There is no age limit for learning a foreign language: it is never too late or too early to start. However, the teaching and learning methods must adapt to the age of the learner. This is especially true for very young learners: children. In order to teach them English, it is necessary to do so with fun techniques and interesting and captivating resources.
English learning methods
It is not always easy to know how to teach a subject to a child. Here is a list of possible methods: do not hesitate to try different methods to find which are the most appropriate for your child.
Have a learning routine
Whatever resources you choose to use, it helps to establish a learning routine. Having a routine helps bring consistency and familiarity. For example, you can choose a daily schedule for learning English, find a song to accompany daily tasks, etc.
Just as it is effective for an adult to watch films and series in English, it is possible to use cartoons for young learners. It is even more likely to work if you can choose a cartoon that the child already knows in his mother tongue: thus, he will be able to recognize the characters, the story and be interested in it more easily from the start.
Using English songs is an entertaining way to learn the language. Especially since the choice is very wide: you can use English nursery rhymes, learning songs on specific themes, real songs in English. The child will be able to work on his pronunciation and acquire new vocabulary.
Write dialogues in English
One possible method is to create or interpret dialogues in English. Practicing with dialogues allows exchange and improvement of pronunciation and rhythm.
This is easier if you already have a basic knowledge of English, but it is quite possible to find dialogues already written. You can even use books: instead of the parent reading everything, it is possible to take turns reading with the child.
Daily vocabulary learning
As in learning any language, consistency is key. It is therefore effective to learn daily, even if it is a few minutes a day. For example, you can stick post-its with English vocabulary on objects around the house, or listen to and sing a song, or read a story together in English before sleeping.
Have an English-speaking correspondent
Having an interlocutor in your language learning is important. Thus, you can find for your child an English-speaking correspondent wishing to learn French. This will allow the acquisition of vocabulary and the practice of the written language, in addition to potentially creating a friendship.
English-speaking summer camps in France
There are also holiday camps in France exclusively in English: during a holiday period, children receive English lessons and participate in group activities. These camps are focused on immersion with bilingual or native facilitators, fun and varied methods and a motivating environment.
Language stay abroad
Another method is language stays abroad. Many organizations offer these immersion trips such as Education First. These trips allow children to live an immersive and natural experience of English, and to discover the culture and society of the English-speaking country.
Language schools are another option: your child will be able to take English lessons in addition to their traditional French education. There are a multitude of language schools and the courses vary: individual or group, conversation or grammar, etc. Attending a language school allows the child to deepen what he learns at school and to make new friends.
Bilingual or international schools
If you have the possibility, enrolling your child in an international or bilingual school will allow him to immerse himself in schooling at least partially in English. He will therefore have a learning framework, a program, and the opportunity to practice daily on a variety of subjects. The child will also have several interlocutors with whom to practice: his teachers and his classmates.
The sites
The SpeakyPlanet site offers a collection of children’s games entirely in English. The emphasis is on oral comprehension and vocabulary while ensuring that the child has fun. Indeed, the games are full of colors, voices, interactions.
The advantage of this site is that the children can be autonomous in their learning, particularly if the parents have little or no knowledge of English.
The KOKORO Lingua site offers a learning program for children between 3 and 8 years old. By registering on this site, families have access to a new video every week. These videos show English-speaking children in everyday situations: learning children therefore become familiar with oral language, vocabulary and expressions. Also available are activities, songs, and other resources.
Pilipop is an application available on smartphone and tablet intended for children between 5 and 8 years old. On this application, you can find nearly 300 activities and games, with audio content and very little written language, all in English. The application also includes voice recognition to work on children’s oral pronunciation.
Another English learning app is HolyOwly . This application also uses very colorful and animated visuals, to capture the attention of children. A multitude of activities are available: coloring, videos, games, stories, cooking recipes, etc. There is also a Skype option which allows you to carry out 15min sessions with native English-speaking teachers, to reinforce learning