When your child is learning English as a second language (ESL), it can feel challenging for both of you. They may hesitate to speak, worry about making mistakes or struggle to keep up with classroom tasks. But the truth is that many children with ESL needs go on to become confident, fluent learners when given the right support and encouragement.
According to the British Council, young children pick up English naturally when exposed to meaningful English language activity.
At Primary Tutor Project, we support children aged 5-12 in English, maths and ESL, helping them build confidence in speaking, reading and writing. In this article we share six practical and fun ways you can help your child at home to learn English as a second language and feel comfortable using it in school and life.
One of the most effective steps is to surround your child with English in a way that feels natural and relevant. When children regularly hear English used in meaningful contexts, their confidence grows.
What you can do:
Have short English conversations at everyday moments: while cooking, walking or playing.
Use songs, stories and games in English, for example, the British Council’s LearnEnglish Kids site offers free stories and word games.
Label household objects in English and your child’s home language so that they link meaning and English words.
One of the biggest barriers for ESL learners is fear of getting English "wrong” or being embarrassed. But language learning is about exploration and making errors. Research highlights that children need time and space to listen and experiment with English before fluent speaking emerges.
What you can do:
Encourage your child to speak freely in English with you or a tutor, and praise effort rather than perfection.
Play "talking games”: for example, pick a toy or a photo and practise describing it in English.
Create a "safe speaking zone” where mistakes are okay: for instance, record a fun short video and then watch it together.
Writing and reading in English can appear daunting to ESL learners. But when support is scaffolded and matched to their level, children grow secure in their skills.
What you can do:
Start small: practise writing simple sentences about your child’s day in English.
Read together: take turns reading short English texts and discuss meaning.
Use "buddy writing”: your child writes a sentence, you write one in response, then they write again. This builds comfort and momentum.
Learning English does not have to be a drill of worksheets. Engaging games and interactive tasks make English feel less like school and more like exploration. Children are more likely to practise when they enjoy what they are doing.
What you can do:
Use board games that involve speaking or word building in English.
Try role-play scenarios: ordering food, asking for directions, sharing opinions, all in English.
Create a "language treasure hunt” around the house where your child follows clues in English to find a small prize.
When your child sees how English connects with things they already like or do, motivation increases. They are more willing to practise and use new words and expressions. When children engage with tasks they enjoy, second-language learning grows naturally.
What you can do:
Let your child pick a topic they love (e.g. football, animals, space) and create an English project around it, writing a small page, watching an English video, or presenting a mini-talk to you.
Encourage your child to record short voice messages in English to grandparents or friends. This gives purpose and context to using English.
At home, ask simple questions in English about their interests: "What is your favourite animal and why?” This invites thinking and speaking in English.
Little and often beats long, occasional sessions when learning a second language. Reviewing and reinforcing English regularly helps children internalise language fluently. For ESL learners one approach is to revisit language tasks rather than cram them.
What you can do:
Set aside 10-15 minutes daily for an English activity: speaking, reading, writing or a game.
Create a "language logbook”: your child writes one sentence each day about something they did or will do, in English. After a few days, revisit previous entries and ask them to add more detail or correct themselves.
Celebrate progress weekly: highlight a "English star of the week” moment when your child tried a new word or wrote a sentence confidently.
At Primary Tutor Project, our tutors specialise in supporting children learning English as an additional language. We provide one-to-one online sessions that build not just grammar and vocabulary, but confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Our approach is engaging, supportive and tailored to your child’s unique background and goals.
If you feel your child would benefit from extra help in ESL as well as English, get in touch to book a free consultation and see how our personalised lessons can support their learning journey.
Helping your child learn English as a second language is a journey of patience, encouragement and meaningful practice. By creating the right environment, making speaking safe, using games, connecting to real life, and practising short sessions regularly, you can help your child become confident in English both in school, and at home. With the right support, their potential is limitless.
Let us know how your child’s English learning is going and feel free to reach out if you want tailored tutoring support to help them shine.
1. How long will it take my child to feel confident in speaking and writing English?
There is no fixed timeline. Progress depends on exposure, practice, confidence and support. With consistent effort, many children show noticeable growth within a few months.
2. Should I speak to my child in my home language or only in English at home?
It is beneficial to use your home language when needed and encourage English in meaningful contexts. Research shows children benefit from being supported in both their home language and English.
3. My child is shy and rarely speaks in English. What can I do?
Create a low pressure environment, practise short speaking games at home and celebrate attempts rather than correct errors immediately. Mistakes are a natural part of language learning.
4. Can technology help my child learn English as a second language?
Yes. Using interactive apps, videos and games can support vocabulary and pronunciation. Balanced digital learning combined with speaking and writing practice is effective.
