Learning English with your child at an early age. English for kids: where to start

Hello, dear parents. Your child, who will soon be or has already turned 7 years old, has started school. Perhaps this specialized school with in-depth study of English. Or is it a simple school where they start learning English later. But you still think that 7 years is the age when it’s time to learn English.
The question arises: where to start learning English at 7 years old?
In the article you will find recommendations on how and where to start learning English.

1. Spoken English first

Many people mistakenly believe that they need to start with letters, then learn to read them and move on to reading words. This is fundamentally wrong. Think about the fact that before you start learning the letters of your native language, your child learned to speak in a Russian-speaking environment. They usually move on to letters when the child can already express himself fluently in his native language. And at a minimum he pronounces all the basic sounds. You shouldn't start learning English from the alphabet.

2. Words and images.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many pictures in children's textbooks and books? This is not just done for beauty. Pictures and photographs carry images. The child thinks in images. Images help to process and remember as much as possible new information. Start learning English with simple description pictures. And only when English vocabulary the child will grow significantly, move on to reading, and lastly, to writing.

3.Have fun

It is a well-known fact that children learn through play. English language should be associated with joy, fun and play. You may feel like your lessons are turning into pampering. Of course, you need to control the process, but if you learn new words and sentences through play, using the child’s interest, and not through pressure and coercion, you will get good results in the form of knowledge acquired by your baby.

4. Good teacher

It is very important that the teacher and the student “get along in character,” so that the teacher teaches and the student learns. The child should have a good time in class. This means no nerves, no raised voices, no humiliation. The teacher carries the image of the English language, because he is a guide to the world of English. If the teacher shouts and makes demands that are incomprehensible to the student, then your child is unlikely to have a desire to learn English further.

5. All at once?

Don’t expect your child to become a polyglot in just a few lessons. Even a year or two is not enough for this (exception if the child is in an English-speaking environment). It is known that a child learns his native language for 2-3 years (masters 70% of the vocabulary). If parents do not communicate in English at home, if people around do not speak English, then the process of learning the language stretches out for many years.

6. Create an environment.

This implies the following: create an English-speaking environment around the child. Let him play games in English, watch cartoons without translation, listen to fairy tales in English; Let your friends talk to the child in English (at a primitive level) when they meet. The environment provides information that the child’s brain processes. If there is no English-language information around, then the child, as they say, has nothing to learn and nowhere to apply the knowledge already acquired. Create daily contact with English. But don't overload your child. Half an hour, an hour - this is quite enough in combination with activities and games.

Learn English step by step. Words, short sentences, letters - these are the basics that need to be remembered well. Gradually move on to more complex information, making sure your child enjoys the lessons. And then you can raise a little polyglot!

How to learn English with children:

Modern parents, who care about the bright future of their children, are increasingly faced with the following question: when, how and where to start learning English with their child?

And not without reason, because knowledge of a foreign language, especially English, makes dreams of such a future closer.

English language: when to start?

You can start learning a language at any age, but the most favorable period is the age from 1.5 to 9-10 years. In this fairly wide time period, the child’s involuntary memory is best developed. He is able to remember everything “on the fly,” as they say, on an intuitive level, without making much effort.

There are methods that allow you to start learning from the cradle, even when the baby does not speak his native language. It has been proven that any early learning of foreign languages ​​bears fruit. Psychologists believe that such a child is truly ahead of his peers in his mental development. But not in an emotional way, so in your quest to raise a genius, don’t forget that every child needs a carefree and joyful childhood, and live communication and he needs a smile more than perfect knowledge English alphabet at 2 years old.

Children's language abilities

Does the child have the ability to learn languages? Will time and effort be wasted? Imagine: the baby is already drawing a little with pencils. Will he be able to paint with a brush and paints? Naturally! After all, he is already drawing. So it is with language. The baby is already beginning to communicate in his native language, which means he has a talent for languages! Of course, for perfect command of a foreign language, specific talents are required, as in any other fields of science and art. But if we are talking about learning a language to expand your general horizons in order to have a strong foundation for further development language skills and abilities, any child can do this.

What skills should a child have to start learning English?

To learn foreign languages, every child must be able to listen, see, repeat (at least in his own way), draw, run, crawl, jump, etc. A foreign language with small children is always a game. And any child can play. Important: he must know in his native language what he has to learn in English! You should not learn colors in English if your child does not understand them yet.

