Parental interaction with their child, which helps them learn their first language, also plays a crucial role in learning a second language. In this article, we aim to guide you, as a parent, on how to encourage your child’s interest in learning English.
Children learn English effortlessly, as long as they have a positive attitude towards it. If you have a child and want to spark their interest in English, this article is for you. First and foremost, do not completely delegate this important responsibility to a language school or a private tutor. Your child might struggle to connect with the classroom environment or their teacher, leading to frustration and discouragement. Instead, take an active role in making English learning a fun and stress-free experience.
Research shows that second-language acquisition skills peak around ages 6 or 7, or even earlier. As children grow older, achieving native-like fluency in a second language becomes more challenging.
However, the desire to learn a new language tends to increase during adolescence. Therefore, children aged 6-7 might show disinterest in learning a new language, especially if they find it boring or if parents impose too much pressure. At this stage, it is best to make language learning engaging and enjoyable.
If you are harsh with your child—scolding or punishing them for neglecting their homework—they are likely to lose interest and develop a dislike for the language. On the other hand, if you are kind and consistently encourage them in creative ways, they will be more receptive.
Be mindful that excessive encouragement can also feel like pressure. Ensure your child has the freedom to learn at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
The best way to encourage a child to learn English is to nurture their natural curiosity and enthusiasm. Studies indicate that cognitive ability for language learning at ages 4-5 makes second-language acquisition much easier. The first four years of life are a golden period for language learning, as children absorb information without questioning logic or reasoning.
For children aged 2-3, playing English-language films and music can be effective. Occasionally, practice with them by repeating dialogues or singing along to songs—even if they mispronounce words. At this stage, they may not understand the meanings, but their ears will become accustomed to English sounds and accents.
You can also introduce them to reading and writing numbers and letters, teaching them everyday words in English and simple conversational phrases.
The process of learning a second language mirrors the way children acquire their native language. At this age, learning English becomes significantly easier. Research suggests that 50% of our language-learning ability develops between ages 4-5, with another 30% forming by age 8.
Serious English learning is best started at age 4 and above. Enroll your child in a language class or hire a private tutor.
There are many language institutes available today, so before enrolling, evaluate factors such as:
The quality of the institute’s teaching methods
The number of students per class
The teacher’s qualifications and experience
In general, public language classes follow a structured curriculum regardless of individual student progress. Teachers must cover new topics each session, making it difficult to focus on each child individually. However, in private tutoring sessions, teachers can:
Increase the child’s enthusiasm by relating lessons to their interests
Adapt teaching methods to suit the child’s learning style and level
Ensure understanding before moving on to new topics
Provide parents with detailed progress reports
Learning through games and building self-confidence is crucial at a young age, and a private tutor can effectively implement these techniques. As a parent, create a supportive learning environment by:
Accompanying your child when buying books and learning materials
Speaking English at home
Encouraging your child to "teach" you what they have learned
Many students lose interest in English due to the way it is taught in schools. School textbooks often have significant shortcomings and do not aim for complete fluency. As a result, many students seek additional learning at private institutes.
Teenagers (15+ years) and adults tend to learn languages more slowly due to cognitive limitations. They think in their native language, making it harder to switch to English. This struggle can lead to frustration and loss of motivation.
A major reason teenagers lose interest in English is the fear of failure. One teacher shared a case where a student was interested in English but hesitated to start learning. He claimed, "English is not useful to me," but the real reason was that his cousins had started learning earlier. He felt behind and feared competition. The teacher motivated him by emphasizing that effort, not starting point, determines success.
Some students enjoy video games but dislike English. Competitive, high-energy games with English instructions can motivate them to improve their language skills to achieve higher scores.
Many teenagers love watching movies. Encourage them to watch English-language films and challenge them to understand without subtitles.
If your child enjoys books, find English-language novels in their favorite genre. This makes reading more engaging and encourages natural language acquisition.
If your child is not interested in learning English, do not compare them to others or criticize their progress. Adolescents (ages 15-16) prefer to solve their own problems, so instead of pressuring them, help them understand the importance of English in their future.
Hiring a private tutor can be beneficial. A good tutor will:
Assess the child's skill level in the first session
Identify challenges and adjust teaching methods accordingly
Provide regular progress reports to parents
Improvement builds confidence, and confidence fuels motivation. A knowledgeable tutor uses modern teaching techniques tailored to the child’s needs, ensuring engagement and interest.
There are many ways to cultivate a child's interest in English. The key is to present learning as an enjoyable activity rather than a mandatory task.
Here are some effective methods:
Learn alongside your child: Be a role model by reading books, watching movies, and speaking English with them.
Make learning fun: Use creative and engaging games to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. Small rewards can boost motivation.
Adapt to your child's learning style: Some children prefer visual aids (flashcards), while others enjoy active, movement-based learning. Observe what works best.
Use educational apps: Many language-learning apps are designed for children, making learning interactive and enjoyable.
Teach words related to their interests: Start by introducing English words for objects and activities they love. Later, encourage English conversations about these topics.
Encourage decision-making: Let your child choose books, movies, or study materials. Involving them in decisions enhances motivation.
Select the right time for learning: Choose moments when your child is most energetic. Avoid forcing lessons when they are tired or distracted.
Avoid pressure, criticism, and punishment: Forcing a child to study can diminish their enthusiasm. Instead, create a stress-free learning environment.
The best way to make your child interested in English is to make the learning process enjoyable and pressure-free. By using the right strategies—such as games, films, books, and interactive methods—you can turn language learning into an exciting and rewarding experience for them.
