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5 Fun Programs That Help Kids Learn English Like Rock Stars
Is that an English song your kid is singing?
It’s great to hear them using the language, isn’t it?
If you want your child to learn English, the sooner they start, the better.
Kids are rock stars when it comes to learning any language, and with the right English learning program, learning English can be a fun and relaxing experience for any child.
Contents
- Learning English: Why Earlier Is Better
- Methods That Help Kids to Learn a Language
- Types of Resources to Consider for Teaching Your Child English
- 5 Fun Programs That Help Kids Learn English Like Rock Stars
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Learning English: Why Earlier Is Better
You may be remembering your own language struggles and wondering if it will be the same for your child. You will be happy to know that language learning is a different experience for children than it is for adults.
Some programs claim to teach you English the same way that you learned your native language, but this is not as simple as it may sound. When children learn their native language, they listen for almost two years before they begin to speak. Once they do speak, it is another few years before they can clearly communicate. They start off with single words and sentence fragments (parts) before they can express complex ideas.
If it takes a child this long to master their native language, wouldn’t they become confused and overwhelmed trying to learn another language, too? Actually, no. Here are a few reasons why young children can master English easily.
Eagerness to Learn
When children are young, their brains are like sponges. They are always absorbing information. This information comes out later, sometimes at unexpected times. Think of how much children must hear in the first two years of their lives. Once they are old enough, they can apply meaning to the words they hear.
Here is an example: From the day your baby is born, you say “milk” when it comes time to feed them. You prepare them to be fed and say “milk,” feed them and say “milk.” Once they finish, you say something like “Did you enjoy your milk?”
They hear this for several months. One day, to your surprise, your child points to a milk carton and says, “Milk.” They have learned the word and the correct application. From this point forward, they can ask for milk and communicate when they are hungry using words. If children live in a home where more than one language is spoken, they will absorb all of the words that apply to milk.
Children use the deep motor area of the brain, which helps them absorb a second (or even third) language subconsciously (without being aware of it). These functions typically slow by age 11. This is the reason why children who move to a foreign country with a new language can usually master the language at a faster rate than their parents.
Less Self-consciousness
When adults are learning English, or any other language, they are often afraid of making mistakes. They are also afraid of looking unintelligent to others when making mistakes, such as mispronouncing words or using incorrect grammar. The number one rule for an English learner is to have a sense of humor, because it is not a question of if you will make mistakes, but when. All language learners make mistakes. It is part of the process.
However, children are always learning new things, so they are not concerned about how they will look when they make mistakes. They make mistakes all the time! They don’t take themselves as seriously as adults.
Less to Learn
Children use simpler language structures than adults. When they are learning a new language, they use materials similar to what they study in their native language. While using children’s materials may seem like a step backward for adults, children will be right at home using materials that are familiar to them.
Methods That Help Kids to Learn a Language
To figure out what type of learning program is best for your child, let’s first consider the different methods that are best for teaching children a language.
Immersive
Language immersion gives your child a chance to hear English first-hand in a natural environment. They will hear others use English and they will pick it up by exposure (from being surrounded by it). Immersion is a great way for anyone to learn a language, because you are learning while completing everyday tasks. You also hear English the way it is spoken, rather than the way it may be written in textbooks, which can be awkward or unnatural.
Achieving an immersive environment can be done in any number of ways, but it basically comes down to the following: moving/visiting an English-speaking country or trying to replicate that kind of environment from home through digital content, the way the authentic-video-based language learning program FluentU does for adults.
Vocabulary-based
Many children already use vocabulary-based resources to pick up their native language. These programs provide the learner with pictures and the words that describe them. The methods they use are also immersive because many of these programs will include no dialogue in the child’s native language, forcing them to think in English.
Communicative
Communicative approaches are popular in language schools. Whether your child is learning face-to-face or online via Skype or a similar program, they will have a chance to build their abilities by actively communicating in English. Usually, they will work with a native English speaker who will correct them on the spot (right away), allowing them to learn quickly and build the confidence they need to use English in everyday life.
Types of Resources to Consider for Teaching Your Child English
Now, before we look at some specific English learning programs, let’s take a look at a few types of options you may want to consider.
