~Don't just say cat or dog! Besty's way of spreading words~
"I've learned cat, dog, lion... but how else can I play with English?"
In response to such requests from mothers, we will introduce some step-up techniques to help children incorporate "animal vocabulary" into their conversations.
STEP 1 | First, vocabulary: Linking pictures with names
Have fun learning animal names using picture books and cards!
Start by creating links based on appearance and name, such as the classics "cat," "dog," "elephant," and "lion."
🌱Bestie's Points🌱
Animal cards and picture books are a treasure trove of "words that are easy to imagine" for children!
That's why if you give your right brain the experience of "remembering through images" here, things will go smoothly from then on!
However, if you stop at STEP 1, you may end up just learning words! Make sure to "listen to sentences."
STEP 2 | Play with sound: Stimulate your right brain with bird sounds and onomatopoeia!
Have fun using lots of animal onomatopoeia (sounds).
・dog → Woof! Woof!
・cat → Meow!
・lion → Roar!
・duck → Quack! Quack!
“The "English sounds" are different from Japanese sounds, which really sharpens your ears.
Combine it with pretend play and songs (such as Old MacDonald) to give your child plenty of opportunities to "listen and imitate"!
🌱Bestie's Points🌱
By using the right brain's senses to transform "interesting sounds" into "words you want to say," you can effortlessly speak!
STEP 3 | Phrasing: Imitate sentences to "I want to say it"
・What does a cow say? → Moo!
・I see a lion!
・I like dogs.
・That's a big elephant! We will have your child listen to lots of short, simple, but easy-to-understand phrases so that they can imitate them.
🌱Bestie's Points🌱
“Mom's words” are important.
By showing your child commentary and surprising reactions in English, English becomes a living language for them.
STEP 4 | Conversation and pretend play: Creating an "animal world" in English“
Use stuffed animals and toys to develop pretend play!
・Let's play zoo!
・You're a cat. Meow!
・Let's feed the animals!
・Which one do you like? A tiger or a monkey?
Through play, conversations involving "choosing," "explaining," and "conveying emotions" naturally emerge.
🌱Bestie's Points🌱
Conversation begins with the desire to communicate.
Creating a world where children feel like they want to speak and become part of it will greatly expand their English skills.
Summary | Animals are the gateway to “impersonation English”
It makes you want to imitate the voice, move, and act it out yourself, which naturally brings out the ability to speak English.
Today I picked up a stuffed toy...
“Why not start with "Meow! I'm a cat!"
