“Bend the tree when it is young; teach the child when they are small.” This Vietnamese proverb is indeed true, especially when it comes to teaching English to preschoolers. However, knowing where to start and how to teach effectively isn’t always clear. This article will share an English learning roadmap for preschoolers to help your little ones “babble” their first English words naturally and enthusiastically.
Starting Your Preschooler’s English Learning Journey
Teaching English to preschoolers isn’t about achieving immediate fluency, but rather about sparking a love for a new language. Imagine your child humming along to an English song or pointing to an apple and saying “apple.” Wonderful, isn’t it? Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a preschool education expert at Hoa Sen Kindergarten in Hanoi, emphasizes in her book “Nurturing a Love for English in Preschoolers” the importance of creating a friendly and fun learning environment. Let English weave into your child’s life as naturally as breathing.
A Step-by-Step English Learning Roadmap for Preschoolers
So, where and how should you begin your preschooler’s English learning journey? Here are some suggestions for parents:
Stage 1: Getting Acquainted (2-3 years old)
- Music and Songs: Play cheerful English nursery rhymes. Children easily memorize vocabulary and intonation through melodies.
- Picture Books: Choose books with lively, colorful illustrations and simple English vocabulary.
- Games: Integrate English learning with active and interactive games. An English version of “Golden Bell Ringing” could be an engaging example.
Stage 2: Development (4-5 years old)
- Flashcards: Use flashcards with pictures and words to help children learn new vocabulary visually.
- Animated Videos: Let your child watch age-appropriate English cartoons.
- Simple Communication: Encourage your child to use simple English phrases like “Hello,” “Thank you,” “Goodbye.”
Stage 3: Refinement (5-6 years old)
- Thematic Learning: Learn vocabulary and sentence patterns based on topics familiar to children, such as family, school, food, etc.
- English Classes: Enroll your child in preschool English classes at reputable centers like Apollo English or ILA. According to Mr. Pham Van Hung, a renowned education expert in Ho Chi Minh City, exposing children to a professional learning environment helps them develop more comprehensively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching English to Preschoolers
- At what age should children start learning English? Vietnamese tradition suggests “children at three, the whole family learns to speak.” However, English learning can begin even earlier, from the age of 2.
- Is learning English at home or at a center better? Both have pros and cons. Learning at home saves costs, but learning at a center provides a more professional learning environment.
- How to make learning English fun for children? Turn learning into a game. Use lively and fun learning methods so children don’t feel pressured.
Conclusion
Teaching English to preschoolers is a long journey that requires patience and effort from both parents and children. Be patient, accompany your child, and don’t forget to create a learning environment filled with joy and love. Contact our hotline at 0372999999 or visit us directly at 234 Hao Nam, Hanoi for detailed advice on preschool English courses. Our consultants are always ready to assist you 24/7. Please share this article if you find it helpful and don’t forget to leave a comment below to share your experiences!