How to get children to practice English during the holidays

When the holiday period arrives, it is time to relax. But it is also important that children don´t abandon their English learning.

Learning a second language from an early age is always the best option if you want to achieve fluency in the language.

In these first years of life, kids have an enormous capacity for absorbing information. Therefore, they must make the most out of this period by practicing often. If they don’t do this, they run the risk of forgetting what they have learnt.

Constant training is fundamental so that you feel comfortable in your knowledge of English. The neurological connections must be strengthened with continued practice of the language and in this way, you won´t forget what you have learnt.

What happens in summer, or in any holiday period, is that you disconnect from class. This can mean that children stop practicing English in their free time.

Do you want your children to not abandon their English this summer?

To start with, you shouldn´t forget that your little one needs to relax and have fun, this is a basic premise.

You should aim to practice their English bit by bit every day, but without spoiling your holidays.

This doesn´t mean that you should give them extra homework, nor special classes, or anything that will remind them too much of school. The aim is to incorporate their English learning with fun resources so that they don´t even notice that it is happening.

It is a very effective strategy that means that during the holiday period they continue learning and having fun at the same time.

4 Ideas for how children can practice their English during the holidays

We are going to give you some recommendations for how to learn languages during the holidays in an enjoyable way.

1. Talk to your children in English

Don’t be embarrassed if your English isn´t very strong and if your mother tongue is Spanish. There are many adults who don´t manage to perfect their English, but this should not be an impediment to talking to your kids in English.

You can start with simple phrases related to daily activities. For example, every day when you wake up you can practice greetings in English, and do a role play at breakfast.

This game can be simply to learn how to ask what you want for breakfast, to learn vocabulary, and everything that is related to that moment.

In general, you can try to introduce words and phrases linked to different contexts during the holidays.

Don’t worry if your English isn´t perfect, but you should try to pronounce everything correctly so that your child gets used to and adapts themselves to the sounds of the language. The important thing is that the children realise that speaking English is something positive.

2. Watch series and films or listen to music in English

It is a common technique that is very effective for learning a foreign language.

When children are little, they can start off by listening to songs. Choose music that they like and with lyrics and meanings that are easy to learn, such as those in this video:

At first it is recommendable to have subtitles in Spanish. As they get older and improve their level of English, you can change the subtitles, get rid of them completely, or choose adult music that is more complex.

It is also interesting that they watch series in their original version in order to learn English. Choose one that they can follow easily, a good idea is to opt for an animated series.

When their English improves, you can choose more complex series or films and you can even share this experience with your children. Make it a moment for watching tv together, it´s fun and educational.

3. Change the language of all your devices at home

As adults we spend all day surrounded by all types of technologies and kids aren´t an exception to this either.

The little ones in the house quickly learn how to use video consoles, DVD players, remote controls, smartphones, tablets, etc... A good way of putting their English to practice is to change the language of these apparatus into English.

This might seem strange at first, but this change will motivate them. Children are very curious, and I am sure that they will see it as a challenge to overcome. It is an excellent way for them to see words and phrases in English.

4. Activities in English

When the holidays arrive, organise a game or plan with your kids that requires talking in English. You could propose having a simple conversation in the form of theatre, playing I spy or doing some crafts. Without realising it, your children will learn lots of new vocabulary and expressions.

If you have an older child and you want them to benefit from a linguistic immersion experience, you will be able to opt for an English summer camp.

For adolescents who want to improve their conversational level and want to have a unique experience, a great idea is to go on an English course abroad. These linguistic immersion programmes have many advantages and it is without a doubt a well-worth investment for your child´s education.

Now there is no excuse not to practice English during the holidays. Take note of these pieces of advice and you will see how your children will continue learning English without the fun being draining out of their holidays.

Contact us and I’ll give you more useful ideas.