Tutoring or Classroom Learning
You can find English classes in traditional language schools, online or even in your child’s school. If you have recently moved to a country where English is the primary language, many schools provide special programs in English as a second language. Even if your child is already enrolled in an English as a second language program, you can still seek additional education through tutoring programs, language schools and English camps.
Online
Many programs are online to help not only children but those of all ages to learn English. Type “online English programs” in your search engine and millions of results will come up. It can be overwhelming. To get started, look for programs that specialize in teaching children. Not all online programs do. Then look for programs with a strong reputation and good teachers. There may even be programs that can teach your kids English with their native language. One example is VIPKID for Chinese speakers.
Mobile Applications
Mobile applications (or apps) are the most versatile because you can take them anywhere. Many of these programs are free and allow your children to learn at their own pace and often by playing games. They will have fun while learning English at the same time.
5 Fun Programs That Help Kids Learn English Like Rock Stars
Here are five of the best programs to teach children English that are available right now. Some of them offer convenient online learning, while others have the option of learning face-to-face. No matter what your situation is, you will be able to find something for your child.
Muzzy BBC
What is it? Muzzy BBC is a language learning course for kids that can be used online or with a set of DVDs.
Cost of online program: $9.95 a month. Less if you commit to a longer time period.
Cost of DVDs: Risk-free trial for $9.95, then 5 payments of $39.50 per month, or one-time payment of $168.
Description: Muzzy BBC is an episodic program (with a story told in parts, like a TV show) that will help your child learn English the same way they are learning their native language. Muzzy uses what they call a “natural immersion process” to teach your child how to tell time, ask questions, talk about food, home, transportation and much more—all in English.
Why it’s good for kids: Muzzy is specially created for kids. The people who created the program understand that children have a natural ability to pick up languages. They expand on this by including different learning methods that will help children with many different learning styles. Parents who are learning English will benefit, too. The songs from the program will get stuck in your head and help you learn English!
Duolingo
What is it? Duolingo is an online and mobile application that you can use to learn English and other languages.
Cost: Free
Description: If you are learning English, you may have used Duolingo yourself already. With Duolingo, your kid can learn English in a game format. Duolingo includes mini games and opportunities to practice some (basic) speaking in English.
Why it’s good for kids: Kids will enjoy how learning on Duolingo is like playing a game. Different categories like animals, greetings and food are separated. This allows them to practice only phrases and words in those categories at first. Once they have mastered the easier categories, they can move into harder grammar categories that look at things like different tenses. They can practice for as long as they need to until they master their category.
British Council: LearnEnglish Kids Apps
What is it? These are online and mobile applications available from the British Council.
Cost: Free
Description: British Council provides many English learning programs. Their kids’ programs provide activities and games to help children master different grammar concepts.
Why it’s good for kids: Your child will enjoy the worksheets and stories that help them practice parts of the English language like spelling, pronunciation and grammar. There are songs and stories to help improve their listening skills as well. Activities are divided into those best for early learners and primary learners.
Memrise
What is it? Memrise is a mobile and online flashcard application.
Cost: Free with a premium option for as little as $9 a month.
Description: Memrise uses a flashcard format that can help anyone learn English. The program is put together by Memrise users. The “courses” are created by other Memrise users. What makes Memrise unique is that each word or concept in the course has pictures and sayings to help you remember the word you are trying to learn. You can even create your own reminders to share with the entire Memrise community.
Why it’s good for kids: Like with Duolingo, kids will enjoy the game-like format of Memrise. They will have fun looking at the reminders created by other members and making up their own. There are thousands of Memrise courses to choose from. If your child does not like one, you can switch to another one.
The ELS Language Centers
What is it? The ELS Language Centers is another organization offering face-to-face language instruction.
Cost: Varies by program
Description: The ELS Language Centers provide a variety of English programs for children and adults. Since so many programs are available, it is easy to make sure your child learns the right English skills to suit their needs.
Why it’s good for kids: Kids can choose from many different programs that combine English learning with their interests. Older children can overcome insecurities by making friends who are learning English just like they are. The programs give children a summer camp experience, so they won’t even feel like they are learning.
They can spend time on the beach in Florida, receive sports training in San Domenico, California, or prepare for college in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. These are just a few of the options that will enhance their English learning experience.
No matter what your child’s age or English level is, you can find an English program that will not only help them master English, but have fun!
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
