You’ve decided you want your kids to take an English class. It’s a good thing to do, as the gift of learning English is one that will keep on giving to your kids for their entire life.
The big question now: how to choose the right English class for your children? This point certainly deserves your attention, since the training received by your child will serve as a foundation for further learning. It’s important that it be a good one.
To help you make your choice, here are 10 criteria to consider in your search for an English class for your children.
One of the first thing to consider is the educational background of the chosen teacher. You want to make sure that at least some of their pedagogical methods are specific to working with children or teenagers. Teaching children is quite different from teaching adults or university students. Look for someone who has demonstrated an interest and ability in working with young learners.
Feel free to discuss the candidates’ qualifications with them. Check their backgrounds and their training. After all, the selected candidate will have the privilege of training your child!
Global Lingua works with plenty of talented teachers: you'll find the perfect one for your children.
Good chemistry is key to any successful relationship, and the teacher/child one is no exception. Your children will learn the best if they feel comfortable and understood by their teacher. It’s worth making sure you’ve created the best possible environment for learning to take place. Ask your children what they’re looking for. Would they prefer to learn from a man or a woman? A young adult or an older person? You might be surprised at their answers.
Keep an eye on things at first, and don’t hesitate to make a change if something isn’t working.
It’s not only important that your child feel comfortable with their teacher. You need to click with them, too. You should trust your child’s teacher, so that you will be willing and able to take a step back and allow the teacher/child relationship to flourish independently. That's why we explain in our "how-to article" about online courses that you can be by the side of your kid during the first class.
Children often respond quite differently to their parents than to other adult role models. They may be shy with you, but a chatterbox with someone else. Give them the opportunity to start learning from a trusted mentor at an early age, and it may pay unexpected dividends as they continue their education.
Taking the time to find someone whose values align with yours and who will be a good influence on your child is as important an investment as the money for the online courses. Your teacher will have an impact on your child; make sure it’s a good one.
It is important to choose an English class that for children that emphasizes speaking practice. Theory is good, but practice is better, especially for children. Practice makes perfect, not endlessly studying lists of words but never saying or using them.
It’s also a waste of time to flood a child’s mind with advanced theories their brains can’t comprehend yet. Better for them to learn by doing, and fill the rules in later. Luckily, our online courses are completely personalizable and you can take English conversation courses.
Learning through play is a highly recommended technique. Many studies have shown that children are much more motivated and learn more easily when they play. Therefore, choose a class that is at least partly game-based. Make sure the teacher you’re considering has planned some fun activities for your child.
Taking an English class is a great way for your kids to begin to open their minds to other people and other cultures they might not otherwise encounter. Learning a second language, especially starting as a child, will help them to be more sensitive and culturally diverse. In an increasingly globalized world, this is an essential social skill.
In fact, if your child is young, why not opt for a native English speaker as a babysitter or au pair? You could opt for a fellow Canadian from neighboring Ontario, of course, but you’re not limited to Canucks. A native of the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa…there is a world of choices.
Don't overwhelm your child with an intensive English course at the outset. It’s too easy for them to get discouraged, which would hamper further learning. Remember, your child should have fun while learning. Start with sessions of an hour or two, one to two times per week. You will have ample time to increase the pace thereafter.
At Global Lingua, online courses are 30-minute long, but you can take two courses in order to have a one-hour lesson.
Repetition is key to retention. If you want your child to truly learn and acquire English, you need to commit to classes on a regular schedule. Two to three times a week is ideal. If the courses are too far apart, your child will have trouble retaining the concepts being taught, and will make slower progress. This can quickly lead to frustration and can harm motivation, so it should be avoided if possible.
Consistency is key, so check the medium and long-term availability of the teacher you’ve chosen before you start.
It may seem obvious, but consider the location when choosing an English class for your child. Ideally, the courses will be offered close to your home or work, so that you won’t have to spend too much time chauffeuring them back and forth to class.
Best of all, why not have the class at home? Global Lingua offers online courses, via phone or Skype. Make your life easier and take advantage of modern technology!
Of course, your kids’ education is important, sometimes crucial. Fortunately, these days there’s no need to put yourself in debt to give your kids a solid footing in English. There are excellent courses of English for children that are both well structured and affordable.
You can give your kids a solid financial and educational future with English lessons. Time to get started with our English courses for children.