12 Expert Tips for Teaching Kids English at Home

Encouraging your child to learn English can unlock a treasure trove of opportunities for their future. Studies show that English speakers tend to earn higher salaries, gain admission to prestigious universities, and enjoy broader travel experiences. What parent wouldn’t want to pave the way for such promising prospects?

If you’re committed to helping your child master English, exploring expert guidance can be a great option. Consider enrolling them in an online English course or connecting with a tutor who specializes in teaching children. Both avenues offer tailored support to enhance their learning experience.

As a parent, you might be asking yourself, “How can I actively support my child’s English education at home?” To provide you with valuable insights, we consulted with expert English tutors from LingualNeeds, who specialize in teaching children. Here’s what they recommend.

1. Sing songs with them   

Several tutors noted that music is an effective tool for grabbing a child’s attention and facilitating stress-free vocabulary retention.

“I’ve found that singing and engaging with interactive videos are the most effective methods for learning. This approach has been tried and tested with positive results. Children are naturally drawn to songs, and music helps them retain information effortlessly!”

2. Use English in daily life

If you’re confident in your English skills, incorporate it into your daily conversations alongside your native language. Introducing your child to multiple languages from an early age offers numerous benefits. For instance, research indicates that this bilingual exposure can significantly improve their pronunciation skills over time.

Magdalini emphasizes the importance of integrating English into everyday life to make learning feel natural. Instead of viewing it as a foreign language, incorporate English into daily activities, games, and songs just as you would with a child’s native language. For instance, while coloring, say the color names in English, and when dancing, use English to describe the moves. This immersive approach helps children learn in a fun and engaging way.

3. Set a regular learning routine  

Children thrive on routine, as it fosters a sense of security and encourages the development of self-discipline. Moreover, establishing a consistent routine can significantly enhance their ability to learn a second language!

Mirela Z. emphasizes the importance of establishing a consistent routine when teaching your children English at home. Create a weekly schedule that includes specific days and times dedicated to English study. To keep your children engaged, let them select the topics or themes they want to explore. Incorporate enjoyable projects, such as illustrating the solar system, mapping the USA, or creating holiday-themed artwork. Encourage them to present their work, as this will not only reinforce their learning but also boost their confidence and sense of accomplishment!

4. Play with your child in English 

Many of our tutors recommend that you motivate your child to use English during playtime. Engaging with the language in a fun context makes learning feel less like a chore and more enjoyable!

Rajesh suggests an exciting way to boost your child’s English skills: make learning fun through play! Engage them in classic games like dress-up, hide-and-seek, Simon Says, and charades—all while communicating in English. By incorporating language into play, you can help your child learn English just as naturally as they acquired their first language!

5. Ask them to act out something they see on TV 

A fun and creative way to engage your child in play is to have them role-play an English-language commercial from YouTube or television. This activity not only sparks their imagination but also helps improve their language skills in an enjoyable manner.

Encourage them to watch a commercial and then act it out, mimicking the dialogue and expressions. This fun exercise not only boosts their communication skills but also helps shy individuals build confidence by facing their fear of making mistakes.

6. Read comics together 

For slightly older children, English-language comic books can be an excellent way to encourage independent reading in English. If you’re looking for recommendations, Marvel comics are a fantastic choice for learners of US English, while “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” offers a fun introduction to contemporary British English.

Jamie believes that comic strips can be a powerful tool for encouraging children to learn English, tailored to their age and skill level. For instance, when kids read comics featuring beloved superheroes, their enthusiasm for learning grows. Additionally, the vibrant illustrations offer valuable context, making it easier for them to grasp the language.

Here’s another article we’re sure you’ll find interesting: Essential Terms Every Product Manager Should Know. You definitely should take a look.

7. Praise them! 

Children flourish with encouragement, especially from their parents! If your child is putting in the effort to learn English, be sure to express how proud you are of their hard work. Your support can make a significant difference in their learning journey.

Leonah emphasizes the power of praise in nurturing your child’s sense of achievement. Celebrate their efforts, especially when they persist through challenging tasks. Consider establishing a reward system that recognizes hard work, which can include simple incentives like extra free time or more outings with friends. Remember, it’s important not to overly criticize or correct every error; making mistakes is a natural part of the language learning journey. In summary, prioritize praise to foster a positive learning environment!

8. Ask them open-ended questions in English

If your child is under ten, you know they’re likely full of curious “Why?” questions. Now, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to turn the tables and start asking them, “Why?” Encourage their thinking and spark delightful conversations!

“My classroom strategy revolves around asking open-ended questions that encourage my students to share their thoughts and express themselves freely. I believe parents can adopt a similar approach by engaging their children in meaningful conversations. This not only fosters communication skills but also provides ample opportunities for kids to practice and use language effectively.”