How and where to study English

You can study a language at home, with your parents, or in a children's studio, or invite a nanny-tutor who speaks a foreign language. It makes sense to send a child to a children's studio if he is 4-5 years old or older. At this age, learning in a team will be beneficial. Young children under 3 years old, as a rule, have not yet acquired the skills of playing together or fully communicating with peers, so it is better to study with them at home.

If at least one of the parents has a conversational level of language proficiency, the best option would be to communicate with the baby from birth in two languages. For example, an English-speaking father and a Russian-speaking mother. Growing up in a linguistic environment, a child quickly acquires communication skills in foreign language. In this case, both languages ​​will be native to the baby.

Do mom and dad only remember a couple of words and phrases from the school English course, or have they studied another language before? Not scary. There are textbooks for kids and their parents with detailed methodological tips and pronunciation instructions. There are many Internet sites where you can download audio recordings in English and texts for them absolutely free. And parents are given a wonderful opportunity to learn English themselves and teach their child.

English from scratch for children: where to start?

It makes no sense for young children to start learning a language from the alphabet. Especially if they have not yet mastered the technique of reading in their native language. Main goal Parents should: instill in their child an interest and love for a foreign language, and then expect great results.

Based on this goal, you need to start with what arouses the baby’s interest. The theme “Animals”, “Toys”, “Household Items” will be a great start. It is convenient to use visual aids - cards for teaching children a language. You can buy them or make them yourself in accordance with the child’s level of knowledge and interests.

It’s not a bad idea to look at books, even if they’re in Russian. The main thing is to name what is shown in the pictures in English. In addition to nouns denoting objects and animals, you need to teach your child the most common verbs and verb phrases such as give me, take, come to me, look at, etc. Cartoons, songs, poems in English will develop the child’s linguistic hearing.

Training should be unobtrusive and the child should like it. The duration of classes is from 5 to 15 minutes. How younger child, the shorter the lesson. It is important to finish your “lesson” before the baby gets tired and starts to get distracted, so that he wants to return to this type of activity again.

How to teach a child to think in English

There are different techniques and different approaches to teaching children foreign languages. Some classical methods have a strong theoretical basis. It is described in detail in scientific works, pedagogical monographs and works. In its pure form, the step-by-step study of English “from words to grammar” was used in Soviet schools. Most private English courses for children and tutors follow this method. In practice, all this theoretical baggage turns out to be not very effective.

English for children, especially the little ones, should be fun! It should not become a subject of study and cramming, but a full-fledged means of communication. What technique has proven to be so effective that just 3-6 months after the start, the guys not only speak fluently in a foreign language, but also think in it?

An innovative method for teaching English to children in Russia is the communicative approach. In essence, it is practical communication with a native speaker or teacher who is fluent in English. The main focus is on speaking and listening. The technique is known and successfully used in the West. In Russia, the pioneer (and monopolist) of innovative technology was the network of Children's Language Centers "Polyglotiki", which has existed since 2006. This unique author’s technique was first used by the founder of the Polyglotics centers in the cultural capital of St. Petersburg and was a stunning success. Today "Polyglotiki" is an international network with 60 branches in dozens of different cities Russia and neighboring countries.

All English language courses for children offered at the Centers for study from 2 to 12 years of age are based on communicative methods with elements of the classical approach. Maximum immersion in a foreign language environment naturally stimulates bilingualism in a child, and not only... After all, he learns both the basics of the language itself and begins to easily understand mathematics, natural sciences, literature and creative tasks in English. This means it is developing comprehensively!

The main goal of Polyglot teachers is to teach a child to perceive language, speak, and then think in it. No mechanical repetitions! Only improvised game tasks in English, creative skits, demonstrations, musical and cartoon shows, colorful cards and posters, gestures, facial expressions and communication with a native speaker. This is how English for children develops not only memory, but also intelligence and logic! And new knowledge contributes to the development of mental abilities and successful further education of children in Russian and foreign schools.

You need to return to English lessons at least 3 times a week so that the acquired knowledge is firmly entrenched. And, of course, this new “English game” for the child should bring him joy and pleasure!

English for children over 1 year old is not very similar to a lesson in the usual sense. English lessons for children are mostly English-language “dramatizations” with a short plot, poetic stories, English songs, funny pictures and interesting drawings and crafts. At the same time, none, including new ones, foreign words They are not translated into Russian for a child. The child should become interested in a language that is incomprehensible to him and, immersing himself in an English-speaking environment, listen and absorb. Often very young students at first just listen, listen, listen English speech teacher, and then they start giving out whole constructions.

