Parents often wonder how they can help their children learn English as a second language. The answer is that parent-child interaction that helps children learn their first language also helps them understand their second language. Children learn languages more quickly than adults. That’s why introducing English at an early age is an excellent way to avoid the stress it might cause later on. Also, children are curious creatures, and it is not difficult to involve them in a learning activity.
Make Learning Fun
Children learn naturally when they are having fun. Flashcards are a great way to learn and review a language, and there are many games you can play with flashcards and programs. If possible, play with your children in English. Any arcade or arcade machine-type game is excellent for beginners, and games like Scrabble are perfect for older children.
Establish a Routine
Make learning English a regular activity with your loved ones. Pick a time in the evening when your children are alert, not when they are hungry or tired. This is the best time to spend doing language activities, teaching, or speaking English together. You can base this on your child’s mood and energy level. On some days, you may want to delay language time or take a day off.
Use Everyday Situations
This helps children become fluent because they can speak effortlessly on any topic through speaking practice. So always invite your child to talk to you in English and introduce them to objects around them at first. The advantage of teaching English at home is that you can use everyday scenarios and natural household objects to practice the language in an obvious way and the circumstances. They must know what they have to convey in English. Talk to them about everyday tasks and objects that you usually talk about in English. This can be asking them when they brushed their teeth or guiding them on formulating a question when they want to ask you something.
Help With Vocabulary
There are many approaches you can take to achieve this. Ask your child to stick labels with English phrases on things around the house. Test your child (in a fun way) with new words each week. Of course, there are many things you can do if you want to help your child understand English: for children, the most crucial thing is encouragement, so if you do this, help them as best you can.
Takeaway
Children learn language because they interact and play with the essential people in their lives every day. When caregivers are responsive in these interactions, children feel attached to them. They are encouraged to continue the interaction—being responsive means allowing the child to initiate and maintain the dialogue and then responding with enthusiasm and interest to whatever the child can do.
