Children don’t learn languages the same way adults do, and that is a huge advantage. Their brains are built to absorb language naturally and intuitively, without the fear of making mistakes that holds so many adults back. At Koyot Academy in Mislata we make the most of exactly that window of opportunity: our English classes for children are designed so that learning is, above all, fun.
Why start young
Childhood is the period of greatest brain plasticity for acquiring a second language. Up to the age of 10 to 12, the human brain is in optimal shape to take in the sounds, grammar and rhythm of a foreign language almost instinctively.
Children who start learning a second language before the age of 10 develop, on average, a more natural pronunciation and a more intuitive grasp of grammar than adults who start in adolescence or later. — Research in cognitive linguistics, reviewed in Johnson & Newport, 1989
Beyond neuroscience, there is a very practical reason too: a child who masters English gains access to a world of career, academic and personal opportunities that monolingual classmates won’t have. It is an investment that keeps paying off for decades.
How we learn: a playful methodology
Songs and rhythm
Music activates memory in a way grammar on paper never can. Songs work on pronunciation, vocabulary and intonation at the same time, and children remember them remarkably easily. At Koyot Academy we use songs adapted to each age group and level.
Role play and drama
Putting children in simulated real-life situations, like a shop, an airport or a visit to the doctor, makes them use the language as a real tool. It stops being an abstract school subject and becomes something useful and necessary.
Reading aloud and picture books
Shared reading develops reading comprehension, vocabulary in context and pronunciation all at once. In our classes we use illustrated stories adapted to each group’s level, with characters and situations that spark young learners’ natural curiosity.
Groups by age and level
At Koyot Academy we organise groups by age and level to make sure every child gets a suitable and stimulating learning experience:
| Age group | Main focus |
|---|---|
| 5–7 years | English through games, songs and simple routines |
| 8–10 years | Vocabulary, first reading and simple writing |
| 11–13 years | Grammar in context, listening and written expression |
| 14–17 years | Preparation for official exams (Cambridge, LanguageCert) |
At Koyot Academy we believe that a child who enjoys their classes learns far more than one who just sits through them. Our mission is for them to gain confidence using English from day one. — Koyot Academy teaching team, Mislata
How to help at home
Switch the language of series and films
Put your children’s favourite shows on in the original version, with subtitles in their own language at first. Gradually remove the subtitles. Their ears get trained without it ever feeling like effort.
Celebrate small wins
When your child says a sentence in English spontaneously, react positively. Emotional encouragement is one of the most powerful drivers of learning in children. It doesn’t have to be perfect: what matters is that they try to communicate.
Don’t interrupt to correct
If your child says something with a grammar mistake, simply repeat the correct sentence naturally in your answer, without pointing out the error. Children absorb implicit corrections much better than explicit ones.
Frequently asked questions
Do my children need any prior knowledge to start?
No. Koyot Academy welcomes children with no English at all. Groups are organised by level and age so that every student progresses at their own pace without feeling lost or bored.
Are the teachers native speakers?
Yes. All teachers in Koyot Academy’s children’s department are native English speakers with specific training in teaching children and in teaching English as a foreign language.
What time are the classes?
Children’s classes take place in the afternoon, perfectly compatible with school hours. Contact us to find out which groups are available and the current timetable.
More articles: discover why learning English in Mislata is the best investment in your career or how to prepare for Cambridge at our school in Mislata.
