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
At the heart of the matter lies the question: “Why bother with English as a second language?” Beyond the mere understanding of grammar rules and vocabulary, mastering English as a second language enriches a child’s cognitive abilities and cross-cultural understanding and broadens their worldview.
We must understand that language mastery isn’t just about communication; it’s about empathy, appreciation of diversity, and global citizenship. Teaching English to young learners will help them gain access to a wealth of literature, media, and academic resources, empowering them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
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 lays a strong foundation for language acquisition. For toddlers, immersion in English-rich environments through songs, games, and storytelling sparks curiosity and lays the groundwork for language development.
Primary schoolers benefit from interactive activities that blend language learning with everyday experiences, such as role-playing and project-based learning. As children progress to middle and high school, structured lessons focusing on grammar, writing skills, and critical thinking further deepen their English proficiency.
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
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s language development journey. Parents can create an immersive language-learning environment that nurtures their child’s proficiency and confidence by incorporating practical tips into daily routines. Tailored strategies can be employed from toddlers to high schoolers to foster language skills effectively.
By integrating English into everyday activities, utilizing educational resources, and encouraging social interactions, parents can lay a strong foundation for language acquisition. These efforts enhance linguistic abilities and promote cultural understanding and communication skills essential for success in an increasingly globalized world. There are at least 5 practical tips that you can try to apply:
1. Set Language Learning Goals
Set specific language learning goals to track progress. Whether it’s mastering a grammar concept, learning new vocabulary, or improving pronunciation, setting goals gives young learners a sense of purpose and motivation. Breaking down these objectives into manageable tasks allows them to see tangible progress over time, keeping them focused on their language learning journey.
Additionally, these goals foster valuable skills such as self-discipline and time management. Encouraging children to write down their goals and create actionable plans helps them take ownership of their learning, making it easier for them to stay committed as they work towards becoming proficient in a foreign language.
2. Integrate English Across Different Subjects
Parents can help children learn English by using it in different school subjects. For example, reading English books about science helps them understand scientific ideas and learn new words. It also prepares them for future science classes and jobs.
When kids write about history in English, it helps them clearly explain what they’ve learned. Writing essays or stories in English also helps them organize their thoughts and writing skills, which is essential. Utilizing English in subjects like math and art also helps children think critically. Similarly, talking about math problems or historical events in English makes learning more exciting and improves language skills.
Using this approach improves not only their understanding of English but also their overall academic skills. Repetition plays a crucial role in further solidifying this learning. Young learners often require more frequent reinforcement than adults to retain information effectively. Instead of moving on after a single lesson, parents should ensure that each session includes ample opportunities for repetition of previous material.
This approach helps children practice vocabulary and grammar, preventing reliance on isolated examples from each lesson. Parents can demonstrate how essential English is for children to achieve academic success by weaving English into different subjects and emphasizing the importance of repetition.
3. Language Understanding Through Content Exposure
You can enrich your children’s English learning by incorporating authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, podcasts, websites, and social media platforms into their language activities.
These real-world resources expose students to genuine language usage, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances, providing them with practical language skills and a deeper understanding of cultural context. Your children can learn how English is used in everyday situations through authentic materials, from reading news articles to listening to podcasts or engaging with online content.
Content exposure improves their language proficiency and creates room for cultural awareness and appreciation. Additionally, authentic materials offer diverse perspectives and topics, allowing your children to explore their interests while expanding their language skills in a meaningful and relevant way.
4. Language Clubs and Activities
Community plays a significant role in language learning. Language is not a skill that can be learned through siloed practices. You can enhance your children’s English learning experience by enrolling them in language clubs or extracurricular activities centered around the English language and culture.
These clubs offer a variety of engaging activities, such as English conversation groups, drama or storytelling sessions, English-language movie nights, and cultural celebrations. Participating in these language-focused activities outside of the classroom reinforces language skills and fosters a sense of community among students with shared interests.
Engaging in extracurricular language activities allows children to practice English in a fun and interactive environment, making language learning more enjoyable and meaningful. Additionally, participating in cultural celebrations and events will enable children to explore different aspects of English-speaking cultures, broadening their understanding and appreciation of diversity.
By actively engaging in language clubs and activities, your children can develop their language proficiency and valuable social and cultural competencies that will benefit them in their academic and personal lives.
Read more: The Skills Beyond Grades that Every Parent Should Know
5. 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.
Through these programs, students receive structured guidance and assistance, empowering them to succeed academically and beyond.
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!
