In an integrated economy, learning foreign languages, especially English, becomes more important than ever.
As we have written, the essence of learning a foreign language is imitation . Every child is a master of imitation, from birth, children are equipped with the ability to learn and imitate languages in an amazing way.
So can any child master English the same way they master Vietnamese?
What factors can awaken this hidden potential in each child?
Join us to explore and find out how together we can help our children develop their English speaking skills naturally and fluently.
1. Every child is a master of language.
Parents, remember how your child learned to speak. Children begin to learn language by listening and observing the adults around them.
During this stage, children absorb sounds, intonations, and language structures without systematic learning.
Before they begin to speak, children go through a “silent” period – a long period of absorbing and processing the linguistic information they hear.
Those are the times when we hear repeated “teachings” from family and relatives, from simple sentences like: “Call Dad, call Mom, Grandma, call Grandma…” children just smile, sometimes shake their heads and turn away.
After the silent period, children begin to experiment with sounds by babbling their first simple words: Ma Ma… Ba… Ba…
Gradually, these sounds become the first complete words and sentences, marking the beginning of the process of using language to communicate.
That is when children continuously ask: “What is this? What is that? Mom, why is it like this, then why is it like that…?” Many times adults say to each other: “Oh my god, they talk so much…”
It is the curiosity to know what the objects and phenomena around them are and how they are expressed in words that makes children constantly ask and imitate the answers of their parents and relatives.
Children imitate and copy with innocence and carefreeness without fear of making mistakes or feeling shy.
To start speaking complete sentences, first there is the time of stuttering and slurring single words and sentences.
And when children say something wrong, do adults ever scold or laugh at them, saying: “Oh my god, you’re wrong, don’t say it again…?”
You see, the journey and those elements apply the same to the process of learning English.
Learning English or any other foreign language requires time to listen and absorb, then speak fluently from the first simple words and sentences without fear of making mistakes, without hesitation, just speak freely, make mistakes and then correct them…
It requires curiosity, constantly finding ways to interpret things around you into the target language, exactly the same factors as mentioned above.
You will see that: If your child can speak Vietnamese fluently, they can also master any foreign language. The important thing is to have an environment and methods for children to absorb English in the same way they learned Vietnamese.
How? Let us share with you.
2. Important Factors in Children’s English Learning
Dear parents, through the above analysis, we can see that a natural English environment and real-life communication opportunities are the two most important factors that help children learn and master English.
Let’s analyze each factor and we will tell you the secret to help your child access English for free even if you don’t know English.
2.1 Natural English Environment
A natural English environment is where children are exposed to and learn the language through daily communication, not just through books or classes.
The constituent elements include: Everyday communication and real-life contexts
Children learn from listening and participating in everyday conversations.
Learning English in real-life situations helps children understand and use the language more naturally.
2.2 Using Technology and Social Platforms to Create a Virtual Environment
With the development of AI technology and modern media, the simulated environment for children to learn English is becoming more and more rich and effective.
Here is a detailed analysis of how this environment supports children’s access to English:
2.2.1 Diverse English Videos :
Songs and Stories : Songs and stories are effective English learning tools for children. They not only provide vocabulary and grammar structures, but also stimulate children’s interest and curiosity, helping them learn naturally and happily.
2.2.2 AI-Based English Learning Application :
Instant and Personalized Feedback : AI technology in English learning apps allows children to receive instant and personalized feedback based on each child’s learning needs. AI can adjust learning content based on the child’s progress and interests.
2.2.3 Educational Games and Interactive Activities :
Communication Through Games : Educational games and interactive activities help children learn English in a fun way. Children are challenged in games, thereby developing their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.
2.2.4 Rich and Flexible Learning Environment :
Learn Anytime, Anywhere : With the convenience of technology, children can learn English anytime, anywhere, from home to school, via computer, tablet or mobile phone.
2.3 Opportunities for real-life interactive communication: The most important factor in children’s English learning
Real-life communication is the key to children developing language skills naturally. Through communication, children not only learn language but also learn how to use it in real-life situations.
What are some ways to give children opportunities to communicate in real-life English?
2.3.1 At School :
In school environments, especially in cities, children have more opportunities to be exposed to English.
However, in rural areas, these opportunities are often limited, and teaching methods often focus on theory rather than practice.
Traditional learning, with its rote learning of vocabulary and examinations, does not provide enough opportunities for children to develop real-life communication skills.
