Is it too early for workbooks? The golden order of English education to follow before 'writing'
"I'm a little worried about just listening... I should buy workbooks and have them practice writing, right?"
We often receive such earnest consultations from families who have just started lessons.
Because you care about your child's future, I truly understand the desire to see tangible 'results' (the amount written).
Seeing white pages being filled up makes you feel relieved, thinking, "You worked hard today, too."
But please, wait just a moment.
In fact, the act of 'writing' is like the 'interior finishing work' when building a house.
Before that, there is a 'foundation work' that is more important and must never be skipped.
Today, from a professional perspective, I would like to talk about why you should not rush into having them write.
Table of Contents
The 'Golden Steps' for how the brain learns language
The importance of 'Audio First' as recommended by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Three 'invisible risks' that occur when you rush into workbooks
The best approach you can use instead of workbooks starting today
1. The 'Golden Steps' for how the brain learns language
Try to remember the process by which a baby acquires language. No child suddenly grabs a pen and starts writing 'Mama.' First, they listen to sounds tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of times, eventually speak them, and only then do they move on to letters.
This is exactly the same for second language (English) acquisition.
'Writing' is the final, most advanced skill.
Rushing into writing practice without the foundational 'base of sound' is like stacking heavy bricks on top of concrete that hasn't set yet. If the foundation collapses, all your hard work will go to waste.
2. The importance of 'Audio First' as recommended by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
In fact, the guidelines for compulsory education in Japan (the Course of Study) have also shifted to this 'audio-oriented' way of thinking.
3rd and 4th grade: Focus on the auditory aspects of 'listening' and 'speaking'
5th and 6th grade: Gradually add 'reading' and 'writing' to that foundation
Even in national-level educational design, 'getting plenty of familiarity with sounds first' is a clear rule.
It is easy to trace letters after the sounds are firmly internalized, but the reverse (imagining sounds from letters) is an extremely high hurdle for children.
3. The 3 'invisible risks' of starting workbooks in a hurry
You might think, 'There's no harm in starting early, right?', but in fact, there are risks to 'writing practice' that is too early.
-
Conditioning that 'English = painful homework'
If you force children to do nothing but writing when their ears and mouths haven't caught up, English can become 'just a chore' rather than 'fun communication,' which risks dampening their motivation to learn.
-
The fixation of 'Katakana English'
English is a language that is not read literally. If you follow letters before listening to the correct sounds, your brain will automatically apply Japanese sounds, which can lead to 'bad habits' that are very difficult to correct later.
-
The trap of 'feeling like you're doing something'
Parents feel relieved when workbooks are filled out, but in reality, the essential 'listening ability' may not be developing. It is a great waste to let time pass without developing fundamental skills.
4. The best approach you can take starting today instead of workbooks
There is no need to feel anxious and ask, 'So, should I do nothing at home?' Please try channeling the energy you would spend on workbooks into this 'best input' instead.
Sing along to English songs together 🎵
Keep your favorite English cartoons playing 📺
Casually say 'Hello!' or 'Thank you!' in daily life ✨
This is enough. In fact, this is the shortest route to developing 'writing skills.'
The 'sound experiences' being accumulated at kiko's english playroom are currently taking root quietly, but surely, within your child.
If the foundation is solid, when they start writing practice, it will bloom surprisingly smoothly and magnificently.
Until then, don't rush; let's shower them with plenty of 'sound' for now.
🖋️ Author Profile
Kiko | Director of kiko's english playroom
During her childhood spent at a local school in the United States, she experienced the frustration of being treated by those around her as a 'difficult, underachieving child' because she could understand the language but could not express her own opinions.
This regret of feeling like an 'invisible person' became the origin of her current educational philosophy, 'Thinking English Ears.'
As a mother of two herself, she is one of many parents who wishes, 'I am not good at English, but I want to give my children a weapon to compete in the world.'
Currently, she operates a classroom in Koshigaya City for children in their golden age of brain development, fostering 'self-driven English proficiency' based on scientific evidence.
💡 Finally
Choosing 'not to use workbooks' is not laziness, but rather a 'proactive approach'.
Please look forward to the day when the foundation is complete.
If this article made you feel relieved,
please let me know by clicking the 'Like (♡)' button at the bottom of the screen.
I will continue to share information about
'authentic English education' that will help lighten the hearts of moms and dads.
Follow and stay tuned!