Motivation

People like things they enjoy and the feel good at. Could there be a particular reason your child feels demotivated? Is s/he finding it too difficult at school? You or a helper can revise homework with him or her! Is s/he finding it boring? Make it exciting! Play games and read stories in English. Give him or her rewards and incentives for working well or even just practising English. Praise his work and achievements in English.

Attitude

Little people like things their parents like.So remember, if you constantly repeat that you always had a problem with English your child may assume the same issue is his/hers. Sometimes even an expression is enough to convey a negative attitude. Its hugely important that you, as a parent, yourself express positive feelings towards the learning of the language. Similarly if you are critical of the exact cultural activities that make English enjoyable for your child, be they making a pumpkin for Halloween or colouring a Santa Claus, s/he will also learn to reject those things and consequently the language itself.The trick in those cases is to discuss your own customs and how they differ, respecting and enjoying the opportunity to explore other customs occasionally, not as a substitute for but as an enriching addtional experience.

Enjoyment

Here at Inishouse we are about children enjoying the experience of English, performing plays, giving presentations, publishing online, playing games, listening to stories, doing roleplays, doing surveys, in short, living and enjoying the language.And while we may play a grammar or vocabulary game or do some puzzles, we are not preparing them for their next test at school!Our aim is to motivate the children to want to communicate well in the language.