Learning English in UAE international schools- How you can support your child.

Learning English in UAE international schools can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if English isn’t their first language. Whether your child is more advanced in their English acquisition or just beginning their journey, the transition to a new environment, culture, and language requires support.

Building Confidence Through Language Learning

Supporting your child as they learn a new language is crucial for boosting their confidence. When children feel secure in their ability to express themselves, they are more likely to thrive both academically and socially in their new school environment. Encouraging them at every stage of their learning process will help them stay motivated and confident in their progress. As parents, there are many ways you can help ease this transition, ensuring that your child feels confident and prepared. Here are some practical tips to consider, adaptable to the specific needs of your child.

1. Create an English-Friendly Environment

Exposure to English on a daily basis is key to language learning. Here are a few simple ways to create an English-friendly environment at home:

TV Shows and Songs: Integrate English into daily routines by watching English TV shows, movies, and cartoons. Singing along to English songs or nursery rhymes can make learning more fun.
Subtitles: If your child prefers to watch shows in their native language, keep English subtitles on. This way, they are still exposed to English while enjoying their favorite programs.
Label Household Items: Label common items around the house like “door,” “table,” or “fridge.” It’s an easy way for children to connect words with objects in their daily environment.
Read Together: Spend time reading picture books or simple stories in English. It’s a great way to introduce new vocabulary while bonding with your child.

2. Be Patient and Encourage Effort

Language learning is a process, so patience is essential.

Celebrate Small Wins: Encourage and praise your child when they try to speak or write in English, even if they make mistakes. Building confidence is more important than perfection at this stage.
Avoid Pressure: Let your child take their time. Too much pressure to become fluent quickly can lead to frustration. Focus on their progress rather than pushing for fluency.

3. Support Speaking Practice

Speaking English in a relaxed and playful way helps build your child’s comfort with the language.

Encourage Conversation: Ask your child simple questions in English like, “What did you eat today?” or “What’s your favorite color?” Even small conversations help reinforce their vocabulary.
Role-Playing: Create fun scenarios to practice speaking, like pretending to order food at a restaurant or playing shopping games. This allows them to use new words in context.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are many tools and apps that can make learning English more engaging.

Educational Apps: Interactive apps like Duolingo Kids or Lingokids are excellent for building language skills in a fun way. You can encourage your child to spend 15 minutes a day using these apps to practice. Download Duolingo and see how it can fit into your child’s daily routine—it’s designed to be intuitive and enjoyable for all ages.
Watch English Content Together: Watching age-appropriate shows or YouTube channels in English can improve listening skills and expose children to native accents and vocabulary.

5. Encourage Bilingual Learning

Using your child’s native language as a bridge to learning English can be helpful.

Bilingual Books: Use books that have both English and your child’s native language. This helps them understand concepts in both languages.
Discuss Schoolwork: Review what they are learning in school. Even if you’re not fluent in English, show interest in their lessons and offer help with homework. This keeps you involved and reinforces what they’re learning.

6. Practice Writing in English

Writing reinforces language skills and improves retention.

Write Short Stories: Encourage your child to write short stories or keep a simple journal in English about their day, hobbies, or family.
Vocabulary Notebook: Help them maintain a vocabulary notebook where they can write down new words, their meanings, and example sentences. It’s a great way to review and expand their language.

7. Engage in Playful Learning

Learning through play makes language acquisition fun and less stressful.

Games in English: Play simple games like I Spy, Simon Says, or Charades to practice vocabulary in a playful way.
Word Games: Use flashcards or games like Scrabble or Hangman to help with spelling and word recognition.

8. Maintain Consistency

Consistency is key when it comes to learning a new language.

Set a Routine: Establish a daily schedule that includes time for English learning. This could be reading, using an app, or watching an English show.
Review Often: Make a habit of reviewing new vocabulary or concepts regularly. Frequent repetition helps children retain what they’ve learned.

9. Be a Language Role Model

Even if English isn’t your first language, you can still set an example.

Learn with Them: Show your child that you are also interested in learning English. This can motivate them and make the experience more collaborative.
Stay Engaged with School: Attend parent-teacher meetings to stay informed about your child’s progress and ask for suggestions on how you can support learning at home.

10. Promote Cultural Understanding

Helping your child understand the culture behind the language makes learning more meaningful.

Celebrate English-Speaking Holidays: Introduce your child to cultural traditions like Halloween, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, which can also help teach new vocabulary and customs.
Encourage Friendships: Arrange playdates or social activities with English-speaking children or those learning English as well. Real-world practice in a social setting accelerates language learning.

Conclusion

These tips can be adapted to help your child transition smoothly into the English-speaking environments found in British, US, IB, and other curricula offered by international schools across the UAE. Every child’s pace is different, so celebrate their efforts and be patient during this important transition.

For more guidance on finding an international school that is acutely aligned with your family’s needs and values, visit ED-SG. We’re here to ensure a soft landing for your child as they embark on this exciting new chapter.