In order for the child to immediately get involved in the process of the educational game, the child can be accompanied by a parent at the Polyglot Center. As soon as the student finds contact with the teacher and stops losing his mom or dad, he can independently remain in English lessons for the little ones.

Age characteristics

English language courses for kids are divided into several subtypes. Teachers work with children from one to two years old in the presence of parents. In addition to learning a foreign language special attention is given early development. The teacher uses in his work finger games, active tasks that encourage kids to act, and learns short poems and songs with his charges. One of the available and effective ways presenting information watching cartoons in English. The main task of the teacher is to interest children, to make them want to learn the language and develop. The teacher is working to prepare the child for more intensive course, teaches him to intuitively recognize and understand foreign speech.

The English language program for children from 2 years old is aimed at ensuring that the child speaks as early as possible. With regular attendance at classes, children develop perfect pronunciation and lack grammatical errors. This level combines tasks for the little ones and is the basis for regular learning. The teacher still devotes a lot of time to games, but the children are already more at the table, carrying out creative assignments. A competent approach allows you to increase your child’s vocabulary several times over the course of a year. The structure of classes includes songs, dances, short poems and nursery rhymes.

English for children: the sooner the better

Some language programs claim that they will help you learn English the same way you learned your native language, but unfortunately, it's not that simple.

Before they learn to speak, children listen to their native language for almost two years, and only after that they begin to speak. The beginning of this process can hardly be called full speech - children need several years before they can communicate and express themselves clearly.

Children start with single words and sentence fragments (parts) before they improve their language and are able to express complex ideas.

Desire to learn English

The brain of a small child is like a sponge - it constantly absorbs information. This information will come in handy later, sometimes at unexpected times.

Just think how much information a child must hear in the first two years of his life. As children grow older, they begin to understand the meaning of words and apply them in the right context.

Children use motor area of ​​the brain that helps them absorb a second (or even third) language subconsciously (without even realizing it). These functions usually slow down between the ages of 10 and 11.

This is why children who move to a foreign country at a young age master the language much faster than their parents.

Less obsessiveness

When adults learn a language, they are often afraid of making mistakes. They are afraid of looking stupid, embarrassed by their pronunciation or incorrect use of English grammar.

Rule number one for everyone: don’t be afraid to make mistakes and remember your sense of humor. In fact, the reason for fear is not if you will make a mistake, but when you will make it.

Remember, all students make mistakes. This is part of the learning process.

Video English Course for Beginners

Video English Course for Intermediate Level

What resources should you consider?when teaching a child English?

• Classroom training

You can find English courses at traditional language schools, online or even at your child's regular school. If you have recently moved to a country where English is the primary language, many schools provide special ones as a second language.

• Online

Many online programs help to learn English not only for children, but also for adults. Enter “English online programs” into a search engine and you will see a huge number of offers. To start, find programs that specialize in teaching children.

Then find programs with a good reputation and good teachers. Such programs can even teach children English in your native language. One example is VIPKID for Chinese native speakers.

• Mobile applications

Mobile applications (or apps) are the most versatile tools because you can use them anywhere. Many of these programs are free and allow your children to learn at their own pace, often through play.

This way, children will have fun at the same time.

4 great programs that will brilliantly help children learn English

Muzzy BBC

What is this? Muzzy BBC is a language learning course for children that can be used online or with a set of DVDs.

Online program price:$9.95 per month. If you pay for a long period the price is less.

PriceDVD: Trial period $9.95, then 5 payments of $39.50 per month, or one-time payment of $168.

Description: Muzzy BBC is an episodic program (a story broken into several parts, like a TV show) that will help your child learn English in the same way as their mother tongue.

Muzzy is specially created for children. The people who created the program understand that children have a natural ability to learn languages. The developers, starting from this, included various methods training that will help all children with different learning abilities.

Duolingo

What is this? Duolingo is an interactive and mobile app that you can use to learn English and other languages.

Price: For free

Description: If you've been learning English for a long time, you may have already used Duolingo. With Duolingo, your child can learn English in a playful way.

What are the main benefits for children: Kids will love how learning on Duolingo is like a game: the process is divided into steps such as animals, greetings, food, and so on.

This allows children to first practice just the phrases and words in these categories and then use them practically. Once children have mastered the simple stages, they can move on to more complex categories of grammar.

Memrise

What is this? Memrise is a mobile and online flash card application.

Price: Free, there is a premium subscription for $9 per month.

Description: Memrise uses a flash card format for learning English. The program is supplemented by Memrise users. “Courses” are created by other Memrise users. The unique thing about Memrise is that all the words or concepts have their own pictures and phrases that will help you remember the word you are trying to learn.

