Fun Ways for Kids Aged 6–12 to Learn English Through Play

When Learning English Feels Like a Chore

If you have a child between 6 and 12, chances are you've already heard the sighs and groans when English homework comes out. Maybe your child struggles with spelling new words or freezes up when it's time to speak during class. Maybe they just don’t see the point of learning a foreign language. And like many parents, you might find yourself at a loss — part cheerleader, part referee, and sometimes even a reluctant substitute English teacher after a long day of work.

The truth is, learning English doesn't have to be a battle. In fact, the earlier we help our children associate language with joy, confidence and curiosity, the easier the road becomes. The good news? Kids are wired to learn through play. And with a sprinkle of creativity (and a few surprisingly effective tools at your disposal), your child can start picking up English in ways that feel natural, even exciting.

Start with Their World: Make English Relevant

One of the biggest reasons kids tune out during lessons is because they can’t connect what they’re learning to their lives. Instead of memorizing irrelevant vocabulary lists, start with what your child already loves.

Is your daughter obsessed with animals? Have her name all the animals at the zoo in English, or make her a mini animal guidebook in English using old magazines. If your son won’t stop talking about space, read a children’s story about astronauts together in English. You don’t need perfect grammar — you’re building confidence and curiosity first.

And when screen time is unavoidable (or maybe a sanity-saver you truly need), you can lean into shows or YouTube content for kids that use slow, clear English. Many younger children naturally pick up phrases from repeated exposure without even realizing it.

Turn Learning Into a Game

You may have noticed: the more a child is allowed to play, the more they engage willingly. That’s why many language immersion schools build full-on games around vocabulary and speaking. You can do this at home, too — no need to be a linguistics expert.

Try playing "Simon Says" in English. Or set up a scavenger hunt around the house using English clues ("Find something red!" or "Bring me a book with an animal on the cover!"). These simple activities sneak in practice without pressure.

Want to make routine learning more magical? Today, some tools can turn even photocopied classroom material into motivation. One such option lets you snap a photo of your child’s lesson and turn it into a customized audio adventure where your child becomes the hero — using their first name and voice prompts to guide them through grammar jungle expeditions or vocabulary treasure hunts. One well-liked app for parents on iOS and Android recently added this feature, giving even the most reluctant learners a reason to press play again and again during quiet moments or car rides.

Let Them Hear It Everywhere

Not all children are visual learners. In fact, many kids between 6 and 12 retain information better through hearing. Fortunately, English is everywhere — music, audiobooks, even bedtime stories.

Start small. Play simple English songs at home during mealtime (The Beatles or Disney soundtracks are great places to start). Listen to a short audiobook in English while driving — maybe a classic fairy tale they've already heard in your native language. That familiarity creates an anchor, making new vocabulary easier to absorb.

And if reading remains a point of friction (as it often is), you might appreciate this article on fun alternatives to traditional reading. You’ll find ideas you can apply without overwhelming your child or yourself.

Make It About Connection, Not Perfection

More than anything, children need to feel safe trying and failing. Focus on encouraging small efforts rather than flawless results. Celebrate when they correctly say a word they learned yesterday. Laugh together when a pronunciation goes sideways. Learning a language should never feel shameful, even if they make mistakes.

And if your child is very shy or anxious about speaking aloud in English, try using puppets or stuffed animals to ease the pressure. Let the monkey talk for them. You’ll be surprised how much kids open up when the attention isn’t fully on them.

You might also find it helpful to build in moments of independence — letting your child lead the activity or choose the day’s topic. This gentle autonomy often helps kids engage more seriously over time. For more ideas on how to do this, here’s a guide to promoting independence in children aged 6 to 12.

One Step at a Time

Helping your child learn English through play isn’t about massive change — it’s about consistently finding small, joyful moments in your week. A little scavenger hunt here, a car ride story there, and slowly a new language begins to feel less like a mountain to climb and more like a secret code they’re learning to crack.

And you’re not alone in this. Other parents have tackled spelling obstacles through playful spelling activities at home, or boosted focus during difficult lessons through engaging concentration exercises. Consider your child's English learning journey in the same forgiving light.

Because at the end of the day, what matters most isn’t perfect pronunciation or scoring high — it’s the growing grin on your child’s face when they understand something new, or when they whisper, without prompting, “Good night” instead of "Bonne nuit." That spark? That’s where real learning begins.

Curiosity Leads the Way

If your child doesn’t yet show excitement for English, don’t worry. Curiosity takes time — and sometimes a little nudge. One last inspiration: we’ve written a short piece on how to spark your child’s curiosity with smart games that may add more ideas to your toolkit.