LEARNING ENGLISH FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD: WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

The earlier you start, the better

As a preschool teacher of English, Iʼm a strong advocate for introducing children to foreign languages from a young age. Contrary to the misconception that it might confuse them, experts believe that children aged 0 to 3 have an incredible capacity to absorb sounds and words. This early exposure can lead to impressive language skills both in terms of quantity (vocabulary) and quality (pronunciation).

Teaching English to toddlers mirrors the way they learn their mother tongue—by absorbing it from their surroundings and everyday interactions throughout the day. If a child is regularly exposed to two or more languages from an early age, they are likely to become proficient in both as they grow older.

Therefore, itʼs essential to expose children to foreign languages during their formative years, using play, discovery, and emotional engagement as tools for learning. This equips them with the necessary skills to understand, communicate, and connect with others.

Learning English at an early age has numerous benefits! Letʼs explore why itʼs essential:

In our society, it’s increasingly important to communicate internationally. It’s widely recognised that proficiency in foreign languages, particularly English, is crucial in the job market.

In Scandinavian countries, speaking English alongside the native language is the norm. People watch movies and TV series in their original language, and the education system prioritizes practical application alongside theoretical learning. This practice builds confidence in foreign language communication and contributes significantly to career success.

Introducing children to a foreign language offers valuable experience. It provides the foundation for a future where they’ll have the tools to communicate and navigate our increasingly multicultural and multilingual society.

Introducing English at home: tips for parents

Starting early is ideal, but even if your children are older, it’s never too late. Willingness and consistency are key, regardless of whether English is your native language or not.

You can gradually introduce the language by acquainting your child with different sounds through easily accessible online songs. For example, when itʼs time to go to bed, you can sing a lullaby in English.

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is a great starting point.

You can also set an example by watching TV series or movies in their original language or following news from British broadcaster the BBC or American CNN; this way, youʼll also improve your own English!

Lastly, reading books in English is essential when spending time with your child.

My advice is to choose short and simple stories, avoiding longer, more complex tales unless the child already has a fair understanding of the language.

How you approach reading matters: use different tones of voice, immerse yourself in the characters, use gestures, and show the illustrations without rushing to turn the page. If you like, you can even use a stuffed toy to represent the main character of the story.

Here are some books that are perfect to start with:

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen.

For the little ones, this board book with sound effects could be interesting:

Listen to the Countryside by Marion Billet.

I’d also like to recommend a book that I loved very much: The Five Misfits, by Beatrice Alemagna, in its English version.

These are some of the many ways you can approach English in your daily lives. In this blog, you’ll find many other suggestions for activities and games to participate in with your children or students.

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