Why fun is so important for learning English

As adults sometimes we think that fun isn’t important to learning, that’s for kids, right? Wrong. Research on the human brain shows that if you are enjoying yourself, you are much more likely to remember something. Why is that?

There is a part of our brains called the Amygdala, this is central to learning skills like playing the piano, riding a bike or learning a language. When you are interested in something you are learning, and you are enjoying the experience, you will have a very low level of stress hormones in your brain. Stress hormones make it hard for your Amygdala to work on things like learning a new skill. Stress makes your brain focus on getting you somewhere safer, more comfortable, or more interesting so that you can relax again. Negative emotions make learning any new skill that is not related to safety or comfort almost impossible. Positive emotions, like happiness, feeling excited and engaged, or feeling relaxed let your brain focus on things like learning and play. Your creative side comes out! You will surprise yourself with how quickly you learn when you learn through enjoyment.

I design my English lessons to be enjoyable for every learner. The most important part of that for adults is that I design your lessons around what you are interested in, and what is relevant to you. I work hard to make your learning atmosphere relaxed and friendly. I want you to feel like we are a team working together on your goal. For children, I focus on learning through play, games, challenges, and conversation focussed around what that child is already enthusiastic about. Yes we absolutely can spend 30 minutes working on English fluency talking about Minecraft and Fortnight. Yes I would be delighted to spend 30 minutes on a grammar exercise designed around your love for Lego or My Little Pony. Your excitement and interest is what fuels your learning.

If you are interested in the science behind children learning through fun, you can visit this Psychology Today information sheet here.

If this sounds like the way you would like to improve your English language skills click the button below to contact me and book your free 60 minute online English lesson today. To find out more about the lessons available, click below to see the different lessons I provide.