As any parent or carer knows, it can be hard to hold a child’s attention for any period of time. Because of this, if you really want them to learn something you have to make it fun for them. We know that children find it easier to pick up new languages than adults, so if you want your child to learn English then the younger they start, the better.

Here are some tips to help encourage them to learn the language, and make your job easier as well:

Sing Songs: Learning a new song is a great way for a child to absorb information. There are plenty of language-based songs you can find online, or learning-through-music cds you can buy. If you’re feeling particularly creative you could even make up a song yourself to incorporate words and phrases you would like your child to learn. Most children love to sing and dance, so they won’t feel as though they are being pressured in any way.

Favourite TV Shows: Most children are only too happy to sit and watch TV if you let them. Whilst it is not a good idea for them to do this all the time, if you get them watching something which speaks to them on their level you can at least congratulate yourself that you are helping them to develop their vocabulary.

Read Them Stories: All children benefit from being read to, and if you let them look at the story as you read it to them this will also help them to recognise words and make it easier when it comes to learning to read and write English, as well as speaking it.

Arrange Group Activities: Children tend to be pretty sociable, so you may find it is easier for them to learn English if they are doing it in a group. Perhaps you could take them to a special language class, or simply arrange to get together with friends who also have children who are learning to speak English, and do some of the above-mentioned activities together. It also helps if you can get them interacting with other children who speak English fluently as they can then learn from them during play.

Play Games: Word games such as Scrabble are great fun and a brilliant way to teach new words and phrases, as well as getting kids to think for themselves at the same time. You can generally get child-friendly versions of most games, so have a look to see what is available. Whatever you choose, a child will always learn better through play when they don’t feel they are being pressurised too much.

Author's Bio: 

Chris Jenkinson is a UK internet marketing consultant working and writing for Better English: A Better Future an on line provider of learning English online.