On average, it may require around five to seven years for a child to achieve mastery of academic language, even if they exhibit proficiency in the second language during social interactions and conversations. This highlights the complexity of language acquisition and the importance of starting early to nurture multilingualism amongst young learners.
As parents and educators, we recognize that young minds possess an incredible capacity for language acquisition. Like sponges, children soak up new information effortlessly, making the early years an optimal time to introduce them to the wonders of multilingualism. Among these languages, English stands out as a global lingua franca, opening doors to many opportunities worldwide.
In this article, we look into the significance of learning English as a second language and explore practical strategies for teaching English to young learners.
The Importance of Learning English as a Second Language
Learning English as a second language offers much more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary. It enhances cognitive abilities, deepens cross-cultural understanding, and broadens a child’s worldview.
Teaching English to young learners fosters empathy, appreciation of diversity, and global citizenship, enabling them to engage with a wealth of literature, media, and academic resources. This equips the students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, making the benefits of teaching English essential for their future success.
When Should Children Start Learning English?
Experts advise parents and educators to teach English to young learners between 3 – 7 years old due to crucial cognitive development during this period. Approximately half of a person’s cognitive abilities are established within the initial four years of life. As children progress, basic language skills typically solidify around ages 7-8, with further linguistic development requiring deliberate training starting from ages 8-10.
Consequently, the later a child begins their English language journey, the more time and dedication will be necessary for proficiency. So, starting English education before age 4 is the most favorable approach for effective language acquisition in children.
Read more: The Role of Parents in Early Childhood Education
Introducing English as a Second Language
Starting early builds a strong foundation for language acquisition. To make it easier for you to teach English as an additional language to children, here we present several essential things that can be done based on educational stages:
1. Toddlers (Ages 2 – 5)
Integrate English into your toddler’s daily routines, such as incorporating English words during mealtime, playtime, and bedtime activities. Utilize bilingual books, interactive apps, and educational toys that introduce English vocabulary and phrases in a fun and engaging way. Encourage social interaction with English-speaking peers through playdates, daycare, or community events to provide language practice and immersion opportunities.
2. Primary Schoolers (Ages 6 – 11)
Engage your primary school-aged child in language-rich activities that promote English language acquisition and fluency. You can organize scavenger hunts where they can search for items based on English descriptions, fostering vocabulary expansion and comprehension skills.
You can also enroll them in cooking classes that provide instructions in English, allowing them to learn new words and phrases while participating in hands-on experiences. You can arrange pen pal exchanges with students from English-speaking countries to facilitate cultural exchange and language practice, encouraging communication and friendship across borders.
3. Middle Schoolers & High Schoolers (Ages 12 – 17)
Encourage your middle and high school-aged children to dive into English literature with a diverse selection of classic and modern books, igniting their passion for reading and exposing them to various writing styles.
Complement their learning by watching English-language films and series together, where you can discuss plot twists, themes, and character growth, boosting their comprehension and language skills. Foster critical thinking and communication abilities by motivating them to join English debates, public speaking events, or drama clubs, creating a nurturing space for self-expression and confidence development.
Read more: Early Childhood Skills List that Every Parent Should Know
Practical Tips You Can Try on How to Teach English to Young Learners
Both English teachers and parents play a crucial role in nurturing their child’s language development. By incorporating effective strategies into daily routines, they can create an immersive environment that nurtures language proficiency and confidence. Here are some strategies for teaching English to young learners:
1. Set Language Learning Goals
Establish specific goals to track progress, such as mastering vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation. Breaking goals into manageable tasks helps young learners stay focused and motivated. This approach also develops essential skills like self-discipline and time management, empowering children to take ownership of their language-learning journey.
2. Integrate English Across Different Subjects
Use English in different subjects to reinforce learning. For example, reading science books or writing history essays in English improves both language skills and subject understanding. Incorporating English into various disciplines fosters critical thinking and solidifies learning through repetition, showing children the value of English in academic success.
3. Create Visual Aids to Teach New Vocabulary
Words like “head,” “shoulders,” “knees,” and “toes” are much easier to point out on a cheerful stick figure than to list them in a vocabulary sheet. Visual tools offer a dual benefit: children can have fun coloring or adding to the illustrations while also learning to associate the new words with their visual representations.
Techniques like highlighting, underlining, and circling help adults remember small bits of information, and creating visual diagrams works similarly for kids. It helps them begin to visualize how English words connect to meanings. Additionally, colorful and illustrated learning aids stand out in their folders, making them easier to find amid a pile of papers.
4. Language Understanding Through Content Exposure
Incorporate authentic materials like newspapers, podcasts, and websites to expose young learners to real-world English usage. These resources provide practical language skills, cultural context, and diverse perspectives, helping children improve their language proficiency while expanding their cultural awareness and appreciation.
5. Language Clubs and Activities
Community-based learning, such as language clubs and extracurricular activities, reinforces English skills in fun, interactive ways. Activities like conversation groups, storytelling, or cultural celebrations create a supportive environment where children can practice English, deepen their understanding of diverse cultures, and enhance their social and cultural competencies.
Read more: The Skills Beyond Grades that Every Parent Should Know
6. Utilize School Support for Language Learning
Schools also play a crucial role in supporting children in enhancing their English skills through various initiatives. Schools often offer Student Support Programs, such as English as an Additional Language (EAL), tailored for students who need to improve their English proficiency skills. These programs provide specialized instruction and resources to help students develop their language skills at a pace that suits their individual needs.
For example, at SPH, we understand the importance of English language proficiency for academic success. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) and English as Second Language Immersion (EALI) programs cater to students from Grade 1 onwards, addressing specific language needs based on their background and proficiency level.
The EAL program is designed to support students from different countries and language backgrounds, ensuring they can effectively communicate and engage in daily classes. On the other hand, the EALI program focuses on providing concentrated support for students with minimal English skills, aiming to accelerate their acquisition of the target language.
7. Create a Consistent Language Routine
Establishing a daily routine for English learning helps young children build consistency and discipline. Parents can set aside time each day for activities like reading English books, watching educational shows, or engaging in conversation. This structured approach makes English an essential part of daily life, providing a strong foundation for language development.
8. Leverage Educational Apps and Games
Using technology also can make English learning more engaging for young learners. Educational apps, games, and online platforms offer fun, interactive methods that enhance vocabulary, grammar, and language skills. This approach supports both teaching and learning, making English accessible and enjoyable for students.
9. Praise Progress and Celebrate Achievements
Positive reinforcement is essential in teaching English. Parents should regularly celebrate their children’s efforts, from mastering vocabulary to completing language challenges. Recognizing achievements creates a supportive learning environment, motivating students to be confident and excited about their progress in learning English.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nurturing multilingualism and fostering English proficiency in young learners is a multifaceted journey that requires dedication, creativity, and collaboration between parents, educators, and schools. As we’ve explored throughout this article, starting early in introducing children to the wonders of the English language lays a strong foundation for language acquisition and sets them on a path toward academic success and global citizenship.
By embracing language learning goals, integrating English across various subjects, exposing children to authentic language materials, facilitating language clubs and activities, and implementing robust school support programs, we equip children with the necessary tools to thrive in an interconnected world.
For families seeking a comprehensive English language development program for their children, SPH offers a holistic Primary School Program complemented by two English as Additional Language (EAL) support programs. This program provides a nurturing environment where young learners engage in immersive English language experiences, supported by dedicated educators who understand their unique needs.
With a focus on interactive learning, cultural exploration, and holistic development, the SPH Primary Program ensures that children not only become proficient in English but also develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. To learn more about how the SPH Primary Program can benefit your child, explore our website and contact us today!
