Giving the opportunity to learn English to your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It is much easier to learn a language as a child than as an adult, and the rewards are all the greater: in general, English speakers earn a better living, can access the most prestigious universities and have more opportunity to travel.
English for children , from 0 to 18 years old, is accessible to everyone thanks to multiple resources, of which we offer some examples in this article. You will find ideas for games, nursery rhymes, cartoons and books for babies and children. We also share other methods with you, such as English lessons for children or the help of an English-speaking babysitter. We also give you some tips for setting up an English learning routine for the little ones. Keep reading for all the details!
Establish a learning routine
Whatever system you choose to teach your child English from an early age, it is essential that it is part of a daily routine. Start by choosing a schedule that you will devote to this learning. Ask yourself what time of day would be best: is it bath time? Before going to sleep ? Or during meals?
Prefer short sessions of about 15 minutes, especially for toddlers, but regular. Keep in mind that the important thing is consistency! Make them interesting and fun: tell a story, read a book in English, or use an educational app designed for children.
Play games in English
Playful learning is always more effective, especially for babies and toddlers! Here we list ideas for children’s games in English :
This game requires some concentration. When the first player says a word, the second must say another that begins with the last letter of the word spoken by the first player.
For example, if player 1 says “home”, player 2 can say “english”. If your child makes a mistake or does not find a word, he or she will be eliminated.
Free English for Baby can be accessed through simple methods like learning nursery rhymes and songs. Toddlers will become familiar with the rhythm and intonations of the language while assimilating new words, without realizing it and all in music. Here is a list of the top 5 songs in English for children:
Do not hesitate to use a visual aid or a toy at the same time as you sing! With videos, stuffed animals or puppets, children will remember the words even more easily.
Telling stories and tales in English
Nothing like a fairy tale before going to sleep! It is also a fun and effective way to teach English to children . The stories stimulate their imagination and develop their listening skills and, told in English, they will allow them to develop their vocabulary and get used to the language. Moreover, children are able to listen to the same story again and again, without getting bored and always with the same pleasure. And if it’s with an illustrated book, it’s even better!
Besides the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm and Andersen, you will find a multitude of stories and children’s books in English. Here are some examples that will make toddlers want to learn English even more :
If your little one likes to be told a bedtime story, these videos can help you establish a routine in teaching your child English.
Take online lessons with a teacher
More and more parents are opting for online English lessons for children rather than sending them to a traditional language school. It’s a simple and effective way to put into practice what you have taught them at home. In addition, being supervised by an adult other than you will increase your child’s attention tenfold. Above all, your little one will have the opportunity to interact with a native teacher and get used to the accent, intonations and way of speaking that are unique to English speakers. With Preply, you’ll find private online lessons suitable for children of all ages, whether beginners, intermediate or advanced, and for all budgets.