If you want to teach English to young children, the good news is that children adapt very well to language learning and learn new words, phrases and structures very easily. The downside is that children have a lot of energy and a shorter attention span than adults, so it is difficult for them to sit and study, so activities must be adapted to children and not vice versa. You can use children’s energy to your advantage and engage them with games, songs, and activities that will help them learn while having fun.
Next we are going to give you some tips so that young children have fun while learning English … The secret is that the little ones do not feel at any time that they are "learning" or "studying"; They should feel at all times that they are playing, having fun and having a great time … Even if your intentions are very different (they learn the language).
Immerse children in the language
Children have an advantage over adults because they quickly learn new words from the conversation around them. Create a productive learning environment by exposing children to English through classroom conversations and age-appropriate videos. Do not put videos on them or create conversations that are boring for them, look for a topic that motivates them and helps them want to learn again.
Music and songs
A good idea is to use music and songs to help teach English to young children. Young people learn the vocabulary, grammatical structures and rhythm of the language simply by doing what they already love to do … sing. You can use songs to teach numbers, the alphabet, parts of the body, and other words that require memorization.
Movements and gestures
Using movements and gestures during the lesson to reinforce learning is an excellent idea. Action further enhances a child’s ability to remember by adding a physical association to the word, and helps young children use energy so they do not become nervous or distracted.
An interactive teaching method with children
You can ask the children to stand up and sit down, play games, and play while singing their lessons. Have the children take turns helping you prepare or carry out the activity or project. This helps children stay focused and provides additional opportunities for language learning as they follow directions, learn game rules, and communicate about the activities they are doing.
Play grammar games, vocabulary …
If the child has enough comprehension skills, fun games for children such as hangman or pictionary can be played. Games to teach grammar, vocabulary and verb tenses. Allowing children to demonstrate their learning will build confidence and give them real-life language skills. Team games develop conversational skills as students communicate with each other over the course of the game.
Another idea is that you always speak to the children in English. When the little ones make an effort, it is a good idea to give them small rewards for their effort and achievement. Keep the learning lessons well structured and short. Children need little but fun content before moving on to the next topic or lesson.
Young children do not use perfect grammar in their native language, do not expect them to do so in English … respect the pace of learning and especially their way of learning and having fun while they are "studying" English and playing with you . Do you already know how to stimulate their knowledge?