5 tips to help kids learn English if it is not their first language

Time of India

a day ago

Growing up, a lot of kids don't communicate in English, except at school. While it is perfectly fine to keep the medium of communication as per one's geography aka mother tongue, the English language is needed everywhere - socially and globally.
Having a hold over English gives your child an edge over others, but it can be tricky, if parents don't communicate in the language at home. However, help is always at hand. Here are 5 tips to make your child better at English...
Create an English-friendly home environment
The introduction of the English language should be part of your child's daily routine in your home. Your child will learn English through daily activities that include reading English books, watching English cartoons and listening to English songs.
Frequent exposure to English through visual and auditory experiences, allows brain adaptation which simplifies the learning process.
Assign English names to house objects through labels starting with 'door,' 'table,' and 'chair' to help your child learn these words naturally. Your child learns word-object connections through this approach. The essential element is to maintain a stress-free environment that lets your child learn English with enjoyment.
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Active conversation practice should be encouraged
The most effective method to learn any language requires actual spoken practice. Your child should use English in conversation as much as possible, even when they speak incorrectly. The practice of basic dialogues about school activities and personal favorite activities and subjects, should be used. You should speak slowly and select simple vocabulary, to create a comfortable atmosphere for your child to participate in conversations.
Your child will develop speaking abilities through participation in language groups or English classes, or by practicing with native speakers online. Online platforms provide opportunities for language exchange that enable your child to interact with learners or native speakers. The practice of genuine conversations leads to improved fluency, together with better listening abilities.
Use games, songs and stories
Learning becomes most effective for children, when they find their activities enjoyable.
Your child can learn new vocabulary through the natural exposure of English language books, songs and educational games. The rhythmic structure and repetitive nature of songs, assists memory because it simplifies word retention. Through storybooks, your child learns vocabulary context that shows word placement in sentences.
The practice of English learning apps and games will encourage your child to perform regular exercises.
Learning becomes more enjoyable when students view it as games, which decreases their fear of mistakes while boosting their participation rates. This positive approach builds their confidence over time.
Be patient and celebrate small successes
Learning a new language requires extended time and work. Praise your child whenever they achieve any progress in their English learning journey, regardless of its apparent insignificance.
You should praise your child when they master new vocabulary, or build basic sentence skills or understand English stories.
As a parent, do not pressure your child. The process of learning includes typical mistakes, which serve as stepping stones for improvement. Your child will feel secure to practice English when you provide encouraging and understanding support. Your child's emotional backing stands equally important to the practice time, devoted to learning language.
Make reading a daily habit
Regular English reading develops natural vocabulary understanding, grammar knowledge and sentence structure skills in children. Set a daily appointment with your child to read English story books together. Select books with content that your child finds interesting, and at their current reading level to maintain their interest.
Your child's understanding will improve if you ask questions that require them to think in English.
Reading together helps children improve their pronunciation skills, as well as their fluency in English. You should use library books or electronic books to find diverse reading materials. Your child will gain more confidence in English comprehension and usage through reading activities.
Sources:
Clapingo - Mastering English in a Non-English Environment
Wordtune - 8 Tips to Get Better at English Writing as a Non-Native
EnglishPath - 13 Ways to Learn English Fast and Effectively
LanguageTrainingPro - 7 Tips for Improving English Speaking Skills for Non-Native Speakers
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