Learn English Easily! 3 Tips on How to Improve Your Child's English

If you want your child to become competitive in school and their future careers, knowing three languages can be beneficial, especially one of the languages being English. Here are 3 simple ways to help improve your child's English.

1. Create A Holistic English Learning Environment

The best way to learn a language is to integrate it into a child's life. It is recommended that parents use English to communicate with their children and teach them simple English vocabulary. Learning can happen anywhere, parents can teach their children the food on a menu, words on signs, or even the name of different transportation. In addition, parents can play English TV programs and songs at home to create an English-speaking environment, so children can learn to speak English more effectively.

2. Exposure to English Books

We recommend that parents start to read English books to their children from an early age and introduce them to different English words. We recommend purchasing storybooks with cute illustrations. International schools generally use books such as "Dragons Love Tacos" to develop children's interest in English.

English books with colorful illustrations can help to capture children's attention and allow them to enjoy the learning process.

3. Learning English Through Games

To make learning fun and enjoyable, parents can allow children to play games that support English learning. The form of interactive learning can also help your child to excel, so parents are encouraged to play games at home with their children in English. For example, solitaire, sing-alongs, and board games are all great ways to learn English.

Games are a way to help reinforce learning outcomes for children and keep them excited about continuing to learn English.

English Support Programs at American School Hong Kong

One of the most effective ways to improve your child's English is to attend an international school, where they can learn in an English-rich environment.

However, if English isn’t your child’s first language, it is important to inquire about whether the school has an EAL (English as a second language) program. EAL programs will provide professional teaching and support to students, allowing them to improve their English quickly. At American School Hong Kong (ASHK), two different EAL programs are offered to cater to the needs of different students. 

The mainstream EAL program provides flexible, needs-based English support in the form of scaffolding, with specialized EAL teachers working with the student’s teachers to provide targeted support.

In addition to the mainstream EAL program, ASHK is offering a new Foundational English Program (FEP) in the 2022/23 school year, starting this August. This program will specifically support students who are weaker in English. It is designed for students in grades 2-5 to help them quickly acquire academically necessary English skills to allow them to keep up with their studies and adapt to the English learning environment of an international school. The goal of the FEP is for students to quickly improve their English within one to two semesters. The program has small class sizes and spaces are limited. During the admissions process, students must demonstrate a willingness to learn and have a strong academic record.

The mainstream EAL program and the Foundation English Program (FEP) are taught by dedicated teachers who focus on strengthening students’ English skills.

EAL Success Story

John is a current Grade 8 student and entered ASHK two years ago when he was in grade 6. When he first enrolled, John's English skills were weak, especially in writing, and he could only write 60 or 70 words per essay. He was identified to be placed in the mainstream EAL program. Ms. Katie White, who is the Head of EAL, helped John to go over his work, identified his problematic areas, and suggested ways to improve. John was able to quickly master the academic vocabulary used at school and was able to write independently after a year of hard work. With the support of the EAL programs, it is believed that all students can become bilingual quickly and enjoy the life of an international school.

American School Hong Kong (ASHK)

ASHK is an international school located in beautiful Tai Po, offering primary and secondary school programs. It is one of the international schools in Hong Kong that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Through the approaches to teaching and learning, the Diploma Programme develops 21st-century skills and tools required to succeed in the future. At the same time, teachers understand the physical and emotional needs of students and tailor the program to meet their needs, fostering independent learning and critical thinking skills.

If you would like to learn more about the EAL programs, the IBDP, or the admissions procedure at ASHK, feel free to contact the Admissions Team or register for a Campus Tour.