Does My Toddler Need English Enrichment Classes?

As a parent, you naturally want to give your child the best possible start in life. When it comes to toddler classes in Singapore, English enrichment classes are sometimes overlooked. However, developing English skills can also be done outside of the classroom. Read on to find out how you can teach your toddler English at home, and how to make it a joyful and rewarding experience for the both of you. 

How Does English Learning for Toddlers Work?

Children's brains are especially primed for language acquisition around the age of three. This magical time represents a key milestone in language development, when they are typically in Nursery 1. 

Let's take a look at the typical language development timeline for kids, from Year 1 to Year 3.

• Year 1: This is the time of cooing and babbling, with most babies speaking their first words around 12 months. Babies are often able to follow simple one-step instructions at this stage.
• Between 18 months and 2 years: As toddlers emerge from their infant care years, they begin to combine two or more words to form simple phrases like "more milk" or "big dog". They are also able to readily name body parts and familiar items.
• Age 3: Their vocabulary expands rapidly, and they start developing the ability to form more complex sentences. They also gain the ability to answer simple present-tense questions, such as, “Where is Mama?”. Two-step instructions such as “Pick up your bag and follow Daddy” are easily understood.

This is the perfect window to help your child make the magical connections between the words they hear you say, and the marks and symbols they see on the printed page. Early reading can boost a child’s cognitive development, and accelerate their language and literacy skills.

English Learning for Toddlers at Home

The key to successful learning outcomes is engagement. After all, doing something fun always feels more rewarding. Set aside a regular time each week to practice English together, and make it a session you can both genuinely look forward to. Think of it as special bonding time rather than a chore.

Try some of these ideas:

• Sing Songs: Nursery rhymes and simple songs are fantastic for teaching new words. Music videos can get children to sing and dance along as they experiment with new stress, pronunciation and intonation patterns. 
• Read Rhymes: The repetitive sounds and patterns of rhymes help develop phonemic awareness — the ability to hear, identify and manipulate the sounds in spoken language.
• Engage in Play-Based Learning: Pretend play, like running an "animal clinic" or making "space pizzas," helps children learn new words and practice forming sentences in a fun, relaxed way.
• Story Time: Many children enjoy listening to stories they already know by heart. Let your child choose their favourite books and make story time an interactive experience. Point to the pictures and ask questions about what's happening. 

Does your child excel in reading but tend to miss out on certain words because they read too fast? Try out some of these fun tricks to make them slow down and pay attention to what they are reading.

English Learning For Toddlers: Fun Home Projects

One of the most effective ways to expand your toddler’s vocabulary is to get them talking about what they love. When they're passionate about something, they'll be more motivated to talk about it. This helps them integrate new words and phrases into their daily conversations naturally.

Choose any of the following subjects to get them started on talking about their favourite topics:

• Animals (Pets, wild animals, or farm animals)
• Colours
• Toys
• Shapes
• Food
• Fictional characters

Once you’ve identified their interest, it’s time to get down to work. For example, if your child adores Bluey Heeler or LEGO, you can:

• Help them write simple instructions for building a new LEGO structure, such as a dinosaur, castle or fire station.
• Work together to create a fun, fantastical story about Bluey's next adventure with her friends.

By connecting learning to their interests, you're not just teaching them words — you're showing them how English can be a tool to express their creativity and explore the things they love. Over time, their newfound comfort in English builds self-confidence, leading to effective communication skills that help them navigate social situations and interactions between teachers, classmates and peers.

How My English School's Reading Classes For Students Works

When it comes to English learning for toddlers, complementing home practice with expert guidance can make an even bigger impact. Our reading programmes for students and our P1 preparation class are designed to build on the foundation you've created at home. Each child is carefully assessed to ensure they are matched with a course that best suits their current learning needs. 

Our small class sizes allow each child to receive personalised attention from our dedicated and qualified teachers. Each child is then given the support they need to thrive as they learn at their own pace.

With 15 convenient locations across the island, we make high-quality English lessons accessible for busy families like yours. Our curriculum is crafted to build upon what you're doing at home, turning a love for language into a strong foundation for future academic success.

Engaging English Learning for Toddlers

Whether your child is in Nursery 1 or Kindergarten 2, teaching them English at home is a great way to foster early language development and help them become confident English speakers. By making it a consistent part of your routine, you are setting them up for a lifetime of learning and growth. 

Enrol your child in our reading classes for preschoolers to take their language skills to the next level with My English School. Book a free assessment for your child today!