Assess the child's learning style. There are several ways to do this. Usually the learning style is determined by questions such as: "Do you like to draw?", "Do you enjoy listening to music?", "Do you like to build things?". These types of questions help identify the visual learner, the audio learner or the kinesthetic learner. These three learning styles are the most commonly identified. Most people actually use a combination of two or three styles when attempting to learn a new concept.
Once the learning style is determined, the teaching can then be customized to the child. Very few of us, adults included, enjoy dreary drill day after day. The more enjoyable the learning experience, the more learning that will take place.
If the child is found to be a visual learner, use activities that incorporate seeing English. Make labels for objects around the house or classroom. Write them with colorful markers to draw attention. You can even color-code them for different rooms. Make use of DVDs and computer programs with exciting visual impact. Find colorful workbooks and flashcards to be used in conjunction with the other visual aids.
If a child seems to learn well by listening, help him utilize that skill to learn English. A child who loves music can be taught most anything if it is presented as a song. Use familiar tunes to make up silly songs about the English skills you are working on. Look for CDs that use music to teach English. Make use of conversation. Including the child in mutual conversation will help him hear the correct pronunciation of words as well the correct syntax and order of words in the English language. Have the child dictate stories aloud while you write. Children with strong listening skills love to hear stories told, especially their own.
For the hands-on child, find activities that involve movement. Make up silly raps or songs, and have the child clap or stomp along with saying the words. Kinesthetic learners need to write things down. Have the child write words or lists (such as parts of speech). The student can write them manually or use a computer keyboard if he is comfortable with typing. Have very young children cut out pictures and letters and paste them onto construction paper.