Creating a strong linguistic environment at home is key for children to succeed in learning a second language. A nurturing language environment helps young children develop English vocabulary, phonological awareness, and reading skills. Early childhood is a crucial time for growth, and parents can build a solid foundation for English learning by exposing their children to the language in ways that suit their abilities.
Dr Carrie Lau, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong recommend that parents start by utilising everyday resources to introduce simple letters, words, and phrases. This could include reading English books, noticing English signs around town, listening to radio broadcasts, singing nursery rhymes, sharing stories, watching videos, or exploring online learning tools. Parents can also make learning fun by playing interactive listening and speaking games with their kids, fostering a vibrant and immersive English environment.
1.Start with Your Child’s Interests
To encourage a habit of reading English materials, it’s best to begin with topics your child loves. Select books or materials that match their language level, and engage in interactive activities together. For instance, if your child is fascinated by animals, you could choose books about zoos and enjoy a fun reading session as a parent-child activity. This approach not only sparks their interest but also helps them expand their vocabulary and gain new knowledge.
2.Nursery Rhymes for Pronunciation
English nursery rhymes provide a playful and engaging way for children to develop their pronunciation and intonation. The rhythmic patterns and repetitive phrases in nursery rhymes not only make learning enjoyable but also enhance their oral language skills and linguistic intelligence.
3.Participate and Discuss
In addition to reading, parents can actively join their children in watching educational English programs. Use this time to explain complex sentences, clarify meanings, and spark discussions about the content. These shared moments turn language learning into a bonding experience, making it both fun and interactive.
4.Home-School Communication
Building strong communication between home and school is a powerful way to support a child's learning journey. By staying informed about their learning progress, parents can work with teachers to set personalised learning goals tailored to their child's needs and abilities.
With access to helpful resources, parents can gain a clear understanding of their child's learning milestones, and areas that need improvement. These tools also allow for recommendations on extending learning opportunities, based on both the child's progress, fostering a well-rounded and engaging educational experience.
To better understand your child’s English proficiency and choose suitable books or materials, you can explore tools like: