In today’s globalized society, mastering more languages than your mother tongue can provide a multitude of benefits both personally and professionally. Being able to communicate with people from other countries and cultures is an enriching part of life and speaking English can be particularly advantageous. English is the most spoken second language in the world, making it a popular choice for language learners. For professional reasons, mastering English can give people an edge in the job market as many companies now have global trading and collaborations as central parts of their business model.
As learning a new language can be challenging, especially for young children who are still developing their cognitive and language skills, it is essential to find fun and engaging ways to teach English to children. By using the right approach and resources, children can learn English more easily and enjoyably. In this article, we will provide a list of fun learning methods, activities, and resources that will help your child speak English fluently and confidently.
If you wish to learn more about why early language learning is beneficial to children, you can check out our blogpost on The Importance of Early Language Learning.Use Games
Playing games is a great way to learn English without even realizing it! Children can learn vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills while having fun. You can try word games, like “I Spy” and “Hangman” to teach new words or board games like “Scrabble” to teach grammar and sentence structures. Digital games, such as language learning apps and educational video games, can also be effective in keeping children engaged and motivated. For example, the popular language learning app Duolingo has a fun and interactive game-like interface that makes learning English feel like a game.
Other fun games that can be used to make English language learning more enjoyable can be found below. These games are not only fun, but they also provide children with the opportunity to practice their English vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills.
Pictionary
A game in which one person draws a picture of an English word or phrase, and the other person tries to guess what the word or phrase is.
Charades
In this game, a person acts out an English word or phrase without speaking, and the other person tries to guess what the word or phrase is.
Word Jumble
Word Jumble is a game where English letters are scrambled, and the child has to unscramble them to form a word.
Word Search
In Word Search, a grid of English letters is provided, with words hidden within the grid. The child has to find the words by circling them.
Bingo
A game in which players are given a grid of English words or pictures, and a caller randomly calls out words or pictures. Players have to mark off the corresponding word or picture on their grid until they have a complete line.
Memory Match
In Memory Match, a set of English word cards are placed face down, and the child has to turn over two cards at a time to try to find matching pairs.
Hang a Fruit Basket
In this game, the child has to name different fruits and vegetables that start with each letter of the alphabet. Each time they name a fruit or vegetable, they get to add a paper cut-out to a hanging basket until the basket is full.
Incorporate Multimedia
Multimedia can provide a multisensory experience that engages both visual and auditory learners. Your child can learn English with songs, videos, podcasts, and interactive websites. Singing songs is a fun way for children to learn new words, improve pronunciation, and intonation. Videos and podcasts can be used to improve listening and comprehension skills, as well as expose children to different accents and cultures. Interactive websites, such as language learning apps and online quizzes, can make English learning a fun and interactive experience. For example, the British Council’s “LearnEnglish Kids” website has a wide range of interactive games, songs, stories, and videos designed to help children learn English in a fun and engaging way.
Another way of using multimedia is language learning apps. There are many English language learning apps available that can be a great supplement to your child’s language learning journey. These apps provide fun and interactive games and activities that can help your child learn English vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking skills. Some popular English language learning apps for children include Duolingo, Lingokids, and ABCmouse.
Below is a list of English Language Learning Apps for Children, and how they can benefit your child’s learning- Duolingo – a popular language learning app that uses a game-like interface to make learning English fun and engaging.
- Lingokids – a fun and interactive app that uses games, songs, and videos to teach English vocabulary and grammar.
- ABCmouse – an educational app that includes English language learning activities for children aged 2-8.
- Fun English – an app that uses interactive games and videos to teach English vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
- Mindsnacks English – an app that includes fun and engaging games to help children learn English vocabulary and grammar.
Make it a Group Activity
Learning English with friends is more fun than learning alone. Group activities provide children with the opportunity to interact with peers, practice English in a social context, and learn from each other. Role-playing and drama activities can help children practice their conversational and communication skills, while storytelling activities can help them develop their writing and reading skills. Team competitions, such as spelling bees and language games, can make learning English a fun and engaging experience. For example, you can organize a spelling bee competition with your child’s friends or put on a play in English with a group of children. In our blogpost on Teaching English to Children you will find tips and tricks for different group activities as well as other fun activities that engage children in their English language learning.