2.3.2 Let children learn English at a foreign language center
ü Advantages:
Language centers often provide a diverse and interactive learning environment, helping children learn through group activities and direct communication with classmates and teachers.
Children have the opportunity to receive direct guidance from teachers, helping to correct errors and develop language skills quickly.
Many centers offer extracurricular activities and socializing, giving children the opportunity to practice English in real-life situations.
ü Disadvantages
Cost and Travel Time : Studying at a center requires cost and travel time, which may not be suitable for some families.
To ensure the effectiveness of children’s language absorption, it is necessary to maintain the frequency and number of sessions at the center.
If there are only 2 or 3 sessions/week and no further interaction at home, it will take more time for the child to be effective.
Not to mention the fact that most children today have a busy school schedule, sending them to extra classes at centers to ensure effectiveness unintentionally puts pressure on them.
Crowded Classrooms :
In some cases, classrooms can be crowded, reducing personal interaction and attention from the teacher to each student.
This limits the formation of children’s language reflexes.
2.3.3 Let children learn English through 1-on-1 Online learning
ü Advantages:
Flexible and Convenient: Online learning provides high flexibility in time and space, allowing children to study anytime, anywhere according to their own schedule, reducing study pressure because they do not have to rush to get to class on time…
Personalized Learning Content: Learning content is personalized, tailored to each child’s needs and level, focusing on developing each child’s individual skills.
Using New Technology: Online learning often incorporates modern technology such as AI, interactive videos, and educational games, making learning fun and effective.
ü Disadvantages
High Requirements for Teachers’ Facilitation Skills
Program Content Coordination :
Online learning requires teachers to have high classroom coordination skills.
They need to design curriculum content that is not only engaging but also appropriate to the specifics of distance learning, to attract and maintain learners’ attention.
Creating an Interactive Learning Environment :
Teachers need to use visual and interactive educational tools to create a lively online learning environment, helping children easily absorb knowledge without feeling bored.
Student Concentration Problem
- Focus Challenges: In an online learning environment, maintaining children’s focus can be a challenge. The home learning environment can be filled with distractions, and the lack of face-to-face interaction with teachers and peers can reduce concentration.
- Dependent on Self-Discipline : Children learning online need to be more self-disciplined than those learning in person. Distance learning requires children to manage their own time and effort, which can be difficult for some children.
In both forms, frequency of communication is important to promote the effectiveness of learning, so that foreign language absorption is not interrupted, especially when young parents do not use English every day.
Family conditions also affect the choice of learning method.
Each family needs to find the method that best suits their child’s circumstances and abilities.
3. Global Link Language – Comprehensive English environment
With the mission of bringing English closer to Vietnamese people, especially creating conditions for children to access the English environment, whether you are in the countryside or anywhere, as long as you have a phone with internet connection, we will help you create an environment for children to access English completely naturally and for free.
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3.1 1-1 online English class for children, effective natural English environment
In this article, we will not analyze in depth the effectiveness of 1-1 online English classes for children at Global Link Language, but will take the time to show you why Global Link Language can solve all your problems in helping children learn English effectively.
We understand that every child has unlimited potential and can access an English environment, regardless of where they are or what their family situation is, as long as they have the attention and a little time from their parents.
3.2 Positive English environment for children through social platforms
We put ourselves in the shoes of parents and asked: “If we were them, how would we want our children to learn English?”
The answer is the inspiration for every educational product we create.
In fact, if parents do not use English, studying at a center or participating in any other English course will play a guiding and coordinating role, which is an indispensable part, but the important factor that accounts for a large proportion is the child’s daily exposure to the English environment, with continuous and uninterrupted frequency so that the child can get used to the sounds and intonation of the foreign language.
The principle of language is very simple but must follow a natural path, that is, when there is enough time to absorb a foreign language, children will speak naturally.
At Global Link Language, the “ English for Kids at Global Link Language” YouTube channel is a complete mix of long and short lessons, designed to suit children’s diverse learning needs.
ü The video lessons are built according to a closed educational roadmap from kindergarten to high school, ensuring continuity and gradual development according to the child’s level.
ü Combined with the youtube channel: Learn English With Global Link Language for adult learners will be the next step, creating a comprehensive English learning cycle.
üThe videos are not only educational but also engaging, with colorful and vivid illustrations and high entertainment value, helping children not only learn but also love English.
