10 Best Ideas for Teaching Your Kids English

Parents are super important in helping their kids learn how to talk.

It can be really fun to teach your kids English, whether it’s their first language or not.

This guide has ten awesome ideas for teaching English to your children.

It will help you come up with cool ways to make learning English fun and easy.

Start with Everyday Conversations

One of the most natural and effective ways to teach your kids English is through everyday conversations.

Language acquisition happens organically when children are immersed in a language-rich environment.

Here’s how you can make the most of daily interactions:

a) Narrate your actions:

As you go about your day, describe what you’re doing in simple English.

For example, while cooking, you might say, “I’m chopping the carrots. Now I’m stirring the soup.”

b) Ask questions:

Engage your child in conversations by asking simple questions about their day, preferences, or observations.

“What did you do at school today?” or “Which color do you like best?”

c) Encourage responses:

Even if your child’s answers are short or grammatically incorrect, praise their efforts and gently model the correct way to respond.

d) Use repetition:

Repeat key phrases and words throughout the day to reinforce learning.

For instance, “It’s time for breakfast. What would you like for breakfast?”

e) Introduce new vocabulary:

Gradually introduce new words in context.

If you’re at the park, you might say, “Look at that tall tree. Can you see the branches and leaves?”

By incorporating English into your daily routines, you create a natural learning environment that helps your child absorb the language effortlessly.

Explore interesting topics:

Leverage the Power of Stories and Books

Reading is a fundamental skill in language acquisition, and stories provide an excellent context for learning new vocabulary, grammar structures, and cultural elements.

Here’s how to make the most of storytelling and reading:

a) Start with picture books:

For younger children, begin with books that have simple text and engaging illustrations. Point to the pictures as you read to help them associate words with images.

b) Read aloud regularly:

Set aside dedicated reading time each day. Your child will benefit from hearing proper pronunciation and intonation.

c) Encourage participation:

As your child becomes more familiar with a story, invite them to join in. They can finish sentences, make predictions, or even “read” parts they’ve memorized.

d) Discuss the story:

After reading, ask questions about the characters, plot, and themes. This helps develop comprehension skills and encourages critical thinking in English.

e) Create your own stories:

Invent simple stories together, using your child’s interests as inspiration. This can be a fun way to practice vocabulary and sentence structure.

f) Explore different genres:

As your child’s skills improve, introduce various types of books, including non-fiction, poetry, and chapter books appropriate for their age and level.

g) Use digital resources:

Take advantage of e-books, interactive story apps, and online reading platforms designed for language learners.

Remember, the goal is to foster a love of reading while simultaneously improving English skills.

Choose books that match your child’s interests and reading level to keep them engaged and motivated.

Harness the Educational Potential of Games and Activities

Learning through play is a cornerstone of childhood education, and language learning is no exception.

Games and activities can make English practice fun and memorable.

Consider these ideas:

a) Word games:

Introduce classic word games like Scrabble Junior, Boggle, or simple crossword puzzles to build vocabulary and spelling skills.

b) Memory games:

Create matching games with English words and pictures, or play “I Spy” to practice descriptive language.

c) Role-playing:

Set up pretend scenarios like “restaurant” or “school” to practice conversational English in context.

d) Simon Says:

Use this classic game to practice following instructions in English and learn action verbs.

e) Scavenger hunts:

Create lists of items for your child to find around the house or outdoors, encouraging them to read and understand English descriptions.

f) Board games:

Many board games can be adapted for language learning. For example, Chutes and Ladders can be used to practice numbers and simple phrases.

g) Crafts with instructions:

Engage in simple craft projects, providing instructions in English to practice following directions and learning craft-related vocabulary.

h) Singing and dancing:

Use action songs and nursery rhymes to combine language learning with movement and music.

i) Cooking together:

Follow simple recipes in English, teaching kitchen vocabulary and measurement terms.

j) Outdoor activities:

Play games like “Red Light, Green Light” or “Duck, Duck, Goose” to practice English commands and vocabulary.

The key is to choose activities that are age-appropriate and align with your child’s interests.

As they have fun, they’ll be absorbing English naturally and building positive associations with the language.

Utilize Technology and Digital Resources

In today’s digital age, there are countless online resources and apps designed to help children learn English.

