In Singapore, English is not just an academic subject—it is an essential tool for daily learning and life. For children who have just arrived in Singapore or are transitioning from a non-English-speaking environment to a full English classroom, reading and writing often present the greatest challenges. Many parents notice that while their child’s speaking skills may be adequate, they struggle with homework or essay writing. This not only affects academic performance but can also lead to frustration and a decline in confidence.
Improving a child’s reading and writing skills goes beyond preparing for exams. It directly affects their ability to follow classroom lessons, complete assignments independently, and confidently express themselves in both academic and everyday contexts.
Reading Skills: From Comprehension to Critical Thinking
Reading is more than recognizing words—it involves understanding the meaning of a text and identifying key information. Many children can follow what the teacher says in class, but face difficulties when reading longer passages. Parents and teachers can support children in several ways:
- Choose appropriate reading materials
The reading material should be slightly above the child’s current classroom level—challenging enough to introduce new vocabulary and expressions, but not so difficult that it causes frustration.
- Read with purpose
Encourage children to think critically while reading. Parents or teachers can ask questions such as, “What would you do in this situation?” or “How would you interpret this passage?” This develops their analytical thinking rather than having them passively process words.
- Combine extensive and intensive reading
Extensive reading builds interest and fluency, using storybooks, news articles, or simple science texts. Intensive reading focuses on analyzing structure, sentence patterns, and word choices, such as in scientific explanations or opinion essays. By combining both, children can accumulate vocabulary while learning logical and coherent expression.
Writing Skills: From Sentences to Complete Expression
Many children find essay writing difficult because they lack clear ideas and organizational methods. Developing writing skills should follow a gradual process:
- Start with sentences
Before writing full essays, children should learn to connect two sentences using conjunctions, gradually building short, coherent paragraphs.
- Expand vocabulary and sentence structures
Encourage children to move beyond basic words like very good or very bad. Teachers guide them to use richer adjectives and verbs, making their writing more vivid and layered.
- Revision and feedback
After completing a piece, teachers provide detailed feedback and encourage children to revise. This process helps them internalize language rules and gradually develop their own writing style.
How Parents Can Support Learning at Home
Parents play a crucial role in a child’s English learning journey. Setting aside 20–30 minutes daily for reading aloud, retelling stories, or journaling helps develop language intuition. The focus should be on effort and progress rather than speed or perfection; every attempt is a step forward.
Maintaining open communication with teachers is equally important. Teachers observe classroom performance, while parents see how the child engages at home. Sharing insights allows for better-tailored strategies to support the child’s learning.
Choosing the Right English Tuition Program
When selecting a course, parents often focus on cost or duration. However, the most important consideration is whether the course addresses the child’s specific needs:
- Curriculum relevance: Does the course cover school and daily life topics, including subjects like science and mathematics?
- Class size: Small groups of 3–6 students or one-on-one lessons ensure teachers can focus on each child’s weaknesses.
- Teacher qualifications: Teachers with backgrounds from Oxford, University of London, or other prestigious institutions bring both professional knowledge and effective teaching methods.
- Transition support: Does the course provide a structured pathway to integrate children smoothly into mainstream classes?
Advantages of iWorld Learning’s Young Learner English Courses
iWorld Learning’s English courses for children aged 4–16 focus on building reading and writing skills and have been refined through years of teaching experience:
- Practical and curriculum-focused content: Lessons cover international school environments, transportation, campus life, and academic subjects, helping children quickly grasp classroom material.
- WIDA exam preparation: Self-developed teaching materials and targeted practice boost exam confidence.
- Small group and one-on-one tuition: Ensures every child has ample opportunity to speak and practice.
- Native English-speaking teachers, bilingual or full-English classes: Provides accurate pronunciation while supporting beginner comprehension.
- Highly qualified teachers: Instructors come from Oxford, University of London, and other top universities, combining professional expertise with teaching experience.
- Smooth transition to mainstream classes: Courses are designed to help children quickly integrate into native-level classes and keep up with their peers.
Through structured course design and personalized guidance, children not only improve their reading and writing skills but also gain confidence and active participation in the classroom.
Conclusion
Developing reading and writing skills is a gradual process that requires systematic training, patient guidance, and consistent practice. The support of parents, the guidance of teachers, and the child’s own efforts are all essential.
If you want your child to build strong reading and writing skills in English, iWorld Learning’s Young Learner English Courses offer an ideal solution.
📱 Book a trial class now: WhatsApp +65 8798 0083
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- CBD Campus: 10 Anson Road, #24-15, International Plaza, Singapore 079903 (Green Line, Tanjong Pagar MRT)
- Orchard Road Campus: 111 Somerset Road, #10-19, Singapore 238164 (Red Line, Somerset MRT)
