6 Things to Know When You Teach English to Your Kids by Yourself

Teaching English to your kids can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially if you are a non-native speaker. 

Here are six things to keep in mind:

1. Start with the basics

When teaching English to your kids, it is important to start with the basics. Focus on teaching them simple vocabulary, such as colors, shapes, and animals, and basic grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement.

Here are some basic English words that you can teach your kids:

• Colors: red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, pink, black, white, brown
• Numbers: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten
• Shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval
• Animals: cat, dog, bird, fish, rabbit, horse, cow, sheep, pig, monkey
• Food: apple, banana, bread, cheese, egg, milk, pizza, sandwich, soup, juice
• Body parts: head, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hands, feet, legs, arms, fingers
• Clothing: shirt, pants, dress, shoes, socks, hat, coat, gloves, scarf, sweater
• Household items: table, chair, bed, book, toy, clock, lamp, TV, computer, phone
• Weather: sunny, rainy, cloudy, windy, snowy
• Transportation: car, bus, train, airplane, bicycle, boat, helicopter, truck, motorcycle, scooter.
  

These are just a few examples, but you can also tailor your lessons to your kids' interests and needs. Start with the basics and build upon them as your kids become more comfortable with the language.

Want more basic words to learn together? Here's a list of 100 Basic English Words!

2. Make it fun

Kids learn best when they are having fun, so make sure to incorporate games, songs, and other fun activities into your lessons. You can also use toys and props to make learning more engaging.

Here are five nursery rhymes that can help your kids learn English:

• Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: This classic nursery rhyme is easy to sing and can help your kids learn basic vocabulary related to space and stars.
• Old MacDonald Had a Farm: This fun nursery rhyme is great for teaching animal names and the sounds they make.
• The Wheels on the Bus: This song is perfect for teaching transportation vocabulary, as well as action words like "go," "stop," and "swish."
• Five Little Monkeys: This counting rhyme is great for helping your kids learn numbers and basic math concepts.
• Itsy Bitsy Spider: This popular nursery rhyme is great for teaching body parts vocabulary and can also help your kids develop fine motor skills by doing the hand gestures.

These nursery rhymes are just a few examples, but there are many more out there that you can use to help your kids learn English. Just make sure to choose ones that are age-appropriate and fun for your kids!

More fun song ideas here:

3. Use simple language

As a non-native speaker, it is important to use simple and clear language when teaching your kids. Avoid using complex vocabulary and grammar structures that may be difficult for them to understand.

When teaching English to your kids, it's important to use simple language that is easy for them to understand.

Here are some examples of how you can simplify your language:

Instead of saying:

"I am going to the store to buy some groceries."

Say:

"I'm going to the store to get some food."

Instead of saying:

"Can you please go upstairs and grab my book off the shelf?"

Say:

"Can you go up and get my book, please?"

Instead of saying:

"It's important to eat a healthy breakfast every morning to start your day off right."

Say:

"Eating a good breakfast every day is important for starting your day."

Instead of saying:

"Do you understand the instructions for this game?"

Say:

"Do you know how to play this game?"

By using simpler language and avoiding complex sentence structures, you can make it easier for your kids to understand and engage with what you are teaching them.

It's also a good idea to use plenty of visuals and gestures to help reinforce your message.

What kind of visuals and gestures?

More resources for listening and activities such as journals and a leveled listening guide here:

4. Practice regularly

Consistency is key when it comes to teaching English to your kids.

Make sure to set aside time each day to practice with them, and be patient and encouraging as they learn.

The best time to teach your kids English will depend on your family's schedule and your kids' individual needs and preferences. However, there are a few general guidelines you can follow:

1. Choose a time when your kids are alert and focused: It's important to choose a time when your kids are well-rested, fed, and in a good mood. This will make it easier for them to engage with your lessons and retain what they are learning.
2. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to language learning, so it's a good idea to set aside a regular time each day or week for your English lessons. This will help your kids develop a routine and make it easier for them to remember what they have learned.
3. Avoid times when your kids are busy or distracted: If your kids have a lot of activities or homework during a particular time of day, it may not be the best time to teach them English. Similarly, if your kids are easily distracted by TV or other screens, it may be best to avoid teaching them before bedtime.

Ultimately, the best time to teach your kids English will depend on your family's unique situation. You may need to experiment with different times of day to find what works best for you and your kids. Just remember to be patient, consistent, and have fun!

5. Incorporate English into daily life

To help your kids become more comfortable with English, try to incorporate it into your daily life as much as possible. This could include reading English books, watching English movies or TV shows, and speaking English at home.

Incorporating English into your daily life is a great way to help your kids become more comfortable and confident with the language. Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Read English books: Reading English books together is a great way to expose your kids to new vocabulary and grammar structures. You can start with simple picture books and gradually move up to more complex texts as your kids become more proficient.
   
   
2. Watch English movies or TV shows: Watching English-language movies or TV shows with your kids can help them improve their listening and comprehension skills. You can use subtitles to help them follow along, and discuss the plot and characters afterwards to reinforce what they have learned.
   
   
3. Speak English at home: Try to incorporate English into your daily conversations as much as possible. This can be as simple as greeting each other in English, or asking and answering questions in English.
4. Play English-language games: Playing games in English is a fun and engaging way to help your kids learn the language. You can play board games, card games, or online games that are designed to teach English vocabulary and grammar.
   

5. Label objects around the house: Labeling common objects around the house with their English names is a great way to help your kids associate words with their corresponding objects. You can also use flashcards to reinforce these associations.

Remember, incorporating English into your daily life doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Small, simple steps can go a long way towards helping your kids become more comfortable and confident with the language.

Use online resources

There are many online resources available for teaching English to kids, including apps, games, and websites. These can be a great supplement to your lessons and can help keep your kids engaged and motivated.

There are many free resources available online that you can use to teach English to your kids.

Here are some of the best:

1. British Council Learn English Kids: The British Council offers a range of free resources for teaching English to kids, including games, songs, and stories. Their Learn English Kids website has a variety of materials for different age levels and is available in multiple languages.
   
   
2. ESL Kids Lab: ESL Kids Lab offers a range of free resources for teaching English to kids, including flashcards, worksheets, and games. Their website is organized by age group and level, making it easy to find materials that are appropriate for your kids.
   

3. English for Kids by Anglomaniacy: English for Kids by Anglomaniacy is a free website that offers a wide variety of resources for teaching English to kids, including games, worksheets, and printable flashcards. It's organized by topic, such as colors, animals, and food, making it easy to find materials that match your kids' interests.

4. Kiz Phonics: Kiz Phonics is a free website that offers a range of resources for teaching English phonics, including interactive games, printable worksheets, and flashcards. It's designed for kids aged 3-8 and is available in multiple languages.

5. PBS Kids: PBS Kids offers a variety of free resources for teaching English to kids, including games, videos, and printable activities. Their materials are designed to be fun and engaging, making it easy to keep your kids interested and motivated.

These are just a few examples of the many free resources available for teaching English to kids. Remember to choose resources that are appropriate for your kids' age and level, and to supplement online learning with real-life interactions and activities.

6. Seek help when needed

If you are struggling to teach English to your kids or are unsure about how to approach certain topics, don't be afraid to seek help. You can consult with other non-native speakers, English teachers, or online communities for advice and support.

NSEO is always here to support you teach your kids English, and provide immersive learning environment for them. It is great to teach the kids English yourself, however, giving them exposures to native speakers can accelerate their learning, and also they can learn different cultures.

Try NSEO’s free class today!