Saturday 18 October 2008

HOW TO MOTIVATE CHILDREN TO LEARN ENGLISH?


Earlier
The earlier the children learn English, the faster they will understand. The faster they understand, the more familiar with it they will be. The question is usually: At what age can my child start to learn English? In my opinion, the earlier the better.

Practise diligently
Try to stimulate children to practise English at home every day. You don’t have to be like a teacher in a school, who allocates time to teach his student. You can invite your children to practise English in any situations when your children do not think that you are teaching them on purpose. This can be done, for example, when you want to give advice to them. For example, say “I don’t like your behaviour” when you find your children do something wrongly.

Easy Words
Children still have limited knowledge and understanding over their life, but they are eager to know a lot about them. Parents can start with easy words that children need to know. Mentioning names of animals, things around children and some greetings such as “what are you doing” and “how are you?” is easy and fun for children.

Don’t force
Parents must not force their children to practise English. Forcing them can give them a traumatic experience. Teach your children slowly... in fun ways. Using some games and learning tools is the best way to attract children.

Pay attention
Tell your children slowly.... gradually... step by step... in easy language... that English education is very important for their life, and that learning and mastering English are very important for their future.

(The ideas above firstly came from Ms Inggrid N. as they were written in the Indonesian language in the Seputar Indonesia, Sunday 15 June 2008. Summarised, modified and edited for http://independent-ec.blogspot.com )

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