The tools are there, but how do you turn them into an active English exposure environment for children?
4. Stimulate Children’s Self-Learning Ability and Sharp Thinking
In the digital age, children are often fascinated by games and entertainment activities, movies, phones.
Partly because parents are busy, sometimes letting their children watch movies or use their phones is a way for them to “have something to play with” while their parents are busy working.
But, as analyzed, every child has the potential to become a language master through their amazing ability to imitate, not to mention being more intelligent and sensitive than adults think.
Don’t believe it?
Let us help you test it.
At the same time, in the early stages of life, children’s actions and habits are largely influenced by adults.
“Where there is time, there will be achievements”, so no matter how busy you are, why don’t parents take some time to help their children build a foundation to actively absorb foreign languages, stimulate their thinking and creativity.
The key and decisive factor in a natural English absorption environment without any cost here is the concern of parents.
Even if parents don’t know any English, it will help their children get used to the sounds and intonation of the new language.
4.1 Turn your phone into an ally to help your child get used to the English environment
Parents should set conditions and implicitly set daily learning goals for their children.
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- “Mom/Dad, can I borrow your phone?”
- Okay, but memorize these 2 videos and then play, or: For each video you memorize, you get to play with your phone for 5 minutes.
- Do you believe that with many conditional repetitions like the above, not only will your child form the habit of “no effort, no reward” but also his mouth will be ready to speak fluent English?
As we have analyzed above, Global Link Language provides a series of videos from low to high levels of education from preschool to primary level.
In the early stages, parents need to spend time sitting with their children to choose lessons and form this habit.
Start with short videos under 1 minute, listen and learn with your child, imitate, help the ears get used to the sound and intonation while practicing the mouth.
These are the first steps and gradually create a solid foundation for the later stages.
But I don’t know English, what if I guide my child wrongly?
Parents sit with their children and listen together, guiding their children to imitate the sounds of each video, which is the native voice, acting as guides rather than parents teaching their children to speak.
Remember the time before your child learned to speak Vietnamese, did anyone scold or laugh at him when he lisped and couldn’t pronounce words clearly?
Just keep speaking a lot, making mistakes is a stepping stone to prepare for the later stage of proficiency.
Native teachers will guide directly and help your child pronounce correctly.
But, to be honest, my family still has difficulties, we still have to worry about food money, not to mention the money for my child’s English lessons with a foreign teacher.
In any case, we always accompany and understand the feelings of parents.
So parents should be patient and spend more time with their children. With just a smartphone with internet connection, children can access this self-study model.
If parents can actively and intentionally guide their children at an early stage, it will soon form a sense of self-study in their children, gradually developing into a habit, which is a key skill for all ages.
If we know how to light the fire of passion, desire and desire in children from a young age, even if they come from a poor family, they will always strive, find ways to approach and conquer their goals, including English.
In fact, English is a language like any other language, if anyone wants to, at any age, can use it.
The early stages of life are the golden time for children to absorb the most natural things.
4.2 Combine with English learning apps to turn learning into play, play into learning.
To stimulate children’s curiosity and creativity and to help English absorption not be boring and monotonous, parents need to combine learning through videos on youtube, tiktok with the use of English learning apps like Doulingo and similar.
Children will learn through levels, lessons, practice exercises combined with repetitive games to help them quickly grasp vocabulary and pronunciation skills.
You can use the Free version for your children to learn and accumulate points at the same time, however, if you pay, the monthly fee is not high at all, it is a very profitable investment that helps your children’s purposeful play achieve significant results.
Just a little time spent with your child every day, especially in the early stages, can make a big difference in their English learning process. This not only helps to form a proactive learning habit, but also stimulates curiosity, creativity and agility in children. By creating a positive and interesting learning environment from the very beginning, parents are laying a solid foundation for their child’s English learning process.
Once this learning habit has been formed, children will become proactive and independent in their learning.
5. Conclusion
Thus, parental support is not only direct support, but also creating a learning environment and habits for children.
Global Link Language believes that, with the care and guidance from the family, along with the quality learning resources we provide, each child will not only learn English effectively but also develop into a confident, creative and proactive person.
Let us join you on this journey, building a solid foundation for your child’s future.
The opportunity to learn English for children and become fluent in English is the same for all children, but the opportunity will be clearer and more certain for those who receive attention from their families, at least spending time exploring with their children every day.
Global Link Language – Parents guide their children to global integration!
