Relax parents, going back to school can be made exciting and memorable for you and your kids!

Kuwait, September 26, 2019:  It is that time of the year again when parents hasten to get their children ready and prepped for the next semester. Naturally, summer time is meant to be a happy experience and homework is far from their minds as the children wrestle to enjoy every second of their holiday. But what if learning could be enjoyable too? British Council has developed new and innovative techniques to bring that world to life.

Breaking the Stereotype

Conventional teaching methods are gradually being discontinued, owing to popular demand. Enrolling your children in classes that have adapted to inventive learning experiences should be your first step to improving both their language and life skills, if you, as a parent want them to better themselves at an early age. British Council has stepped out of the norm and designed tailor-made courses that cultivate creativity and enthusiasm when learning the English language- Together with Academy Award®-winning Aardman animation studios, ‘Learning time with Timmy’ was created. Using world-famous animated characters combined with English teaching expertise, it aids 4-6 year olds whose first language is English and want to develop their vocabulary. Capturing the minds of very young children with a friendly lamb, it allows them to master good pronunciation and improve their language skills and self-confidence.  

Another course that makes learning English an adventure, is the recently launched signature program by British Council called ‘Primary Plus’. The customised course meet the needs of 6-10 year old learners in the region as it encourages children to express themselves in a safe and motivating environment,  develop their English skills as well as critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills. Developed and delivered by highly qualified teachers, ‘Primary Plus’ is flexible and follows a modular system so that the child can join at any time during the academic year! 

Noor Waleed Alkhamees of famous blog, Yahalooo and mom of 7 year old Alaa, said,” I enrolled my 7 year old daughter in the British Council after touring the facility and learning of their new improved Primary Plus program. I’m happy such a program exists in Kuwait where children can attend once a week and learn so much in a fun interactive learning environment in addition to all the awesome workshops and tools available for parents to hence their children further.”

The Competitive Edge

Being confident in English can give your child an early advantage at school and give them a great head start in making the most of the education, qualification and career opportunities that lie in front of them. Empowering them to think beyond the classroom whilst preparing them for the journey of a life-time is taught by some of the world’s most experienced teachers who are passionate about the English language. Delivered within the comfort of a safe and secure environment, children play and interact with each other in a natural and fun way, as they practise their speaking, listening, reading and writing without feeling they’re being taught.

Jamie, Founder of the prominent parenting blog, Kuwait Moms Guide, and mom of 11 year old Safyre and 8 year old Sabel said: “The British Council's English language courses are excellent. Certified instructors, well organized and taught through play-based activities. My children enjoyed learning and I loved how they build confidence in kids to speak and enjoy English.”

5 Simple Ways for Kuwait’s Parents to Teach English at Home  

For those moms and dads who would like to extend that practise at home, British Council recommends six ways to create an environment that will improve fluency and core skills in the English language:

 - Establish a routine for your English time at home wherein you could play an English game every day after school, or read an English story with your children before bedtime and possibly, create an English corner where you keep English books, games, DVDs or things that your children have made. 

- Games serve as an ideal way to learn naturally. Using flashcards such as Memory or Snap to teach and revise vocabulary among many different games ranging from action games, board and word games for example, Simon says, Charades, Snakes and ladders, I spy, Hangman.

- Use story books with bright colours and attractive illustrations as you narrate and ask questions to keep them intrigued. Animated stories on LearnEnglish Kids are also an excellent way for children to develop listening and reading skills.

- Songs with actions are a really effective way to learn new words and improve pronunciation. Songs with actions are particularly good for very young children as they are able to join in even if they are not yet able to sing the song. 

- Capitalise on everyday situations and real objects from around the house to practise the language naturally and in context. For instance: Talk about clothes when your child is getting dressed, or when you are sorting laundry (‘Let’s put on your blue socks’, ‘It’s Dad’s T-shirt’, etc.).

- Grammar can be tricky, so with younger children, get them used to hearing and using different grammatical structures in context, for example ‘have got’ when you are talking about someone’s appearance.

Building a generation of original thinkers and doers is not an easy task. Providing the right resources at the right stage in life with dedicated educators and courses can make it a reality and set them on a path bound for success.