English

 English fundamental 

As we all know, knowing English is a fundamental skill today, but learning a foreign language is not quite what you might call a walk in the park. Approaching English at an early age, when the brain is the most predisposed to learning, is fundamental to learning a language, thanks to natural and spontaneous assimilation.

 This learning process that begins in childhood continues as the individual grows. That is why you cannot expect your kids to speak perfect English within a few months. However, it is true that the earlier we start, the more we will have the possibility of developing a more broad knowledge of this new language.

English courses

Among the many English courses offered to younger children, choosing an English school is undoubtedly the best strategy for younger children to learn this language. 

However, there are many other strategies that parents can adopt to bring their children closer to English naturally and spontaneously, taking advantage of the natural language absorption potential that young people have at an early age. You can also teach your kids About counting in numbers

parents speak English

 Is it necessary for parents to speak English perfectly? No, although notions in the language will certainly help them. Moreover, helping their children in this process of discovering English can be an ideal opportunity for parents to review and consolidate their own English.

Educational resources in English

Books

Books are among the first resources used to stimulate the minds of young people playfully. For example, by reading them illustrated tales, they learn to associate words with pictures. Why not do the same in English?

 There are books for all ages: among the simplest are the sculptors, in which each image has a word most often ordered by semantic fields (animals, colors, household objects, family, etc. .). With audio aids, such as keys to listen to the pronunciation of words. Seosakti

Illustrated tales

Toddlers can be more independent in using these books. Another example of books that can be useful in learning languages ​​is the illustrated tales. Which parents can read to their children and which the latter adore.

 Another option is bilingual books with stories that are generally very easy to understand and in which their characters speak either in French or in English. 

Games for teaching English to children

Another very simple strategy is to turn your children’s favorite games into English games. Many games can be made using flashcards, for example, memory-type games, in which children have to find the even cards and give the name of the object represented on the card.

 Another game that Kids can easily play in English is the Hangman ( Hangman in English), where you have to guess a word from several letters that compose. Or the phone game, by choosing an English word or phrase instead of your usual language. 

You can also use mime games: one person mimics something, and the other has to guess what he is doing with English words. The bingo game is also recommended, using either numbers or pictures associated with words; Kids can use it to learn numbers or other vocabularies in English.

Games online in English and apps

 

Today, technology offers many resources for learning a foreign language through interactive activities. The advantage for the little ones is that this type of resource is very stimulating for them, Which makes learning easier. Moreover, KIds should note that it is necessary to use these resources with a certain moderation not to overexpose children to electronic devices.

There are many websites and apps dedicated exclusively to children offering games, videos, and activities of all kinds to develop various skills in English. Here are a few examples:

websites and apps

  • That Games for learning vocabulary, such as crosswords or association games, consist of connecting a picture to the corresponding word.
  • It would be best if you associated listening and comprehension exercises in which the word is heard with a corresponding image or written word.
  • Gameplay and creativity, for example, read a short story and then choose from a series of images that best represents the story or create another story from some elements provided.
  •  They have subtitled videos and activities to complete after watching the video to stimulate learning new words and phrases.
  • Exercises that involve spell to learn spelling words.
  • Simple grammar activities such as multiple response tests and completing or putting words in the correct order to form sentences with meaning.

Some of these sites where you will find these activities that we recommend are:

  • BBC CBeebies;
  • Games to learn English;
  • PBS Kids, Vocabulary games;
  • Super simple learning, which also has an app available.

Songs and lullabies

Songs and stories are a fundamental part of the lives of toddlers and babies. Let’s take advantage of this component, which is so familiar to them, to develop their learning of English. The positive aspect of songs and lullabies is that they can be listened to, repeated, and sung, making them an active learning experience. 

The repetition on which nursery rhymes and lullabies are based forms the basis of the learning process in children. Listening and learning the song will help children repeat words, memorize vocabulary and improve pronunciation.

Some sites that we have suggested in the previous section offer many songs and lullabies: you can find others on YouTube or Google by entering the keywords “Children’s songs.” You will also find some of the most popular titles at the beginning of our blog, “6 Lullabies In English For Kids”, but you can also look for other titles such as “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes,” “If You’re Happy,” “Ten Little Indians,” “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.

Also, try with other songs that were not expressly written for children but fit perfectly for this purpose: a very good example would be “All Together Now” by The Beatles.

This song by the famous English group, with a very catchy beat and very simple lyrics, contains numbers, letters of the alphabet, colors, and other familiar expressions. It is perfect for children to listen to and repeat over and over again.

Videos, cartoons, and films

Children love to watch television. And even too much! So, always in moderation. Why not take advantage of this passion for learning? Many of the shows they watch on television are not French, but English or American: the perfect opportunity for us. Let’s start by showing them original videos, cartoons, and movies, using subtitles to make them easier to understand and learn. 

That will allow them to contact real English, listen to authentic expressions spoken by native English speakers, and get used to listening to different accents. Watching television as one of their favorite hobbies will help maintain a high level of attention. 

Therefore, motivation, two very important factors in the early learning process. Of course, it is essential to choose videos, cartoons, and films suitable for the child’s level of English. For more information on the subject, you can read our other post, “English films for children.”

 

Summer camps and summer courses

The summer camps and summer courses are a unique opportunity to develop their English skills. Children practice activities in English only, which allows them to contact this language for a good part of the day.

 In addition, they do this over a period ranging from a few days to entire weeks. Don’t think that your kids will be sitting in class learning verbs: learning in this context is different. The summer camp of Kids & Us Summer Fun, for example, are camps that give your children an experience 100% in English. 

Participate in its activities

The idea is to stimulate language learning spontaneously, with fun activities such as treasure hunts and cooking workshops, etc. The intensive modality, the interaction with other children, and the fun ensure your children develop their ability and autonomy to speak English.

I don’t see it as crazy. You could take a day off to accompany your child to one of their classes. The fact that your child sees you interacting will also motivate them.

Time

You have to put in place what is called the “time strategy.” Remember that we are talking about bilingual children; thus, you intersperse a day when you speak another language. You will maintain mastery of their mother tongue and learning English without reaching saturation.

 Keep in mind that it is necessary to establish an emotional connection with children to teach English to children. The child’s curiosity and an appropriate family environment will rest for him to master a second language.

 

Conclusion

Following these strategies and with the help of English lessons and the passage of time. You will stimulate your children and thus help them familiarize themselves. The language and develop their language skills to an advanced level. 

In this way, you avoid the difficulty of one day finding yourself with a completely new language. When the learning is less spontaneous and natural. Besides, this process will allow you to share stimulating activities with them. Who knows, maybe it will help you improve your English.

The repetition on which nursery rhymes and lullabies are based forms the basis of the learning process in children. Listening and learning the song will help children repeat words, memorize vocabulary and improve pronunciation.

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