Most parents understand that learning English speaking is much more difficult than learning to read or write in English. Is it possible to teach your child to speak English fluently like a native?
The good news is that you actually can help your child improve English speaking. If you start at a young age, there is a very good chance that you can help them become extremely fluent in English, even to the level of a native English speaker. Children absorb languages like sponges, a lot faster than adults. With the right approach and environment, you can help your children learn English speaking the same way they speak their first language.
How can you help your child learn English speaking?
Here are some fun ways you can help your child learn English speaking.
1. Practice English speaking with a native teacher
The only way to be truly fluent in English is through continuous practice. If you practice with a native speaker, you will learn with more accuracy in things like pronunciation and accent. Find a native English teacher to work with your child 2-3 times a week.
2. Listen to English audio books
Immersing your child in “English” is the best way to get them to learn English. Listening is an extremely important part of language immersion.
This includes activities like listening to broadcasts, such as the BBC, or allowing your child listen to audio books read in English. Always use audio books that is slightly above your level. This will allow you to improve your English skills at a faster rate.
3. Less Grammar rules
Research shows that learning too much grammar is not a good way to learn English speaking. The reason is studying grammar rules all the time will make your brain process grammar rules when you speak and as a result will make you too scared of making mistakes.
4. Make English the medium to learn other subjects
Think of how your child would learn English if they lived in an English speaking country like the UK or US? They will learn to speak English fluently without formally taking any English classes. That’s because they will use English as the language to “absorb” everything else. You can create a similar learning environment within your household too.
5. Invite friends for an “English Day” at home
The only way to improve English speaking is by speaking English as much as possible. Learning English speaking like learning to ride a bike or learning swimming. You can’t learn by just memorising theory. You have to practice.
Invite your child’s friends over for an “English Day”. The rule is that you can only speak in English. You can add some fun rules – for each word spoken in any other language other than English, you have a fine!
6. Keep a diary in English.
Children love keeping diaries as it give them a fun opportunity to keep track of things happening in their lives.
Encourage your children to write their diary in English. This activity will push them to think and form ideas in the English language. Learning English speaking is 90% about muscle memory and the more activities you can do to train your child’s brain to use English as the medium to communicate, the faster you will see improvements.
