Your child can read and write, but never speaks. At home, you can change that with one small habit: ask a question and wait. Do not fill the silence.
Ask easy questions
Start with questions about right now.
What are you eating? Is it good?
Wait five seconds
Children need time to find the words. Do not answer for them.
Answer your own question
Show the shape of the answer.
What did I eat? I ate rice. How about you?
Use one sentence a day
Choose one sentence for the week, and use it at dinner.
Can I have some water?
Do not test
Do not say, "Say it in English." Just speak, and let them join.
Praise the try
Say, "I liked that." Not, "That is wrong."
Words to remember
- speak — to say words out loud
- wait — to stay for a time
- habit — something you do often
- praise — to say good things
Questions & answers
Q: What if my English is not good?
Use simple words you know. Ten words a day is enough.
Q: Should I correct my child's mistakes?
Sometimes, gently. Repeat the sentence correctly, and move on.
Q: What if my child refuses to answer?
Stop and try later. Forcing speaking makes it harder.
Q: How long should we practise?
Five minutes at dinner. Short and happy.
Q: Is it better to use a tutor?
A tutor helps, but home talk matters most. Speaking is a habit, not a lesson.