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Is two years old too early for English lessons?

By on July 1, 2012
Question:
I’m planning to have my two year old child learn English. Is that too early? I’m sort of confused because some people tell me that it’s way too early to do so while others say the earlier the better.  Please advise.  – Tokyo Mom

Answer 1:   
I think the issue is going to be the subject of much discussion starting next year. South Korea for example has put much emphasis in English education to children. As a result, they have topped worldwide sales in automobiles and electronics. I think Japan should follow a similar path. It is a good point for the child to learn early to get familiarized with sounds and phrases and know the difference of same or similar sounding words. Children will have fun learning it since the teaching method will involve dancing, shouting, not like a serious examination.

When your child grows older or reach elementary grade, I think it is important that
you create the opportunity for communication such as making friends with foreign children or taking your child to a trip overseas.

Ikeguchi Shuu
President of Japan Working Holiday Association

Answer 2:    
There’s no such thing as the “best age” to start learning English. However, it goes without saying that the method of learning and approach changes depending on the age.  It is also important that one of the parents create a language environment at home whereby a mother or a father speaks to the child in English.  Your child is at a growing stage quick to pick up a language spoken by his/her caregiver. Therefore, this has a strong influence on the child’s language development.  A child mimics anything he hears day to day.  That is why it is of utmost importance that effort is made by you as the caregiver if you want your child to learn English or any foreign language.  This is true whether you want him to learn or not to learn the language in a school.  So if you have made the necessary preparation to learn English then two years old is not too early.

Ishida Saori
English Instructor
Active Eikaiwa Kyoushi Shoukai Center

Answer 3:
Two years old is never too early. I am neither a native English speaker nor is my husband. Thinking it was more in our child’s interest to adopt English as her mother tongue, we had to lay down the groundwork when she was one year old. Since both my husband and I work, we had to work closely with a babysitter that spoke to our child only in English.  We also made friends with other international families and arranged regular sleepovers.  On school breaks, we  travelled overseas on holidays and sometimes sent her on summer camps.  A lot of the efforts will have to come from us parents.  You are making a good investment in your child’s education by having him/her start learning English early.

Mey Ling
Mother, wife and Ex-exchange student
Akasaka, Tokyo

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