How can I

teach English

to kids?

It`s very important that children start familiarizing with the

English language since very young. Besides to learn basis

grammar rules and vocabulary, since then, it is essential that

they get used to listen to the English sounds, and take into

account that to develop their speaking, you need to expose

them to a very frequently listening in that way they reproduce

sounds in English without difficulty.

Let`s see some basics advices to children can learn in a

natural way:

1. Don’t force the situation

When children are exposed to this language since very young,

they tend to see the language in a positive way and they feel

comfortable. However, if you force a kid to speak English, you

take the risk that he or she see this learning more than as a

punishment more than a game. In that way, it is very

important to present the language in a positive and funny

way. As a game full of mysteries and curiosities that it is seen

funny to discover.

It is vital don’t force them to talk until they decide to do it. If

they don’t want to answer at that beginning moment, it

doesn`t matter, they will talk. You have to be patience and

perseverance.

Start by using short and simple phrases:

Come here

Well done

You are the best

Today is Friday

Let`s call your mom and dad

I love this pizza

Also use commands (see the video)

And also you can make some basic questions that you

only need a simple gesture as an answer to confirm what

he or she understood a question

Where are your toys?

Would you like to go to the park?

2. Watch cartoons in original version

You can use Youtube channel and also nowadays, you can

have the option by TV to have the change to watch programs

and series in original version. This can be an option.

If there is not the option of subtitles, it is even better. In this

way, it is not important the kid to read. Even at that age, they

have not learnt to read yet. In fact the most important for

them it is to see the images and start relating the words with

the sounds, rhythm, and accent of the English language.

3. Flashcards

These are great to present new words or vocabulary to kids

because your catch your attention and their curiosity. Besides,

with the flashcards, with drawings or full colorful pictures

with big large letters, you can make a kid understand without

many large explanations.

When you use these flashcards, just don’t pass one by one and

see the new word aloud, that`s boring. Try to create a mystery

environment to the kids by making questions as and how can I

say Jirafa in English? You also try to be interested in the

answer, your curiosity also call the kid`s attention.

Don’t try to teach all the cards the same day. Play with 4 or 5

flash cards one day. Then introduce them in a natural way in a

casual conversation.

4. Teach them to read in English

One of the best ways to teach kids to read in English is by

bilingual books or stories. Today you can find many books like

that. You can find the typical stories as Cinderella, Snow-

white, the Three Little Pigs, and the Sleeping Beauty in

bilingual version. Also there are interactive DVD to the kid can

listen and at the same time interact with them. They are

listening and playing.

5. Music

This is a fantastic tool to teach English.

First, present the songs as background music:

When you listen a song by the first time, you don´t learn this

immediately. You listen some more times this and then you

start sing it without you notice it. Nobody teach you the song,

you just listen to it unconscious. You can use the song when

they are painting, or playing or doing handcraft. They

internalize the melody then when you say “Let´s learn a new

song today” they will pay attention to the lyrics. Sometimes

they start by sing it alone. Learn English with songs will be a

game and fun. Just remember that the song has to be from

their kid´s level and likes.

a. Plays and toys

It is important to use plays or toys that involve the use of

English.

Use boards games

Toys that can talk in English

Use interactive games

It is important to emerge in the language for as long as

possible without they notice that and they are learning by

playing.