Anyone use Duolingo with their kids? Mixed results here

Jan 21·1 min read

We've been using it for Spanish with our 7yo and she actually enjoys it, which is surprising. But it's gamified as hell - she's more interested in the streak than actually learning the language lol. Still probably better than nothing? She knows like 50 words now which is more than I knew. Just wondering if anyone else has seen actual results with the app or if it's more of a "keeps them busy" situation.

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Comments(6)

JJosh M.New DadJan 21

The gamification gets them hooked which is great but my 7yo mostly wants to focus on the streaks and rewards rather than actually retaining words. Still beats screen time though I guess.

DDavid M.New DadJan 23

Mixed results probably means it's working better than you think. Kids need repetition and exposure more than anything, and if she's actually willing to do it that's already a win.

JJasonRegularJan 22

The fact that your 7yo enjoys it puts you ahead of most parents honestly. Spanish fluency is a bonus, but getting kids to willingly sit with language learning is the real achievement.

TTodd N.RegularJan 22

We switched to Duolingo Kids and honestly the experience is so much better designed for their age. Less frustrating for them too.

JJustinRegularJan 22

Yeah Duolingo is weird with kids because they like it enough to keep going but you wonder if they're actually learning anything real. We use it as a supplement with actual practice but not as the main thing.

GGary R.RegularJan 23

How long do you let her use it per day? I keep mine at 15 minutes max or she gets weird about trying to farm the bonuses.