How Can I Make My Child More Comfortable Speaking in English at School?

Does your child feel anxious or hesitant about speaking English at school? Many children struggle with expressing themselves in English, especially if they are more comfortable using their mother tongue. 

This can make them feel left out in class discussions, hesitant to ask questions or shy around their peers. Over time, this lack of confidence can affect their learning experience and social interactions.

As a parent, you may wonder how to help your child feel more at ease when speaking English in school. While it may take time, the right guidance and encouragement can make a significant difference.

In this blog post, we will explore practical ways to help your child become more confident in using English at school.

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How Parents Can Help Their Child Speak English Comfortably at School?

Helping a child feel comfortable speaking English at school starts at home. Parents can create a supportive environment that reduces fear and hesitation, making it easier for their children to express themselves in the classroom. Here are some practical ways to support their learning journey.

1. Normalize English Conversations at Home

A great way to prepare your child for speaking English at school is by making it a natural part of their daily life. Casually introduce English into everyday conversations without making it feel forced. Discuss school activities, daily routines, or favourite cartoons in English. 

Encourage them to respond in English, but avoid pressuring them. This gradual exposure helps them become comfortable with the language, making it easier to speak confidently in public without feeling self-conscious or nervous.

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2. Encourage Speaking in Everyday School Situations

Many children struggle to speak English at school because they are unsure of how to express themselves in different situations. They might feel nervous about asking a teacher for help, starting a conversation with classmates, or answering questions in class. 

To help them gain confidence, practice these everyday school interactions at home through role-playing. Pretend to be a teacher and have your child ask for clarification on a lesson, or act as a classmate and practice simple dialogues like borrowing a pencil or greeting a friend. 

Introducing them to useful phrases such as "Excuse me, can you help me?" or "Is this seat taken?" will make these conversations feel natural, reducing their hesitation to speak English at school.

3. Build Their Confidence Through Positive Reinforcement

Many children fear speaking English in school because they fear making mistakes or being judged. As a parent, it is important to create a supportive environment where they feel safe to try.

Instead of constantly correcting their grammar or pronunciation, focus on praising their efforts and progress. 

Let them know that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that even native English speakers make errors. Sharing success stories of people who learned English through practice can also motivate them.

When children feel encouraged and supported, they will be more willing to speak up in school without fear.

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4. Help Them Practice Presentations and Storytelling

Speaking English confidently in public requires practice. Encourage your child to explain a favourite hobby, describe a fun weekend, or tell a short story in English. 

This strengthens their ability to structure thoughts clearly and prepares them for school presentations. Start with simple topics and gradually increase difficulty. 

Use a mirror or record their speech so they can review their progress. Regular storytelling builds fluency and helps them feel more comfortable speaking in front of others.

5. Encourage Active Listening and Response Practice

Speaking English confidently isn't just about talking. it’s also about understanding what’s being said and responding appropriately.

Encourage your child to actively listen when their teacher or classmates speak and think of possible responses. 

You can practice this by listening to short English audio clips or watching short videos together, then discussing what was said. This will help them develop quicker thinking and smoother responses in conversations.

6. Encourage Reading and Discussion

Reading plays a crucial role in improving language skills and confidence. Provide your child with English storybooks, comics, or magazines based on their interests. 

After reading, discuss the story by asking simple questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “What do you think will happen next?” 

This not only enhances their vocabulary and comprehension but also gives them an opportunity to practice forming opinions and expressing thoughts in English, making them more comfortable with verbal communication.

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7. Expose Them to English-Speaking Environments

The more your child interacts in English-speaking situations, the more natural it will feel to them.

Look for opportunities where they can engage with fluent English speakers, such as extracurricular activities, playgroups, or language exchange programs. 

Watching English TV shows or attending storytelling sessions also helps them absorb the language naturally.

Exposure to real-life English conversations builds their listening and speaking skills, making it easier for them to communicate confidently in public settings.

8. Set Small, Achievable Speaking Goals

Setting small goals can help your child gain confidence step by step. Start with simple tasks like greeting their teacher in English.

Then, encourage them to answer a question in class, join a group discussion, or share an idea during a school activity. 

Celebrate their progress to keep them motivated. Achieving these small milestones will give them the courage to speak up more often, eventually leading to fluency and comfort in public speaking situations.

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9. Be Patient and Give Them Time to Adjust

Learning to speak English confidently in school is a gradual process, and every child learns at their own pace. Avoid pressuring them to be perfect or comparing them to other students.

Instead, celebrate small improvements and acknowledge their efforts. If they hesitate to speak in English, encourage them gently without forcing them. 

Remember that comfort and confidence come with practice, and the more positive reinforcement they receive, the more willing they will be to try.

Over time, with consistent encouragement and practice, your child will feel more at ease speaking English at school.

Give Your Child the Confidence to Speak English Fluently with CuriousJr!

Helping your child feel comfortable speaking English at school starts with the right approach.

Curious Junior’s English Booster Course is designed to boost fluency, improve pronunciation, and develop strong communication skills through interactive live audio- video session.

Aligned with the Cambridge English Scale and CEFR standards, this structured course strengthens speaking, writing, reading, and listening abilities, ensuring that your child gains the confidence to express themselves clearly in any situation.

Other exclusive features for this course 

• 1-Hour Live Fun & Interactive Sessions

• 2000+ New Words Per Lecture

• Proficiency Test to Track Progress

• Engaging Public Speaking & Personality Development Activities

Don’t let language barriers hold your child back! Enroll Now & Give Them the Confidence to Speak Freely!