How To Teach English To Children Effectively And Engagingly

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It is important to know how to teach English to children as it’s the most common language in the world. The language of business, science and technology – English opens doors across the globe. This international language also helps children explore the world around them - understanding different cultures, people, and perspectives.  

As wonderful as the language may seem, the very thought of teaching a child how to master English can be scary. But, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up five of the simplest ways to ease the language into your child’s life. 

Teaching English To Your Child Tip #1: Find Fun Ways To Read 

To teach children how to love English, it’s good to get in the habit of reading to and with them. Find books on topics they like, and work reading time into your daily routine. However, if your child is glued to the television, put on English children’s movies and simply switch the subtitles on. 

Reading with your child can help them gain eye-ear training. This training is important as our brains try to pair what a word sounds like with what it looks like. This pairing helps them understand how to pronounce words, and how to use these words conversationally. 

Beyond improving their English skills, reading and storytelling with children have been shown to promote brain development and imagination, develop emotions, and strengthen relationships. This gives you all the more reason to make quality reading time a priority!

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Teaching English To Your Child Tip #2: Talk It Out

Another good way to teach children how to master English is by exposing them to the language naturally and organically. All this means is that you have to talk to them casually. 

How do you keep it casual? Just describe everyday situations and encourage your child to chat with you in English. You could talk to your child about the activity they are doing as they do it. For example, as your child is having dinner, ask them about the food they are eating – the tastes, smells, colours etc.

Besides that, you could also talk to them about what they are able to see in the house. The goal here is to discuss and describe the items to help them expand their vocabulary.

This practice teaches children how to speak English confidently and engage in conversation with others as well. 

Teaching English To Your Child Tip #3: Sing Your Heart Out

If you’re wondering what music and English have in common, it’s that they’re both universal languages. As we mentioned before, it’s important to know how to teach English to children in a natural way. Songs contain ‘real-life’ language that’s quite different to the stiff language found in English textbooks or guides. 

Songs are excellent for memory recall. In the same way that you can’t get that annoying song out of your head, music can help children remember the vocabulary found in songs. 

Beyond learning new words, songs also help children absorb elements of culture that will help them socialise better. For instance, the different types of English (American, British) and the various accents from around the world. 

Fret not, you don’t need perfect pitch to do this. Here’s a list of modern-day songs that might help!

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Teaching English To Your Child Tip #4: It’s Game Time

Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s a given that we all learn best when we’re having fun. And, what’s more fun than a game? 

Beyond playing into the competitive nature of children, games give them a goal to go after. These goals could play to your advantage, making children eager to improve and giving parents a more exciting way to teach their children how to master English. 

Here are a few classic favourites:

Hangman

Hangman is a great game to help teach children vocabulary and spelling in particular. You can begin with everyday items, and then gradually increase the difficulty of the chosen word. 

Simon Says

A classic, Simon Says allows children to practise their listening skills. This fun game can be used to go over body parts, nouns, verbs, and even prepositions (“Simon says put your hand on the wall”).

Charades

A game loved far and wide by both children and adults, Charades isn’t just about having fun. This game develops listening, speaking, and reading skills, while also strengthening vocabulary.

Teaching English To Your Child Tip #5: Ask For Help

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While our last four strategies will make your child love the English language, there is no denying the value of a solid foundation. Typically, the less fun part. 

Vocabulary and grammar are fundamental to the English language; it is important for children to have a good grasp of basic vocabulary and simple grammar rules. 

Historically speaking, most of us may remember our English lessons as kids to be slightly dry. Thankfully, this is not always the case today!

For example,  GuruLab designs each online class to allow children to speak up or participate in fun activities. Students are also rewarded for their hard work with points or gifts to keep them engaged online.

Finding the right teacher or tutor is essential in teaching children how to master English as a whole.