Smart way to Good English - Start Early

For kids who speak their mother tongue (Not English) at home, learning English as a first language is a challenging task. Some ground work needs to be done before they go to school.

Below are some pointers which will make the transition from a native language to English easier for the child......

Let them hear a lot of spoken English

This would be easy if both the parents are fluent in English, but if you are not, then select TV shows, preferably cartoons, with clear diction and neutral accent for eg. Miffy, Noddy,etc. And sit with them and explain what is being spoken.

Read to them 

The lesser the words the better, Bright board books are excellent. Start with very simple stories and telling them some basic rules of handling a book, like how to gently turn pages.
Then read to them with a clear expressive voice and follow the words with your fingers.
Choose an quite time of the day when the child is alert. Reading can be enjoyed anytime, not necessarily at bed time.

Familiarize the alphabets

Hang up an alphabet chart or get them ABCD refrigerator magnets to use. Just keeping the alphabets within their field of vision is enough to get them curious about the letters.

Name known objects in English

When the child knows the name of an object in the native tongue then teach him the English word for the object and try to get him to repeat it.

Sing simple English songs

Nursery rhymes are the best, they get the child to learn the tone of the language without having to analyse it.

Start interacting in English

Start asking questions and responding in English. Conversing in English is a sure way for the child to pick up the language fast.

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