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It’s summer break! As a parent, I both love it & hate it. I really appreciate the much-needed break that Miss P gets from learning, cooped up in a classroom the whole day. It also feels great to be able to step away from the hectic school schedule.  Why do I hate it? Well, Miss P thinks it’s a complete break from learning and just wants to laze around the house and watch TV the whole day. But summer doesn’t have to be a break from learning on a whole. One of the best parts about the freedom of summer is that our kids have a chance to learn on their own terms. There’s plenty of time to work on something that they’re passionate about, not just what they are required to learn. In our case, it is learning about History, by traveling across India; It is learning about Science – seeing wind turbines, solar power generators, irrigation in action as we go meet people in far-flung villages.

This summer, we found another great way for Miss P to spend her break when she started the

Young Learners Exam offered by Cambridge English

Giving children a head start in English

We are a multilingual family. I speak 5 languages, and both sets of the grandparents speak only in the native language. Even though, English has been the first language that Miss P picked up and is most comfortable with, because of all the multi-language references, her grammar & spoken English have been affected. We figured as she transitions into middle school, this would be the perfect opportunity for us to give her a slight edge over her peers.

Why Cambridge English?

Because they have over 100 years of experience and expertise! 

Cambridge English is a unique approach to teaching, learning and assessing English. It combines the experience and expertise of Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge University Press.

The Young Learners program

Especially their Young Learners program is a series of fun, motivating English language tests, aimed at children in primary and lower-secondary education.

There are three activity-based tests – Starters, Movers, and Flyers. This gives students a clear path to improve in English.

Children between the age group 6-8 years take Starters, 8-9-year-olds take Movers and 9-10 year olds take Flyers. There is no specific age limit for each level and the age group mentioned above is indicative.

The Cambridge English: Young Learners will give kids

• The motivation to learn English
• The skills they need to Talk, Read, Listen & Write English
• The confidence to use the English they know &
• The confidence to progress to higher levels.

Not another exam! My child has had enough of them already.

As a parent, I understand your pain. But these tests are skills based. The focus is on practical English Language skills. There are reading, writing, listening & speaking papers. To me, it’s a great life skill to learn. Have a look at this simple video.

What about the scoring system? Won’t my child be put under undue pressure at such a young age?

All kids worldwide are tested according to the same international standards and receive a certificate from Cambridge English Language Assessment. There is an award for everyone. Every child who takes a Cambridge English: Young Learners test gets a Cambridge English certificate.

The certificate has a number of Cambridge shields for each language skill: listening, reading and writing, and speaking. This shows clearly how your child is progressing and will motivate them to study English more without added pressure of a mark based exam.

So where does the YLE fit in a child’s education and how is it useful later?

The skills covered in the tests will help children access English-language books, songs, television, films, the internet and other media, use English as a common international language, and get ready for future study.

Children who have taken Cambridge English: Flyers can begin to aim for tests such as Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools, Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) for Schools, Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools and Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), which lead to internationally recognised certificates, accepted for study and work.

I’m Interested. Where can I get more information?

I’m glad you asked.

• If you’re looking for fun ways to practise and develop your English, make sure you visit the Learning English section. Learning English is full of free learning resources and games.
• If you’re a parent or guardian and would like to support your child with their learning take a look at Information for parents page. For more tips and advice for parents as well as activities and games for children visit the Parents and children section.
• I love their Lively Facebook community – You can join and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on the go.
• For a wide range of information check out – www.cambridgeenglish.org/in/exams/young-learners-english/
• Gain free access to the Cambridge English Parents Network mobile app for a wealth of useful resources including sample papers.

Speaking English is a gift you can give your child. It will make their future easier and will enrich their life.  Has your child given this exam? How are you spending your summer learning? Don’t forget to leave your comments & let us know.