As a global city, Hong Kong welcomes families relocating from many parts of Asia, North and South America, and Europe. This means many children arrive in Hong Kong with varying levels of English proficiency.

Stamford American School Hong Kong offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program that supports English language learners to develop their language skills in an immersive English environment. As with all subjects, parent support and involvement will help your child’s progress and development. Ms. Monica Williams, Stamford’s EAL Team Leader with many years of experience as an English as a Second Language teacher, has 5 tips for families to support their child’s English language development at home.

Ms. Monica Williams
EAL Team Leader at Stamford American School

Read wordless picture books with your child. Share time together telling the stories through pictures. This can be a fun way for parents and children to sit down together with books and talk about stories. Children can learn how stories progress, make predictions and develop a love for books.

Encourage reading for fun by using e-readers such as Kindle or Audible. Listening to recorded stories provides students with a model of correct pronunciation and intonation as well as enjoyment for reading.

Try to speak English at home at some point each day. It is very difficult for students to learn a new language if the language is not reinforced at home consistently.

Use English to discuss school activities with your child. When discussing the day’s assignments and activities use English to communicate. They will demonstrate the language skills they are developing across all subjects.

Watch educational children’s television programs together. There are a number of wonderful children’s television programs that promote English language and literacy development. This can be a great way for both parents and children to learn English together.

Stamford American School Hong Kong welcomes parents looking for an international education with children whose English is not their native language. To learn more about Stamford’s English as an Additional Language (EAL), please visit our website or contact our Admissions Team.