Would you like to see your child learn and speak English fluently? As an exceptional English language teaching institute, we have found that one of the main hurdles parents face is the development of the English speaking skills of their children. Most parents know that for their child’s success, the ability to speak English fluently is vital. They also know that learning to speak English is much harder than learning to read or write in English.
The good news is that you can always help your child develop their English language skills. There is a fairly good chance to make them become incredibly fluent in English. How, you ask? Catch ’em young! Start at an early age right from the level of that of a native English speaker. Children grasp languages like a sponge, far quicker than grown-ups. So, don’t worry! With a good approach and environment, you can help your child ace the Queen’s English!
So, how can you help your child speak fluent English?
- Practice English-speaking online: It’s true when they say ‘Practice makes perfect’, right? For the only way to be fully fluent in English is by practising it every day. Training regularly with these programmes can help your child to not only learn speaking but also learn grammar and dialect with extensive detail. There are many free resources available, such as online English lessons for children, online spelling classes for children, as well as many other children’s English speaking courses. Select a programme that is an ideal fit for your child and have him work 2-3 days a week. Make this a time when only conversational skills are practised by your child, and not just learning grammar.
- Emphasise listening: The easiest way to get your child to learn English is to immerse them in the language. An increasingly critical aspect of language learning is listening. This involves leisure activities such as paying attention to enjoyable television programmes, music, movies, spelling classes for kids online or encouraging your child to listen to English audiobooks. To check out audiobooks for kids, you can use a website like Audible. Bear in mind to use audiobooks that are just above the child’s level. This will help them to learn their English skills more quickly.
- Worry less about grammar rules: A good way to learn English speaking is not to learn too much grammar. The explanation is that when a child starts studying grammar rules all the time, it will make his/her brain process grammar rules when they speak and as a result, they start feeling conscious and scared of making mistakes. Think about the first time your child started speaking their native language. Did they learn the grammar first? They learnt words and their meanings. The same refers to your child who’s looking to speak English. Introduce them to films, storybooks, and English courses for children. Believe us when we say that even without understanding any grammar rules, the brain would be wired to speak English well! In addition, learning grammar will bore your child and make them hate learning English. So, it’s best to avoid stressing on grammar while teaching your child how to speak English.
- Have English as your discussion language: How would your child learn English in an English-speaking country? They grasp the language even without formally attending English lessons. This is due to the obvious fact that they will use English as the language to grasp all other subjects. Even inside your own home, you can even build a similar learning atmosphere. If you are teaching a history lesson to your kids, use English. Stick to English while discussing a scientific experiment, the latest news, the weather or even a sport. The more things you employ using English at home, the quicker they would grasp the same. Don’t just take our word for it. Give it a go and let us know!
- Invite your child’s friends over: Learning to speak English is like learning to swim or ride a bike. Only through constant practice can the child achieve perfection. Invite your child’s friends over for an ‘English Day’. No vernacular, but just English for the fixed time. You can add some fun games like Scrabble, Word Search, Unscramble the Words, and so on to keep the interest levels high. Encourage the group to speak English, from whatever small vocabulary they know. This exercise would facilitate the processing of ideas in English by children and prevent any mental translation.
- Encourage your child to write a diary: Children are fond of maintaining diaries. Diaries offer them a good chance to keep track of things in their lives that are happening. Ask your child to write it in English. Sure, they may fumble at the start, but it’s a start all the same. This exercise will drive them to consider and shape thoughts in English. Learning to speak in English is 90% of muscle memory and the more things you will do to prepare the brain of your child to use English as the way to connect, the faster changes you can would get to see.
- Groove to English music: Music is loved by children of all ages. Music interests children of all ages, whether it be singing or dancing. Music is also a wonderful way to help your child learn to speak English. Typically, songs contain a lot of repetition, and the beat makes you quickly recall phrases. It also shows them the right intonation and pronunciation, especially with karaoke. Yes, English can be made more fun!
Teaching your child to speak fluent, confident and natural English is an achievable goal. With a little tenacity, your child can be well-spoken in no time. Just be patient and persistent. Good luck!