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English Plus is a small language school located in Tamachi, Tokyo.
We're providing fun, student-centered, practical English lessons.
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The Benefits of Starting English in Elementary School: Why Phonics Matters
In recent years, more and more parents have become interested in having their children learn English from an early age.
As English education has become a regular part of elementary school curricula in Japan, we are often asked:
"Is it better to start learning English while children are still young?"
Of course, people can begin learning English at any age.
However, there are many advantages that are unique to learning English during the elementary school years.
Today, we would like to discuss the benefits of starting English early and the importance of learning phonics.
Children Are Less Afraid of Making Mistakes
Elementary school students are naturally curious and eager to learn new things.
Unlike many adults, children are often less concerned about making mistakes or sounding imperfect.
Adults may think:
- "What if I make a mistake?"
- "My pronunciation isn't very good."
Children, on the other hand, are usually willing to try first and learn through experience.
As a result, they often enjoy the learning process and develop a positive attitude toward English.
Creating positive experiences with English at a young age can have a lasting impact on future learning.
Children Become Familiar with English Sounds More Easily
English contains many sounds that do not exist in Japanese.
For example:
- The difference between R and L
- The difference between B and V
- Sounds such as F and TH
By listening to and speaking English from a young age, children can gradually become comfortable with these sounds.
This early exposure can have a positive impact on both listening comprehension and pronunciation in the future.
Developing an ear for English sounds early can make future English learning smoother and more enjoyable.
Elementary School Is an Ideal Time to Learn Phonics
One of the most important aspects of children's English education is phonics.
Phonics is a method of teaching the relationship between letters and sounds.
For example, children learn that:
- The letter A can represent the sound /æ/ as in "apple"
- The letter B often represents the sound /b/
- The letter C can represent the sound /k/ as in "cat"
In Japanese, once you learn a character, you generally know how it is pronounced.
English works differently.
To read English successfully, learners need to understand how letters and sounds work together.
By studying phonics, children can:
- Read unfamiliar words more easily
- Build a foundation for accurate pronunciation
- Improve their listening skills
- Learn and remember vocabulary more efficiently
In fact, children in English-speaking countries also learn phonics as they begin reading and writing.
Phonics Builds a Strong Foundation for Future English Skills
After many years of teaching English, we have noticed that some junior high school and high school students struggle with reading and spelling.
They may say things like:
- "I can't read new words."
- "I have trouble remembering spelling."
In many cases, a lack of phonics knowledge is one of the reasons.
For example, when children see the word:
"cat"
they can sound it out by combining the individual sounds:
- c → /k/
- a → /æ/
- t → /t/
This allows them to read the word independently.
Instead of relying entirely on memorization, they begin to understand how English words work.
This creates a positive cycle:
If you can read a word, it becomes easier to remember it.
For this reason, learning phonics during elementary school can become a valuable asset for future English learning.
Phonics Can Help Children Succeed in Junior High School
English education in Japanese junior high schools has become more demanding than ever before.
Students are expected to learn a larger number of words and expressions.
Children who have already been exposed to English and phonics often find it easier to:
- Read new vocabulary
- Pronounce words correctly
- Remember new expressions
As a result, they can approach junior high school English with greater confidence.
English Can Be Learned as Communication, Not Just a School Subject
One of the wonderful things about learning English in elementary school is that children can learn through:
- Games
- Conversations
- Fun activities
This helps them see English not as a difficult subject, but as a tool for communication.
When children enjoy learning English, they are much more likely to continue studying it in the future.
Consistency Is More Important Than Speed
When it comes to learning English, the most important thing is not simply starting early.
What matters most is continuing to learn in a positive and enjoyable environment.
Even studying once a week can help children gradually become comfortable with English and build their skills over time.
Small steps taken consistently often produce greater results than short periods of intensive study.
Why Parents in Tamachi and Shibaura Choose English Plus
At English Plus, we strive to create an enjoyable and supportive learning environment for elementary school students.
In addition to conversation practice, we place a strong emphasis on phonics so that children can develop the foundations of reading, listening, and speaking English.
Our lessons are designed to help children:
- Build confidence using English
- Develop strong pronunciation habits
- Learn practical communication skills
- Create positive study habits for the future
English is more than just a school subject—it is a tool that can connect people with the world.
The elementary school years offer a wonderful opportunity to build skills and confidence that can last a lifetime.
Interested in Children's English Lessons in Tamachi, Shibaura, or Minato-ku?
If you are wondering:
- "Is my child too much of a beginner?"
- "What exactly is phonics?"
- "Would my child enjoy learning English?"
We would be happy to answer your questions.
At English Plus, children learn English in a supportive small-group environment where they can build confidence step by step.
For information about our school and lesson options, please visit:
You may also enjoy reading:
We invite you to participate in a trial lesson and discover how phonics and enjoyable English learning can support your child's future success.
English Plus | English School in Tamachi, Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Small-group English lessons for children, junior high school students, high school students, and adults.
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