Any child can learn English at the level of free communication. This does not require an “inborn talent” or some kind of predisposition to learn English. And if English for kids seems hard, it is likely that the wrong methods are chosen and the child’s character is not taken into account. Surely you can
We hope that the following recommendations will help correct this situation:
There are many resources with cartoons in English. At the beginner level, such classical works as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Arthur will suit well. For those who are older and have already reached the middle level, you can diversify speech with phrase verbs, idioms, and slang from The Simpsons.
Read English-language books together
Giving a child a book in their hands is not enough. If he’s having trouble learning the language, the best he can do is look at the pictures. We need to get them interested in reading.
If the child is interested in the book, he/she will take it and study it on their own. Looking through the pages, kids will “photograph” the words with their eyes and try to interpret their meaning.
When immersing yourself in English-language literature, follow the principle from simple to complex. First, flip through books with a familiar subject, then try modern fairy tales, informative stories, and funny stories in English. Studying new material can encourage your child to further immerse themselves in a foreign culture.
Play!
Some adults find it “right” to study English with textbooks and dictionaries. But before your child starts enjoying the language, this approach will be deadly boring for him. Another thing – games!
For younger children, card games will be great. For example.
“Show me” – You put a few cards in front of the kid, and then call one word from this list. The task of the child is to touch the right card.
“What’s missing” – Spread out a series of cards (4-5 cards). Look at them and say the words. The child closes his eyes, and you remove one word. The kid’s job is to tell you what’s missing.
“Edible-inedible” – You show the child a word card and ask, “Can it be eaten?” The kid’s job is to remember the meaning and decide if it’s edible or not. After the answer, you turn the card over and show the picture with the meaning.
Older children can be offered computer games for learning English. Also, there are a lot of applications and services on the Internet for learning new vocabulary and practicing grammar.
Talk in English
Practice and immersion in an English-speaking environment are extremely important for progress. You don’t have to move to England or America – you can just talk to your children in English.
Ask your child how s are things at school, discuss the weather and the books they have read. From time to time you can have an English Day when all the children speak only English, and whoever breaks the rule gets an assignment to learn some words.
If your level of English is not enough to be able to communicate freely, enroll your child in a conversation club.
A conversational English course allows the child to immerse in the environment and make your child more fluent in the language. Lessons are held in groups of up to 10 people. On the one hand, children use the knowledge they already have, and they are encouraged to grow further.
Showcase the areas of application of English
Adults often say that it is necessary to learn English without specifying reasons. It is difficult for children to imagine the situations in which a foreign language can be useful. So the abstract goal is not a motivation for further study or work. The benefit should be here and now, and quite concrete. Constantly think of situations where the child can demonstrate his knowledge.
It is not difficult to turn English from an excruciating waste of time into a fun and productive activity if you reconsider your attitude to the process and immerse yourself in it a little.