Use Real-World Examples
Learning English can be more relevant and meaningful for children if they can see how it can be used in real-life situations. Parents and educators can use signs, labels, menus, and advertisements to teach English vocabulary, pronunciation, and communication skills, as well as improve reading and writing skills. Real-life scenarios, such as shopping, ordering food, and asking for directions, can also be used to practice English in a practical and engaging way. For example, you can take your child grocery shopping and ask them to read the labels and identify the different foods and ingredients.
Cultivate a Positive Learning Environment
Creating a positive and supportive learning environment is essential for children to enjoy and succeed in English language learning. Praise your child’s efforts and celebrate their progress. Provide feedback and guidance that is both constructive and supportive. Addressing challenges and barriers that may arise in English language learning, such as language anxiety, cultural differences, and learning disabilities, is also crucial in creating a positive learning environment. Encourage your child to make mistakes and learn from them, and create a learning environment that is relaxed, positive and fun. Make English learning a part of your child’s daily routine and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to speak and use English in their everyday lives.
Read English Books
Reading English books is a great way to improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills. It also helps children to become more comfortable with the English language and develop an appreciation for English literature. There are many English books designed for children, ranging from picture books for young children to chapter books for older children. You can also read English translations of your child’s favorite books or find English versions of popular fairy tales.
Ideas for English books that are fun, entertaining and educational for children:- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss – a classic children’s book that is great for teaching English vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown – a popular bedtime story that is great for teaching English vocabulary and basic sentence structures.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – a fun and colorful picture book that is great for teaching English vocabulary and counting to younger children.
- The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling – a popular book series that is great for teaching English reading comprehension and writing skills to children and preteens.
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – a classic children’s book that is great for teaching English vocabulary and writing skills.
Watch English TV Shows and Movies
Watching English TV shows and movies can be a fun way to improve listening and comprehension skills, as well as expose children to different accents and cultures. It can also help children to learn English in a more natural and authentic way. There are many English TV shows and movies designed for children, and the most important thing is to select something that fits your child’s age, interests and learning goals. You can also use subtitles to help your child understand the dialogue and improve their reading skills.
Below is a list of idea for English TV Shows and Movies that are equally entertaining and educational for Children of different ages:- Dora the Explorer – a popular TV show for young children between 2 and 5 years of age, that teaches English vocabulary and basic sentence structures.
- Peppa Pig – a popular TV show for young children between 3 and 5 years old that will teach the child basic English vocabulary and sentence structure.
- Sesame Street – a classic children’s TV show that is great for teaching English vocabulary, grammar, and social skills, also fitting for children aged 3 to 5 years.
- Toy Story movies – a fun and engaging movie series for children from 5 years of age, that is great for improving English listening and comprehension skills.
- Harry Potter movies – a very popular movie series for slightly older children aged 7 and upwards that is great for improving English listening and comprehension skills. The recommended age restriction rises as the movies progress, so viewer discretion is advised.
Attend English Language Classes
If you are not a native English speaker or feel uncomfortable teaching your child English, attending English language classes can be a great option. Language classes provide a structured and supportive learning environment, with trained professionals who can help your child learn English effectively. They can also provide opportunities for your child to interact and play with other English learners and practice their English in a social context. If you wish to find a local English class you can search online for English classes or English lessons followed by “your city”, for instance English Classes Glasgow or English Lessons Sheffield.
Find an English tutor
Finding a tutor to support your child in their learning can prove to be a valuable resource both personally and educationally. When deciding on a tutor for your child, it is important to look for one that matches up with their interests, personality and learning needs, as this will determine how much the child can benefit from the tutoring. In addition to assisting your child in their learning process, a good tutor can also help them improve their self-worth by having a role model to look up to and seek confirmation from. Whether you wish to find online tutoring or a local in-person tutor close to where you live, you can search through tutoring website or platforms, for instance using search terms such as “tutoring London” or “language teacher Manchester”.
For more background knowledge on how a personal tutor can help with your child’s progress and confidence in their English language learning, you can also check out our blogpost on The Benefits of One-on-One English Tutoring for Children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning English can be a fun and engaging experience for children. In this article we’ve gone through a multitude of learning methods, including games, multimedia, group activities, real-world examples, creating a positive learning environment, reading English books, watching English TV shows and movies, attending English language classes, finding a tutor, and using English language learning apps. By selecting the learning methods that are suitable for you and your child, they will be speaking English fluently and confidently in no time! Remember, the key is to make English learning a part of your child’s daily routine and to use positive reinforcement to encourage them to use English in their everyday lives. And first and foremost: to make it fun. Happy learning!
