Children absorb languages like sponges, a lot faster than adults. With the right approach and environment, you can help your child learn English speaking the same way they speak their first language.
Here are some fun ways, you can do to help your child :
1. English Day at home : The best way to improve English speaking is by speaking the language as much as possible. Invite your child’s friends over for an “English Day” The rule being that you can only speak English. Add some fun rules – for each word spoken in any other language, you have a fine!
This will teach children how to think in English. In other words, this activity will encourage children to process ideas in English.
2. Listen to English audio books : Immersing your child in “English” is also an effective way to learn the language. Listening is an extremely important part of language absorption. This includes activity like listening to broadcasts, such as BBC or let them listen to audio books. One such resource is www.audible.com
3. Less Grammar Rules: Research shows that learning too much grammar is not a good way to learn English speaking. The reason is studying grammar rules all the time will make your brain process grammar rules when you speak and as a result will make your child scared of making mistakes. Think of how much your child learned his native language. They did not learn grammar rules first! The same rule is valid for learning English also.
4. Listen to English Music : Songs usually involve a lot of repetition and the rhythm helps you remember words easily. Also, when children sing with the lyrics, it teaches them pronunciation patterns in a very natural way. Sesame Street is a good option to start. (www.youtube.com/user/SesameStreet)
5. Use Everyday situations: use everyday situations and real objects from around the house to practice the language naturally. Example – talk about clothes when your child is getting dressed or when you are sorting laundry. Practice vocabulary for toys and furniture when you are helping your child tidy their room. Teach food vocabulary when you are cooking or going shopping etc etc.
6. Establish a routine : establish a routine for your English time at home. It is better to have short, frequent sessions than long infrequent ones. 15 mins is enough for very young children. You can gradually make sessions longer as your child gets older and their concentration span encourages. Keep the activities short and varied in order to hold your child’s attention.
7. Make an ‘English corner’: Create a corner where you keep anything related to English – books, games (Pictionary, Scrabble etc), DVD’s. This will invite the child to use the stuff lying there.
8. Read, Read & Read : Make bed time , the best time. Young children won’t question the language that you are reading to them - they are more concerned about the ritual of bed time stories. Read illustrated story books, as every page is supported by visual clues. The language is simplified, repetitive and introduces feature such as rhyme.
Don’t worry if your child doesn’t start speaking English immediately. They will need a certain amount of time to absorb the language. The important thing is that you be enthusiastic and give your child lots of encouragement and praise.
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