The fear of speaking another language is very common, especially among the little ones. Shyness and fear of making mistakes can become big obstacles. However, this fear is not insurmountable. At ENO School, we understand that speaking a language should be a fun and liberating experience, not something that causes anxiety. Here are some ideas and tips so that your children can overcome this barrier and enjoy the magic of communicating in another language.
1. Play to Learn
Play is one of the best tools for learning. And when it comes to overcoming the fear of speaking, play is even more important. Children are naturally more likely to speak when they are in a relaxed environment, without the pressure of doing it perfectly. Role-playing is ideal: you can create everyday situations such as going to the supermarket, ordering an ice cream or saying hello to a friend. Through these small situations, children begin to speak with confidence, and the best thing is that they don’t even realise they are learning!
At ENO School, we use interactive activities that encourage participation without the fear of making mistakes. Games, songs and simple dialogues allow children to express themselves spontaneously.
2. The Power of Repetition
Fear of speaking can also arise when children do not feel confident enough with the words or phrases they should use. Repetition is key to gaining confidence. If your child repeats a word or phrase several times, they become familiar with it, and the fear diminishes.
Through fun and repetitive exercises, such as songs, rhymes or even tongue twisters, children begin to feel more comfortable with the language. At ENO School, we offer repetition exercises adapted to each student’s level, always in a fun and entertaining way.
3. Doing it with Friends
Children learn much faster when they do it in a group. If the fear is sharing what they have learned with others, having them talk with their classmates can be a great way to overcome that barrier. Children can learn to communicate in a more relaxed way when they know that their friends are going through the same thing.
Inviting classmates to interact, share stories or games in another language is a perfect way to practice without the pressure of doing it in front of an adult. Informal conversations between friends give them the freedom to make mistakes, learn from them and, above all, enjoy the process. At ENO School, we encourage interaction between children through group dynamics that reinforce learning in a fun and relaxed way.
4. Learning by Playing with Technology
Technology is an excellent ally when it comes to losing the fear of speaking in another language. Educational applications, videos and games allow children to have fun while practicing. In addition, the technologies are designed to offer immediate feedback, helping children to correct small mistakes without feeling embarrassed.
We use digital platforms at ENO School that allow children to learn vocabulary and phrases in a fun way, while developing the confidence to speak without fear of judgment.
5. Make it Fun and Rewarding
Motivation is an essential ingredient for learning. If the learning process becomes a chore, fear will increase. But if it is a positive experience, full of fun, rewards and discoveries, everything will change.
Small rewards and celebrations for each step taken in language learning, such as a sticker, a certificate or simply words of encouragement, are a great way to keep children motivated. At Escuela ENO, we believe in the power of positive motivation to help children overcome their fears and enjoy learning.
6. Constant Support from Parents
The role of parents is fundamental in this process. While the school has a lot to contribute, the support and reinforcement that parents give their children at home is equally crucial. Encouraging daily conversations in the language, celebrating their small achievements and ensuring that there is no pressure to be perfect will help fear disappear.
At Escuela ENO, we understand that parents are a fundamental part of learning. That’s why we offer tips and resources so you can help your child practice and enjoy language learning at home.
7. Fear is Just One Step to Success
Remember that fear is natural when we’re learning something new. Every child has their own pace, and the important thing is that the process is fun, without pressure. As they overcome this fear, they will see that learning a language is not only exciting, but also something that will open doors to new opportunities.
ENO School is here to accompany your child every step of the way, helping them overcome their fears, enjoy the process of learning a language and, above all, celebrate every small achievement in this fun journey.