The age of 3 is an important time for language development in children. Their grammar skills and expressive language improve, and children can follow requests with multiple steps. During this period of language development, a child can begin early training in English as a second language. For this young audience, it is important to approach ESL with a method that is age-appropriate, informal and engaging. It is also important to provide an accepting environment for the child--one in which the child feels comfortable making mistakes and open to new ways of expression.

Pictures for Visual Learning

“See Spot run. Run Spot, run.”

You may remember this line from the famous early-reader series “Dick and Jane.” The sentence accompanied a picture of the lovable dog Spot running. The association between the spoken word and the visual of “Spot” or the action “run” is important for vocabulary internalization. So, when you are teaching a child new vocabulary, try to incorporate pictures as much as possible. Whether you use picture books, flashcards or Pictionary, associate the new word with the object or action--not the word in the child's first language.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
Repetition and second language acquisition go hand in hand. Some experts claim that a student must use a new vocabulary word in context 10 or more times before she internalizes it. When you teach ESL, it is very important to approach repetition in a variety of ways. This encourages interest and staves off boredom. For example, one day you could use flashcards to teach animal vocabulary (dog, cat). The next day you could play animal charades for both repetition and interactive learning. To be extra efficient, try to have the child use the word in context by having him repeat a simple sentence like "It is a dog."

Total Immersion
If you are very brave, you can attempt the language immersion method of ESL instruction. Although it's effective, language immersion requires a lot of discipline and patience on the part of the instructor. When teaching, you talk to the child only in English, whether she completely understands you or not. You then incorporate pictures, sounds and actions into your lessons. This way, the child learns through exposure, interaction and visual stimulus. Although this is claimed to be one of the fastest methods for language acquisition, it can be very stressful for both the teacher and child.

Make Learning Fun
The "Schoolhouse Rock!" TV series got it right. Adding fun to any lesson will ensure the student's attention. If you make your lessons into a game, project or craft, your 3 year-old student will be having fun and learning too.