While it’s important to balance screen time with other activities, technology can be a valuable tool in your language teaching arsenal:

a) Educational apps:

Download language learning apps specifically designed for children, such as Duolingo Kids, Lingokids, or PBS Kids Games.

b) Interactive websites:

Explore websites like BrainPOP ESL, British Council Kids, or Cambridge English for engaging lessons and games.

c) YouTube channels:

Find child-friendly English learning channels like English Singsing, Kids Learning Tube, or Super Simple Songs for educational videos and songs.

d) Virtual tutoring:

Consider online one-on-one or small group English lessons with qualified teachers.

e) Language exchange platforms:

For older children, supervised language exchange with native English-speaking peers can be beneficial.

f) Podcasts for kids:

Introduce age-appropriate English podcasts like Stories Podcast or But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.

g) Smart speaker skills:

If you have a smart speaker, explore English learning skills or games designed for children.

h) Digital storytelling tools:

Use apps like Toontastic or Puppet Pals to create and narrate stories in English.

i) Educational TV shows:

Select English-language programs that are both entertaining and educational, such as Sesame Street or Magic School Bus.

j) Typing games:

For older children, introduce typing games in English to improve spelling and keyboard skills simultaneously.

When using technology, always ensure the content is age-appropriate and monitor your child’s usage.

Use these digital tools as supplements to, rather than replacements for, real-world language experiences.

Create an English-Rich Environment at Home

Surrounding your child with English in their everyday environment can significantly boost their language acquisition.

Here are some ways to create an English-rich atmosphere:

a) Label household items:

Place English labels on furniture, appliances, and other objects around your home.

b) Set up an English corner:

Designate a space in your home for English resources, including books, flashcards, and educational posters.

c) Use English reminders:

Write simple notes or reminders in English, such as “Don’t forget your lunch!” or “Time to brush your teeth!”

d) Display alphabet and number charts:

Hang colorful English alphabet and number posters in your child’s room or play area.

e) Create a word wall:

Dedicate a wall or board to new vocabulary, adding words as your child learns them.

f) Use English for routines:

Incorporate English into daily routines by creating charts or checklists for morning and bedtime activities.

g) Play background music:

Have English songs or audio books playing softly in the background during playtime or meals.

h) Set up an English media station:

If possible, have a dedicated device (tablet, computer, or TV) that only displays English content.

i) Encourage English journaling:

For older children, provide a special notebook for writing in English about their day or creative stories.

j) Create bilingual signs:

If English is not your family’s primary language, make bilingual signs to help connect English with your native language.

By surrounding your child with English in their everyday environment, you’re providing constant, passive exposure to the language, which can significantly enhance their learning.

Encourage Writing and Drawing

Writing and drawing activities can help reinforce English skills in a creative and enjoyable way.

Here are some ideas to incorporate these activities into your teaching:

a) Picture diaries:

Encourage your child to draw pictures of their day and write simple captions in English.

b) Letter writing:

Help your child write letters or emails to English-speaking friends or relatives.

c) Comic strip creation:

Create simple comic strips together, using English dialogue and narration.

d) Story illustrations:

After reading a story, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and describe it in English.

e) Word and picture matching:

Draw pictures and write corresponding words, then mix them up for your child to match.

f) Alphabet art:

Create artwork based on letters of the alphabet, incorporating words that start with each letter.

g) Descriptive drawing:

Describe a scene in English and have your child draw it, then discuss the results.

h) Handwriting practice:

Use English handwriting worksheets to improve penmanship while learning spelling.

i) Creative writing prompts:

For older children, provide fun writing prompts to inspire short stories or poems in English.

j) Collaborative storytelling:

Start a story and take turns adding sentences, writing them down as you go.

Remember to keep these activities light and fun.

The goal is to associate writing and drawing with positive English language experiences.

Expose Your Child to Native English Speakers

Interaction with native English speakers can greatly enhance your child’s language skills, particularly in terms of pronunciation, colloquialisms, and cultural understanding.

Consider these opportunities:

a) Playdates:

Arrange playdates with English-speaking children if possible.

b) Community events:

Attend English-language community events, story times at libraries, or children’s workshops.

c) Sports or hobby clubs:

Enroll your child in English-language extracurricular activities.

d) Holiday camps:

Look for English-language day camps or summer programs.

e) Travel:

If feasible, plan trips to English-speaking countries or regions.

f) Host an exchange student:

For families with older children, hosting an English-speaking exchange student can provide immersive language practice.

g) Online pen pals:

Set up supervised online friendships with English-speaking children from other countries.

h) Volunteer activities:

Engage in family volunteer activities where English is spoken.

i) Cultural exchanges:

Participate in cultural exchange programs or international days at school or in your community.

j) English-speaking babysitters or tutors:

If possible, hire English-speaking caregivers or tutors for additional exposure.