What are the main benefits for children: Like Duolingo, kids will love Memrise's learning format. They will have fun remembering other participants' cards and creating their own. Memrise has thousands of courses to suit every taste.

The ELS Language Centers

What is this? The ESL Language Centers is an organization offering face-to-face English language learning services.

Price: Depends on the program

Description: The ELS Language Centers provide a variety of English programs for children and adults. Since there are so many programs available here, every parent can choose the most suitable option for their child, according to their skills and needs.

What are the main benefits for children: Children can choose from a variety of different programs that combine English learning with their interests. An added benefit for older children is that they can overcome their language insecurities by interacting with other students their own age. The programs are so similar to the usual summer camp that children will not even feel that they are learning.

There are many English websites for children on the Internet. Among them there are both good and not so good. In this review, I will talk about several interesting resources that will be useful to parents who decide to teach English to their children, as well as teachers.

Disclaimer: I am neither an English teacher nor a parent. However, I am very familiar with the sites that we're talking about in the review, I used them myself and recommend them to others, including friends who study English with their children.

“Teacher Method” – detailed English lessons for children 5 – 10 years old

Another popular English site Puzzle English(also with very wide functionality) offers large and very detailed courses for beginners “Teacher Method”. Courses made in game form. In the “Teacher Method” the theory is given not only in the form of text, as in Lingvaleo, but also in short videos with teachers.

Classes are held according to the “explanation – exercises – test” scheme:

• The teacher explains a new topic.
• You do several exercises.
• After completing several lessons, you take an exam (test).

Most of the site's features are free, but some features are paid, for example, some modes for learning words, almost all courses.

Separately, it is worth highlighting the course, designed, in fact, for the youngest.

The course contains three blocks of tasks:

1. Learning the alphabet.
2. My family and pets.
3. How do you feel?

Classes are held in the form of interactive tasks, where you need to choose the correct answer, match a word and a picture, put words together from letters, etc. Like all courses, “English for the little ones” can be taken in free demo mode to understand how it works he or not.

Duolingo – English for children in a playful way

The British Council has these cute cards

On this site you will find materials for preschool and younger children school age: songs, short stories, videos, games, exercises, etc. They are all well designed. For example, if you open a video, it will not just be a page with a video (which everyone has watched), but a whole set of tasks: first an exercise where you need to match words and a picture, then a video, then a test, plus a pdf is attached to the video -files for printing – text from the video, assignments and answers.

• Listen and Watch– videos and exercises for them. The songs are highlighted in a separate subsection.
• Read and Write– short texts for reading and simple writing exercises(for example, sign a picture).
• Speak and Spell– video and text materials, exercises on pronunciation (reading rules) and spelling.
• Grammar and Vocabulary– video lessons (skits), exercises and games on grammar. The rules are explained in an extremely simplified manner.
• Fun and Games– mini-games for learning English.
• Print and Make– materials for printing: vocabulary cards, coloring books, mini-worksheets and others.
• Parents– a section for parents with articles, useful tips about how to help children learn English. Includes video lessons where teachers explain how to play educational games with young children.

The British Council also released a number mobile applications, on this page there is a list of them: http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/apps.

InternetUrok.ru – free school curriculum lessons online

Where can I find cartoons in English?

There are quite a few cartoons in English created specifically in educational purposes. There scenes, dialogues are played out, new words are explained, etc. Here is where you can find them:

• On YouTube– YouTube is full of such cartoons, it won’t be difficult to find them. For example, here a selection of educational cartoons about the dragon Gogo and his friends. In this series for kids simple words and phrases are given in small stories about the adventures of a funny little dragon.
• In the English Conversation for Kids app is not a training program, but simply a collection of videos from YouTube, conveniently sorted into catalogs. The same cartoons about the dragon Gogo and many others. The application is available on Android.
• On Lingualeo. In the “Materials” section there is a “Children” topic, which contains, among other things, such cartoons. The disadvantage is that they are collected randomly, the advantage is the presence of convenient subtitles with a translation that pops up when clicked.

In addition to educational cartoons, there are also simply cartoons that can be watched without translation. But this, of course, is a more difficult task. They can be found on Puzzle Movies (Puzzle English section with TV series) - in addition to TV shows and series, this service also has cartoons.

Access is paid, but it also provides interesting opportunities:

• All cartoons are equipped with smart subtitles that show the translation at the click of a mouse.
• Double subtitles - in Russian and English, you can set them in Russian, in English or both at once.