3 Ways to Teach Your Child Arabic (Even If You Don’t Speak It Yourself)

You don’t speak Arabic. But you’d love your child to learn it. You imagine them reciting a du’a with meaning, understanding a word from the Qur’an, or simply responding “Na’am” instead of “Yes.” But how do you support their learning when you're still figuring it out yourself? The truth is: you don’t need to be fluent to help your child start Arabic. You just need the right tools, a little consistency, and a fun, low-pressure environment.

Here are three simple ways you can begin helping your child learn Arabic, even if you're learning alongside them.

1. Learn Together, One Word at a Time

You don’t need to teach full grammar lessons or complex rules. In fact, the best way to start is with one or two useful words a day. Pick words that are already part of your child’s world. Here are examples that connect to real life:

These words are practical, easy to use, and stick faster when repeated in daily routines. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s exposure. Even if you aren’t confident in your pronunciation, hearing the word repeatedly in context helps your child connect meaning and usage.

Tip: Use sticky notes around the house with Arabic labels. For example, stick “باب” on the door or “كتاب” (book) on their reading shelf. Let the home be their language lab.

2. Turn Arabic Into a Game, Not a Chore

Children learn best when they play. And that’s great news for parents who don’t feel like language teachers.

Here are some fun and easy ways to sneak Arabic into playtime:

A. “Arabic Treasure Hunt”

Choose 3 Arabic words your child is learning (e.g., “kursi” for chair, “kitab” for book, “bab” for door). Hide a small treat near those objects and give clues in English with Arabic words sprinkled in.

B. “Guess the Word” Drawing Game

Say an Arabic word and have your child draw it. Or show a picture and ask, “Do you know what this is in Arabic?” Keep score and take turns.

C. “Arabic Bingo”

Use a 3x3 grid of Arabic words or pictures. Call out the word, and your child marks it. The first to complete a line wins. You can download printable templates or make your own.

Tip: Don’t worry about full sentences. A single word repeated during a fun game is more valuable than a whole paragraph taught under pressure.

3. Let Songs and Stories Do the Heavy Lifting

YouTube, audiobooks, and beginner storybooks are powerful tools, especially when a native speaker is doing the speaking. Choose age-appropriate songs with clear, slow pronunciation. Many Arabic nasheeds or animated language channels are designed for non-native children. Let the sound and rhythm do the teaching. You can also find bilingual Arabic-English books that show the same sentence in both languages. Even if you don’t understand the Arabic yet, your child will start noticing patterns, hearing repetition, and recognising familiar words.

Tip: During bedtime, try a short Arabic rhyme or even just repeating three words learned during the day. Children retain words better when they hear them before sleep.

You’re Not Alone, You’re Their Learning Partner

You may not speak Arabic (yet), but that doesn’t mean you can’t teach it. Your interest, effort, and encouragement can create a positive language environment that sticks with your child for life. The secret isn’t in speaking perfectly. It’s in showing up with your child, daily, joyfully, and consistently, even for 10 minutes a day.

Ready to Begin the Journey Together?

Our Arabic Word-a-Day Challenge is made exactly for families like yours, parents who want their kids to start Arabic confidently, without overwhelm.

🌟 We teach fun words daily

🌟 Sessions are light, engaging, and age-appropriate

🌟 Daily recap sheets help parents follow along

🌟 We include home challenges, games, and mini-reviews

🌟 No experience required, just show up and grow together

This coming August Inn Shaa Allah, make language learning a shared experience. Join the Arabic Word-a-Day Challenge. [Register Now – Limited Spaces Available]