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How to help your child learn English?

English is an (almost) universal passport to discovering the world and communicating: whether it's for travelling, studying, watching films in VO or later working, the language of Shakespeare is becoming almost indispensable. And to learn it easily, you have to start as soon as possible but also know how to go about it.  

Whether at home or away, online or travelling, here is an overview of the possibilities we have identified atécole M. It is up to you to choose according to the age of your child and of course the budget and time available.

Playing in English (without moderation)

What could be better than learning English through play? Even if you are not perfectly bilingual, there are many games that you can play with your children. Here are four examples, all of which are described in detail on the Family Activities website Ribambel.

• James says: Very good game for learning action verbs. The rules are the same as for James says. First, say ten actions by miming them so that they can understand what each verb means in English. Then have fun!

• Crossword puzzle: On one sheet of paper, place words to create a crossword puzzle. On a second sheet of paper, make the same empty grid, assigning a number to each word location. Give a definition to each number, make two teams and the first team to find it wins the game.

• Imitator (mime): Write jobs (teacher), objects (book), etc. in French and English on fifteen pieces of paper; place the pieces of paper in a hat, form two teams, one of the members must find the word thanks to the mime of his teammate.

• What do you see? (Placea number of objects on a table; before you start, give your children the English name for each object. Then ask them what they see.

Listening to music (and singing) 

It is well known that music has mood and health benefits. It promotes learning and also develops cognitive skills. There are many nursery rhymes for learning English. Some of them combine gestures with speech and are produced by English speakers. They are to be preferred. Indeed, at this age, the child is a sponge and acts by mimicry, as Claude Hagège explains in his book The child with two languages It is between the ages of 3-4 that the capacity to learn languages is at its maximum. This is when the capacity for mimicry, on which most language learning is based, is at its highest.

• The website Educational tips lists about ten rhymes, including "Row your boat" which is the equivalent of "Bateau sur l'eau". Their advice indicates how to learn them and insists on one point: no translation, only gestures!

Visit (reference) websites

While there are countless English-language materials on the Internet, one tip is to focus on reference sites. These can include :

• The British Council offers many tools for learning English for children. These sites are welcoming, colourful, intuitive and fun. The child learns without realising it.

• National Geographic which has developed a "kids" version: there are educational videos (for example: "a dolphin is not a fish") or quizzes to learn vocabulary ("Ice cream flavor"). It is also possible to take out a subscription to their magazine and share these discoveries with the children.

  
  
  

Using (recognised) applications 

Supporting children in learning English can also be done on the small screen. Applications are a great tool. Those that offer many activities, encourage speaking, sound recognition and whose instructions are in English should be preferred. 

• Pilipop English combines these features. To work on oral skills, children must pronounce the words correctly to earn points and advance in the game. In this way, the child can learn to count, identify clothes, colours or even fruit and vegetables. Their motivation will be rewarded!

• Timmy's First English Words (3-6 years) and Timmy's Learning New Skills (3-6 year olds) are applications created by the British English Council that are also very qualitative.

  
  
  

Hosting a babysitter (English speaking)

A new offer to learn English has been developing rapidly for a few years: English-speaking nannies. Some organisations offer the services of bilingual baby-sitters from the age of 9 months! The idea is simple: to accompany your child in learning English, in a familiar and caring environment and without having to learn French. 

Doing activities (weekly)

Mini-schools are designed to introduce children to English from the age of three and in mini groups. The format is generally one hour per week on Wednesdays. Their advantages are that they are affordable, in Paris and the Paris region, and that they offer a collective environment for children. Elle magazine has listed some of the proposals in this article.

And go on a language trip (later)

These stays are a great opportunity for total immersion in an English-speaking country, with English-speaking guides. From the age of 8-9 years and until adulthood, this is a good idea to keep for later. option for later.

Don't hesitate to give us other ideas, we have certainly forgotten some.

It's up to you now, let's go!