While not all of these options may be available or appropriate for every family, even limited exposure to native speakers can be beneficial.

Always prioritize your child’s safety and comfort in these interactions.

Use Music and Rhymes

Music and rhymes are powerful tools for language learning, especially for younger children.

They help with pronunciation, rhythm, and memorization of vocabulary and phrases.

Here’s how to incorporate them into your English teaching:

a) Nursery rhymes:

Teach classic English nursery rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Humpty Dumpty.”

b) Action songs:

Use songs with movements, like “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” to combine language with physical activity.

c) Alphabet songs:

Sing the alphabet song and other letter-learning tunes to reinforce phonics.

d) Counting songs:

Use number songs to practice counting in English.

e) Grammar songs:

For older children, find or create songs that teach grammar rules in a catchy way.

f) Vocabulary-building songs:

Look for songs that introduce new words in context, like “Old MacDonald” for animal names.

g) Rhythm and rhyme games:

Play games like “Pat-a-cake” or create simple rhyming pairs to develop phonological awareness.

h) Make up silly songs:

Create your own songs about daily activities or your child’s interests using simple English phrases.

i) Karaoke:

For older children, use English karaoke videos to practice reading and pronunciation.

j) Music and movement classes:

If available, enroll in English-language music classes designed for children.

Don’t worry if you’re not musically inclined – there are plenty of resources available online and through children’s music albums.

The repetition and rhythm in songs make them excellent tools for language retention.

Celebrate Progress and Maintain Motivation

Learning a language is a long-term process, and it’s important to celebrate progress and maintain motivation along the way.

Here are some strategies to keep your child engaged and excited about learning English:

a) Create a reward system:

Set up a sticker chart or point system to reward consistent effort and achievements in English learning.

b) Organize English-themed days:

Have special days where everyone in the family tries to speak only in English.

c) Celebrate milestones:

Mark significant achievements, like reading a first book in English or writing a story, with special treats or activities.

d) Share progress with family:

Encourage your child to show off their English skills to grandparents or other relatives, fostering a sense of pride.

e) Create a language learning journal:

Help your child keep track of new words learned, books read, or English activities completed.

f) Set achievable goals:

Work with your child to set realistic, short-term goals and celebrate when they’re achieved.

g) Use positive reinforcement:

Offer specific praise for efforts and improvements, not just results.

h) Make it a family activity:

Show enthusiasm for learning English yourself, making it a shared family experience.

i) Connect language to interests:

Tie English learning to your child’s hobbies or passions to increase engagement.

j) Visualize progress:

Create a “language tree” where leaves are added for each new word or phrase learned.

Remember, the key is to foster a positive attitude towards learning English.

Avoid pressure or criticism, and instead focus on making the experience enjoyable and rewarding.

Tailor Your Approach to Your Child’s Learning Style

Every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Pay attention to your child’s learning preferences and adapt your teaching strategies accordingly:

a) Visual learners:

Use pictures, videos, and written materials. Create mind maps or diagrams to explain concepts.

b) Auditory learners:

Focus on listening exercises, songs, and spoken instructions. Encourage discussions and verbal explanations.

c) Kinesthetic learners:

Incorporate movement and hands-on activities. Use total physical response (TPR) methods, where language is taught through physical actions.

d) Logical learners:

Explain grammar rules and language patterns. Use word puzzles and logic games to reinforce learning.

e) Social learners:

Prioritize group activities and interactive games. Encourage participation in English-language social events.

f) Solitary learners:

Provide quiet study spaces and self-paced learning materials. Encourage independent reading and writing activities.

g) Naturalistic learners:

Connect language learning to nature and the environment. Have English lessons outdoors when possible.

h) Musical learners:

Emphasize songs, rhymes, and rhythmic learning techniques.

i) Verbal learners:

Focus on word games, storytelling, and debates to leverage their linguistic intelligence.

j) Combination approaches:

Most children benefit from a mix of strategies, so be prepared to use various methods and observe what works best.

By tailoring your approach to your child’s learning style, you can make the process more effective and enjoyable for both of you.

Final thoughts

Teaching your children English can be a really fun and exciting experience.

By trying out these ten ideas every day, you can make learning English interesting and enjoyable.

Remember to keep practicing regularly and make sure to have a good time while learning.

Celebrate small achievements, stay calm when faced with challenges, and have fun exploring a new language together.

Each child learns at their own speed, so don’t worry if progress seems slow sometimes.

The efforts you’re making now will help your child develop strong language skills that will be useful for them in the future.

With creativity, patience, and these strategies, you’re ready to help your child on their English learning journey.