It is extremely important to practice speaking English with children at home. English conversation for children is a huge part of learning the language. Children’s speaking skills usually go unnoticed, which may hinder their overall learning process. No matter how young they are, it is essential to practice speaking as well.
In other words, children also need to work on how to improve their listening and speaking skills in English. A good English tutor will make sure that part isn’t neglected. Parents and tutors should all participate in the learning experience. The whole family needs to motivate the child to learn.
With that in mind, here are some tips on how to help children practice speaking English. You can help your child gradually expand their vocabulary. But before that, let’s talk about why it is so important to start learning English early on.
Why Is It Important to Learn English Early on?
Learning English in childhood is important because it stimulates the child’s cognitive functions. This helps them learn other subjects as well. Likewise, learning a new language in childhood allows children to assimilate two languages at once.
It helps them to “automatically” switch between the two languages, meaning it’ll be much easier for them to be bilingual in the future.
The benefits of learning English in childhood:
- Increased school performance
- Easier to become bilingual
- Development of cognitive functions
- Helps achieve fluency in English in the future
- More job opportunities
Now that you understand the importance of learning English in childhood, here are some tips on how to help children practice speaking English.
English for Kids | Conversation Tips
In short, anyone who’s trying to learn English will benefit from practicing conversation. Regardless of how old the student is, oral communication leads to fluency. And children should also develop this skill. So, here are some tips on how to help children practice speaking.
Use Online Games to Practice Conversation in English
Games are fun activities that encourage kids to learn. They make learning English easier and more pleasant for children. Knowing that, try to encourage them to play online and talk to other players. Even if only briefly, like saying “hello” and “goodbye”. This way, they can learn English and have fun at the same time.
English Conversation Practices Using Simple Expressions
Try daily English conversation practices with your child. But remember to keep it simple so that words and phrases can be memorized more easily. This helps develop your child’s vocabulary as well as their speaking skills, which in turn will help them improve their overall level of English.
Your child will soon be able to remember the expressions and communicate more effectively in English. However, bear in mind that the age range also plays a major role here, so it is important to find age-appropriate content.
Play Games in English
You can also play games in English with your child in your free time. Some games can be adapted to help kids develop their listening skills. “Simon Says” is a great option.
The game is about Simon giving orders in English to other kids. Simple commands are enough to introduce the language to a child. Those orders can be something like, “Get up!” or “Sit down!”, which are easy to understand.
Study and Speak English with Your Child
You need to study as well if you want to be able to help your child. Practicing conversation with kids requires commitment, patience, and an immersive environment. That’s why you need to speak English as often as possible, as an extension of the tutors’ work.
As is usually the case, the learning experience continues at home. Kids need to be encouraged to communicate in English every day.
Use Children-Oriented Videos and Cartoons to Teach English
An interesting approach when working with kids is learning through videos and cartoons. Nowadays, thanks to YouTube and other streaming platforms, you can show them many different types of videos in English. This way, children can improve their listening skills – a huge part of their conversation skills – while watching their favorite cartoons and shows.
It’s also a fun way to learn. Children start associating learning English with happy moments and enjoy watching their own progress and growth.
Watch Shows and Movies in English with Your Child
This tip can be useful to adults, too. Watching TV shows and movies in English is an excellent way to practice conversation. It’s basically another way to exercise your listening skills, and you can also ask the child questions in English after the show.
Play While Listening to Songs in English
Play games with the child in English while listening to music. For at least an hour a day, this practice can really speed up their learning curve. Music stimulates their cognitive functions and helps them memorize many words in English.
You can play hopscotch while listening to a playlist of Disney favorites, for example. Or just have fun your own way!
Would You Like to Know More About Conversation for Children?
If you’d like to know more about English conversation practices to help your child become fluent, just get in touch with us at Cambly Kids. Our native tutors offer fun, interactive, and laidback classes, always focused on meeting children’s specific learning needs.
Did you like this article? Leave your comments below and share your experience!
Beautiful narrative..n quite helpful..