Whether your child is a native English speaker or not, helping them to improve their English before going to school can establish confidence and ensure they don’t fall behind. This article explores how you can help your child learn the language, putting them in the perfect position to start school in the country.
Summer School
If you have a limited amount of time before your child is heading off to school, why not send them to a summer school? This can be a great adventure for kids, and if you have only just moved to London, it is also a fantastic way to get them used to big city life and make friends along the way. If you work all year, summer school can help with childcare while knowing your child is learning and growing. They can also interact with children from different countries, which can be culturally enriching.
There will be a few different options available to you, but you should try to find a school that suits your personalised needs. Skola is a Summer School in London for Kids aged 6 to 16 years old that could provide your child with what they need. As well as English classes, they can enjoy excursions around London and activities such as tennis, drama, and dance. They have an English language school beside Regent Park, which is an amazing central location for those who want to learn English and then explore London afterwards. If you do not live in London or cannot make physical classes, they also offer online sessions.
Reading
Choose a book that is interesting for your child or let them choose if they are old enough. They are more likely to enjoy English and learning if they are reading something that has them hooked. Try to read at least once a day for around 20 minutes, as this can establish a healthy routine with reading that can last a lifetime. This also minimises screen time, giving them another form of entertainment, all whilst improving their English skills.
Reading with your child has tons of benefits, so creating a routine with them will improve their communication, speech, and overall English skills. If they are struggling with English, it is best to read together to know they understand what they are reading and can say vocalise words correctly. If they are happy to, encourage them to read on their own in their spare time.
Use An App
Kids love technology so use this to your advantage when helping them improve their English. There are apps out there for any age range, and they can make learning English fun and exciting with amazing Kids stories! If your child is not a native speaker, using an app like can help provide them with some useful phrases and boost their learning for school.
Some children learn better with visualisation, so finding an app that shows words with pictures may be the best way for them to learn, rather than reading. Apps can also include fun games that help with grammar and punctuation, which many children struggle with.
Private Lessons
If you do not have the skills to teach your child English, getting them private lessons can help. If your child is shy or anxious in the classroom, this may stop them from putting their hand up if they are stuck, as they do not want to feel judged or embarrassed.
Offering your child one-to-one support could be all they need to improve their English and finally ask all those questions that they were too afraid to in the classroom. If your child is struggling with shyness and speaking up at school, speak to them about why this might be. Giving them confidence in their English may encourage them to vocalise what they are struggling with and make it easier for them to ask for help.
Watch TV In English
If your child is not a native English speaker or you speak two languages with your child, it may help to start watching TV shows in English if you do not already do so. Turning the subtitles on will also improve their English reading skills and can help their literacy more than you think. As kids love spending time in front of the TV, making it educational will help to improve their English skills without even knowing.
If they struggle with English, let them watch cartoons or Disney movies that do not have over-complex words or phrases. It is best to start with the basics as your child will quickly lose interest if they cannot understand what is going on.
Some children learn best with one-on-one support, whilst others thrive in classrooms and summer schools. Find a great English learning app that you can encourage your child to play regularly and establish a reading routine. If you do not already, switch your TV to English, as this will help more than you think. Learning should be a fun experience, so look at what your child enjoys doing and what will help them learn best, whilst still having fun.
