3 tips to help your children communicate better in English | Learn English with Cambridge

Hello everyone.

We're super excited for our video today.

We all know that children learn languages in a natural way and

parents can take advantage of this and help their kids improve

their communication skills.

Today, I'm here with my daughter, Helena,

and my nephews, Thiago, and, Pedro.

We're going to give you some tips to help

children communicate better in English,

so get your kids and watch this video.

Okay, boys and girl, today I'm going to tell you

the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf.

There were three little pigs that decided to build a house.

The first pig used straws.

The second pig used wood to make his house and the third

pig used bricks.

Helena, what did the first pig use to make his house?

I don’t know.

So, boys and girl, today I'm going to

tell you the story of the three little

pigs and the big bad wolf.

There were three little pigs that decided to build a house.

The first pig used straw to make his house.

The second pig used wood to build his house and the third

pig used bricks.

Who can tell me what the first pig used to make his house?

Yes, Helena? Straw.

Very good.

What did the second pig use?

Wood.

Excellent.

What did the third pig use?

Bricks.

Very good, Pedro.

Good job.

So the three little pigs built their house.

Did you notice anything different between

the two scenes?

In the first scene the children weren’t paying attention.

They were doing other things, like using their cell phones

and playing games, so they weren’t really listening to

what I was saying.

That’s why when I asked them a question,

they didn't know how to answer.

Now, in the second scene they were all looking at me

and really paying attention to what I was saying.

This made it much easier for them to answer my questions.

This is called active listening, when you are focussed,

looking at the person who is speaking,

and paying attention.

Helena, please make your presentation.

My name is Helena

and I'm seven.

My favourite colour is pink.

I play the piano.

That was really good, but let me give you some

tips to help you make your presentation even better.

Helena, you're doing great.

But let's try looking at your cousins and me at the same time

when you are speaking.

Instead of looking down, look at us, okay?

Look in my eyes, okay? Okay.

All right. And you can speak louder.

You can project your voice so we can understand better what

you're saying, okay?

That’s okay if you're shy.

Just imagine they are wearing really funny hats.

Helena, let's try it again using the tips.

My name is Helena and I'm seven.

My favourite colour is pink and I play the piano.

Did you see how we couldn't understand what Helena was

saying in the first scene?

This is because she was speaking very

quietly and not looking at us.

She was looking down.

But in the second scene we were able to understand everything

she was saying because she was speaking clearly and loudly.

This is called projecting your voice.

The next time you have to speak in front of your

teacher and friends, remember to project

your voice and look at your audience.

What’s your favourite online game?

I like to play Fortnite.

I like Fortnite too.

I disagree.

I don’t like Fortnite.

Do you think the conversation is going to continue?

Probably not.

When you're talking to someone, it's important to give a reason

why you like something or why you don’t like something.

What’s your favourite online game?

I like to play Fortnite, because it's a different game.

I agree, I like Fortnite, too.

I disagree, I don’t like Fortnite,

because it's a difficult game.

I prefer Pacman.

Did you see how the conversation was more engaging?

When you're talking to other people,

and you have the same opinion as the person who is speaking,

you can use the phrase, I agree.

When you have a different opinion from who is speaking,

you can say, I don’t agree, or, I disagree.

Be sure to give a reason why you don't agree with

the person who is speaking, to keep the conversation going.

When you talk about what you like, you can use

the phrase, I prefer.

Well, guys, these were our tips to help you communicate

better in English.

Do you have any other tips you use when

you're speaking English?

Leave a comment and tell me in the comments section.

If you enjoyed these tips, like the video, and if you're

new here don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

We’ll see you soon.

Bye.