Lingotot York in order to share our thoughts.

7 comments:

  1. Thank you to Kate and Poppy for your amazing review. I am absolutely thrilled you enjoyed your session with Louise (isn’t she fantastic?!). I am very grateful for your kind words and we’d love to welcome you back for German or indeed any language! Angela (Lingotot founder)

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    1. Hi Angela, thank you for your kind words, we will definitely be back to see Louise soon :)

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  2. This sounds like a really relaxed and fun way to learn languages. I hope you find a way to learn German soon :)

    #TriedTested

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  3. This is right up my street - will check them out! Sounds like you had a fab time! Thanks for sharing! #KCACOLS

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  4. They sound like great classes - I love the idea of letting the children play while the parents get chance for a chat too. I'm ashamed to say that despite being a French and Spanish teacher myself I haven't done any language learning with my boys yet! #TriedTested

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  5. Wow - this looks really interesting1 #kcacols

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  6. What a great and fun way of learning a new lanuguage!

    Thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS I hope to see you back again next week. x

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