By Singapore Teaching Centre, British Council

03 February 2025 - 10:00

LE Student Testimonial - Ching Wei and Boon How

We all want our kids to enjoy learning, which is why British Council courses are designed to help your children stay engaged and excited by the learning experience. 

It’s important we support children to learn English from a young age, when their brains are open to learning. This is the perfect time to develop strong communication skills and prepare them to understand and engage with new languages. 

Learning English from a young age will not only help develop specific English skills, but also broader language skills and cognitive abilities that will provide confidence in communication with others throughout their life. 

Early exposure to English also helps improve memorisation and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in the future. At the British Council, our English courses for kids and teens, specifically Early Years (3 to 6 years old), helps them develop strong language skills, laying the foundation for a successful future.

Building a strong foundation in English

Our courses are designed to help your child build confidence in learning and develop a love for education, while following the guidelines of the Singapore Ministry of Education syllabus.

For children attending international schools, we work closely with parents through consultations to determine the best fit for their learning journey. This personalised approach ensures that every child gets the attention they need to develop their English language skills and grow their confidence in expressing themselves.

Developing core communication skills

Learning English at a young age is more than just understanding words and sentences—it helps children build strong communication skills that they will use throughout their lives. By mastering English sounds (phonics), vocabulary and basic grammar, children gain a solid base that makes it easier to understand and use other languages.

Learning to form sentences and pronounce words in English helps children express their ideas clearly. These basic communication skills are essential for school and everyday interactions. Children who develop these skills early will find it easier to learn other languages as they grow.

Explore our English courses for Early Years

Opening the door to multilingual abilities

Once children understand sentence structure and sound patterns in English, they can apply these skills to different languages. 

Children who are confident in one language are more likely to explore and learn others, opening doors to becoming multilingual. Understanding how sounds work in English can make it easier for children to learn languages like Mandarin, Malay and Tamil which are widely spoken in Singapore or French and Arabic which are popular languages for business and travel.  

Why English supports multilingualism:

English supports multilingualism in several ways. First, learning English phonics helps children understand the sounds of other languages, making the learning process easier. Additionally, mastering English sentence structure gives children a solid foundation for grasping grammar in different languages. As they gain confidence in English, they feel more capable and motivated to explore and learn other languages, opening doors to multilingualism.

Enhancing cognitive development

Learning English from a young age also helps children develop important cognitive skills, such as memory, problem-solving and critical thinking. These skills are useful not only in school but in all areas of life.

When children learn English through activities like reading stories or playing word games, they are also practising memory and learning to think critically. These skills help children solve problems, make decisions and confidently approach challenges. Learning English supports children’s overall brain development, helping them become strong learners.

Boosting confidence and social skills

As children become more comfortable speaking English, they naturally gain more confidence in communicating with others. This improved confidence helps them develop more vital social skills, making it easier for them to interact with teachers, classmates and friends.

Through activities like role-playing and group games, children get to practise speaking English in everyday situations, like asking questions or having conversations. These experiences help them feel more confident in expressing themselves and making new friends. Strong English skills give children the tools they need to succeed in school and feel more connected to the world around them.

What our parents say about our English courses for kids and teens

Ching Wei, parent of Boon How, Kindergarten 2

'The engagement has been great thus far. My son is now able to pronounce words with ease, read well and is also able to recognise and memorise words.'

Accessing global resources and opportunities

Learning English opens up a world of opportunities for children. Children who can read English have access to a wide range of books and online content, from stories to educational videos. This exposure helps them learn new things and develop a global perspective. By learning English, children are better prepared for future opportunities in school, higher education and their careers.

Explore our English courses for Early Years

Empowering your child’s future through early English learning

Learning English early in life is a key step towards success. It builds strong communication skills, makes it easier to learn other languages and boosts cognitive development. With better confidence and access to global resources, children who learn English early are prepared to face the future confidently.

Learn more about how our English for kids and teens (Early Years) can help your child build strong communication skills and prepare for a bright future.