At what age is it better to start learning English?

There is no common opinion about this. According to experts, everything is purely individual and learning English can be effective at any age.

Do not know when to send your child to English language courses? Have you decided to learn English from scratch and doubt whether you are able to do this? We will dispel your doubts. This article is about why English can and should be taught regardless of age.

English for Preschoolers

The best time for unconscious learning of English by a child is from 0 to 6. 1 to 3 years old children perfectly remember simple movements and gestures. 4 to 6 years old easily learn phrases and words, using them in their daily speech. Year by year they learn more and more English words and phrases.

At an early age, the child does not have a language barrier. Children are not afraid to make mistakes, talk awkwardly. Gradually, correcting the speech of the child, you can help him achieve perfect pronunciation and the correct use of grammar.

Do not forget that one of the important conditions for mastering the English language at any age is the language environment. For a preschooler it is primarily a family. Try to talk to your child in English as often as possible.

Learning English by Junior Schoolchildren

By the age of 6–7 the child is ready for learning, perseverance, discipline and organization. Therefore, most parents send their kids to English language schools or additional courses.

By this age, the first-grader is already able to express his thoughts and has a willingness to volitional efforts. It is better to teach a child English using visual materials giving him examples from the surrounding world — something that is already familiar to the child.

Remember that it is still difficult for a kid to concentrate on the task for a long time. That is why the duration of one activity (writing, reading, drawing) should not exceed 10–15 minutes.

Teach your child through painting or using his toys or clothes. Tell him well-known stories. And do not forget that the language environment for a schoolboy is no less important than the one for a preschooler.

English for senior students and boys

At adolescence, a person can decide himself whether he needs English. His choice is often related to the peculiarities of the school curriculum, future prospects, final and entrance examinations, preparation for specialized tests.

The benefit of this age is that middle and high school children already have an initial level of the knowledge of English, obtained at school. They just have to continue working hard, especially those who are going to enter the university in another country or take the entrance exams to a university where a certain level of English is required.

English for adults

An adult can decide to learn English due to certain circumstances — promotion, travel to other countries, communicating with foreign business partners, relocation to an English-speaking country, etc.

In this case, start from defining your English level. Test your english level to choose a program that would be proper for you. Then choose the method that suits you best: group lessons, individual lessons, or learn English online.

Remember that learning a foreign language at any age can be effective. Choose the method of learning that is convenient for you and constantly improve your skills. We wish you success in learning English!