9. Have a tea party in English 

Hosting a teddy bear tea party in English is a delightful and charming activity that your little ones will love! It’s a fun way to spark their imagination and encourage social skills while creating lasting memories.

Clare suggests that the most effective way for parents to support their young children’s English learning at home is by blending education with play. For example, hosting a tea party in English can be a delightful approach. Children can invite their stuffed animals, while parents and any younger siblings can join in the fun, enjoying the imaginative experience of pretend tea and cake, regardless of the language being used.

10. Create stories with them  

Creative writing in English is a fun activity for little people with big imaginations. 

Clare suggests collaborating with older children to write a story together. As a tutor, she enjoys crafting narratives with her young students based on a toy they bring to the lesson. This approach actively engages the child in their learning from the outset. Once the story is developed, they take turns reading it aloud, allowing the child to recognize and reinforce vocabulary they’ve just used. Additional keywords can be seamlessly incorporated to enhance the story and introduce new terms. Clare later utilizes the story as a foundation for exercises or homework, making learning both fun and effective.

11. Use puppets

Two of our tutors shared that using puppets can be an entertaining and effective method to help young children conquer their fear of speaking English.

Sally enjoys engaging her students through interactive games with her puppet, Ziggy. Whether Ziggy is playfully concealing part of a flashcard or demonstrating actions for the students to guess, he adds an element of fun to learning. When a student seems hesitant to answer a question, Sally turns to Ziggy for a response, which boosts their confidence to tackle the next question. This playful dynamic also allows them to correct Ziggy’s mistakes, helping students realize that making errors is a natural part of learning—and they can all share a laugh in the process!

Catherine Anne B shares her experience of teaching English to Arabic children using puppets as a primary teaching tool. She discovered that the children were not only enthusiastic about the puppets but also engaged deeply with the material, even staging their own puppet shows to showcase what they had learned.

12. Talk to your child’s tutor

When your child is working with an online English tutor, it might be tempting to step away and give them space, particularly if they’re on the shy side and you want to avoid any distractions. However, staying nearby can provide valuable support and encouragement, helping to boost their confidence and engagement during lessons.

Many tutors have observed that children tend to progress more rapidly when parents actively communicate with them. This engagement allows parents to stay informed about their child’s learning journey and provides opportunities to reinforce those lessons at home through practice.

Yolandi observes that her young online students who progress the quickest are those with engaged parents. When parents request video recordings of their children’s classes for later review, these students demonstrate remarkable advancements in their learning. In contrast, children and teenagers who receive minimal support from their parents during their language courses tend to improve at a much slower pace.

She emphasized that parents can play a vital role in their children’s education, regardless of their own English fluency. There are numerous effective ways they can support their learning journey.

Parents who aren’t fluent in English but wish to assist their children in their English studies can join my classes alongside them at no additional cost. This opportunity not only allows parents to learn alongside their kids but also equips them with the skills to support homework and complete worksheets at home, as they will be learning the same material together.

She went on to deliver one final message which all parents will agree on.

“Parents play a vital role in their children’s development by offering love, showing genuine interest, and providing support throughout the learning journey. These three contributions are essential for fostering growth and confidence in young minds.”

The golden rule from our tutors? Make it fun! 

In our conversations with over 30 tutors, a common theme emerged: the key to teaching children English is to ensure they find joy in the learning process. Rather than overwhelming them with grammar drills, emphasize fun activities and speaking practice. Children are naturally adept at picking up languages simply by being immersed in them. Remember, it’s crucial to allow kids to savor their childhood while they learn!

Create joyful learning experiences for your child as they explore English, and they’ll cultivate a lasting fondness for the language. This positive association will encourage them to persist and enhance their skills towards fluency. Plus, it will make the journey enjoyable for both of you!

Jackie emphasizes the importance of making English enjoyable for children. She believes that fostering a child’s creativity and enthusiasm is key to their success. Try engaging activities like spelling games, reading captivating stories, or cooking a delicious recipe together in English. Learning should be a delightful journey, not just about achieving results. The more interactive and hands-on the experience, the better children will remember what they learn.

Conclusion 

We hope these tips have sparked your creativity for teaching your child English at home! If you’re seeking additional support, consider scheduling a few lessons with an online tutor who specializes in teaching children. This can provide fresh ideas to incorporate English into your daily routine. Plus, private tutoring can be quite affordable, with rates starting as low as $5 per hour. Shorter half-hour sessions are also available, perfect for young learners with shorter attention spans!

If you’re reading this, you’re taking a significant step toward securing your child’s future. Mastering English is an incredible advantage that can open doors to numerous opportunities later in life. Plus, children have a unique ability to learn languages more easily than adults do. By introducing English early on, your child will develop impressive fluency, making it second nature for them when they truly need it.