Your child can read English, but when someone speaks, they look lost. This is common. Listening is a different skill, and it needs practice, not more words.
Start short
Thirty seconds of English is enough. A long video makes a child tired.
One short story, then we stop.
Listen two times
First with no text. Then with the words in front of them. Then no text again.
Listen. Look. Listen again.
Ask one question
Do not ask about every word. Ask about the story.
Who was in the story? Was the cat happy?
Use the same story again
Children like to repeat. The second time, they hear more.
Do not translate every line
Let them guess from the pictures and the voice. Guessing is part of listening.
Make it a game
Play "stop and say": pause the story and ask the child to say one word they heard.
Words to remember
- listening — paying attention to sounds and words
- story — something that happened, told or written
- guess — to answer without being sure
- repeat — to hear or say again
Questions & answers
Q: Should I use subtitles?
For older children, English subtitles can help. Then turn them off for the second listen.
Q: What if my child does not understand anything?
Choose an easier story. If they understand nothing, the material is too hard.
Q: How often should we practise?
Five minutes a day. Short and often is best.
Q: Are songs good for listening?
Yes. Songs teach rhythm and sounds. Ask about the story in the song.
Q: My child says it is too fast. What should I do?
Slow the video to 0.75 speed. Then try normal speed again next week.