{Guest Post by  Jennifer Monahan}

How much do you remember from your world language classes in school? If you’re anything like me, probably not a lot. I remember feeling pressure to take a language class, but not much of what I learned has stuck with me over the years. That’s not the case for kids today, who are faced with a growing global economy where knowing a second language is almost a necessity. Aside from looking great on college and job applications, language skills can help foster a rich cultural understanding. Language learning apps for kids are a helpful learning tool.

Luckily for today’s kids, learning a new language is more enjoyable than it was for us.  (Remember those heavy translation dictionaries?)

Thanks to the help of mobile technology, there are helpful tools like language learning apps for kids. Check out these six great language learning apps:

6 Language Learning Apps for Kids

Hello Talk (free)

Kids will love Hello Talk because it makes learning a new language fun and interesting, and parents will love that it introduces them to new cultures along with new languages. The app goes back to the roots of language learning by connecting learners with teachers around the world. Users can talk with native speakers via video, audio, or text message, and access other features like transliteration. Through these real-time conversations, kids can apply their language skills in practical ways as they see how people learn and live around the world. There are a lot of ways for global video communication, but Hello Talk is incredibly reliable because it users a worldwide network of more than 70 data centers set up by communications company Agora.io, so no matter where your language partner is, regardless of what network, communication is always reliable and clear.

Download on iOS

Download on Android

busuu (free)

If you’re kids are in a hurry, check out the streamlined version of busuu, which focuses on the must-know 3,000 words and 150 topics for each language. The content, both the abbreviated and full version, was created with the help of millions of native speakers around the world, so phrases are tested and useful. Busuu also doesn’t require an Internet connection, making it a great app for kids to use while they’re on the go between their activities.

Download on iOS

Download on Android

Brainscape (free)

When it comes to strict memorization, Brainscape is one of the best options, simply because it does one thing really well: flashcards. There aren’t games and flashy graphics on this app, just thousands of vocabulary flashcards to learn. The app responds to the words you struggle with and puts them in the rotation more frequently, and it even personalizes the response time for each user (some people do better with three seconds between cards, while others prefer 10 seconds). There’s no arguing that flashcards are effective and useful.

Download on iOS

Memrise (free)

Tap into proven memorization techniques with Memrise, which aims to teach users a staggering 44 new words per hour. Choose from a huge selection of learning activities, from videos to pictures and games, and then test your knowledge with review activities. Memrise stands out for the sheer volume of languages offered—more than 100, including some obscure dialects—but each is prepared with the help of native speakers.

Download on iOS

Duolingo (free)

Make language learning fun with the game-like strategy of Duolingo, one of the first and most established language apps. Users have the chance to work their way through different levels as they participate in short lessons and test their knowledge with review activities. Correct answers earn the users points to cash in at the virtual app store and compete against their friends. Duolingo offers a wide variety of activities and languages for all types of learners.

Download on iOS

Download on Android

 Lingvist (free)

This app is only available in French and English, but other languages should be popping up soon. Lingvist is a powerful tool because it learns with you to maximize your learning time with the best learning path for your goals. The unique algorithm factors in words you are struggling with and makes them a greater part of the lessons, while words you have mastered take a back seat. Lingvist also prides itself on teaching words and phrases that are the most useful, so you aren’t wasting your time on things you’ll never use.

Download on iOS

Download on Android

It’s never been more important for kids to learn a new language, but thanks to these great language learning apps, it’s never been more enjoyable. Kids can learn while having fun.

What languages are your children learning?

Jennifer Monahan is a freelance writer and a SAHWM mom of 2 fantastic kids out of Jackson Hole Wyoming. When she’s not working or cleaning up after her husband, she likes to keep busy writing about culture, languages, traveling and more. You can follow her on twitter @Jenmonahan76.