English for FunWhat age should children start learning English?
The short answer: children can meet English very early, but the way they meet it should fit their age. What matters more than the starting age is hearing and using English regularly, in moments that are fun and make sense.
What matters more than the starting age
- Regular: ten minutes a day beats two hours at the weekend.
- Meaningful: words tied to real things and actions ("apple" while holding an apple).
- Fun: when it feels good, children come back by themselves. That is how a learning habit starts.
- Researchers still debate whether there is a "best age" for a second language. Less debated is that the amount and quality of contact with the language matter.
Ideas by age
| Age | What to do | Screens (WHO guidance) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | Sing, talk and share picture books. Name things in English while you play. | Not recommended for babies under 1 or for 1-year-olds. |
| 2–3 | Songs, single words with real objects, point-and-name games. | 2-year-olds: no more than 1 hour a day; less is better. |
| 4–6 | Topic words, first short sentences, counting, letter names. Short learning games of 10–15 minutes are fine. | 3–4-year-olds: no more than 1 hour a day; less is better. This WHO guidance covers children under 5. |
Will English slow down my child's first language?
Keep your home language as the main language for talking and bonding. English is an addition, a little each day.
If your child is late to talk or you are worried about their language development, ask a paediatrician or a speech and language professional first.
Where to start with a 4–6-year-old
- Pick topics your child sees every day: numbers 1 to 20, colours, animals.
- Then move to letter names and first sentences like "I see a cat".
- English for Fun is made for ages 4 to 6, and the first island of every game is free to try. See the games.