Why is English important?
English is probably the most important subject that your child studies at school. Without English, your child couldn't communicate with other English speakers. She would be shut off from education and other people in this country.
It has been established that a person with a large vocabulary has a greater ability to think. This is because words are like bricks - having a large 'pile' in your head makes it easier for you to 'build' ideas.
So, how can you help to improve your child's English, whether it is a first or additional language? There's plenty you can do, even if you don't see yourself as an expert.
How to help a pre-school child
None of these suggestions are expensive or complicated. Each one needs just a little thought and time from you. One or two of these activities a week will really help a child get better at English, in a very undemanding way.
Surround your child with books almost from birth. Heavy-duty books for children are widely available, even from supermarkets. Children soon learn that books are interesting objects. They are brightly coloured and good to chew! They will then begin to turn pages and explore the pictures.
Read stories to your child even if you think that she won't understand. Your child will enjoy the contact with you that reading gives. As she begins to communicate with you, ask your child to point to favourite images on the page and talk about them.
Your child is never too young to join the local library. Many libraries run a weekly story-time for young children.
The first thing your child can 'read' will probably be her name (or its first letter). Ask if she can spot this letter when you are out and about. It could be on a car registration plate, on a street sign, even on an inspection cover in the street. Your child will soon begin to ask you to explain other letters.
When your child starts to take an interest in letters, play 'I spy', as in: 'I spy with my little eye, something beginning with L - Light!'
Show your child the initial letters of other members of the family and, when the post is delivered, see if she can work out who each item of mail is for.
Let your child cut up headlines from old magazines and newspapers and stick the same letters on pages of a scrapbook. (One page for A, one for B, etc.) Then, find pictures of things that begin with that letter and stick them on as well.
The CBeebies website contains some fun and educational games for young children.
Note: This advice does not aim to solve any problem your child may have with a particular area of English. Ask your child's teacher for specific ideas on what might help in certain areas. Try not to be too demanding of your child, though - you don't want to turn her off English for good!
Based on an article by Lorna Smith
Back to top 
Print this article