When Is It a Good Idea for Kids to Take a Break from English Lessons?

So, you enrolled your child in an English course, and the results have been amazing! They’re speaking with confidence, picking up new vocabulary, and you feel like the smartest parent ever. But then life gets busy—schoolwork, music lessons, sports, and don’t forget the endless allure of digital gadgets. Now you’re wondering, “Should we pause English lessons for a while? Just until exams or other activities settle down?”

While a short break of a few days or even a couple of weeks might seem harmless, taking extended breaks can have significant downsides. Studies show that consistency is key in language learning, and interruptions can undo much of the progress your child has made. Before you make a decision, let’s explore why prolonged breaks aren’t ideal and offer tips to keep your child motivated and progressing without burnout.

Why Extended Breaks Are Problematic:

1. Your Child Starts to Forget What They Learned

Learning a language is like building a tower—each new word or grammar rule is a block. When your child takes a long break, it’s as if parts of the tower begin to crumble. Memory works through repetition, and without consistent practice, their recall of vocabulary and sentence structures weakens.

The science behind this is simple: when we learn something new, our brain strengthens connections between neurons. But when we stop practicing, those connections weaken, making it harder to recall what we’ve learned. It’s like a muscle—you use it, or you lose it. So, while a short break might not cause major setbacks, long breaks can lead to significant regression.

2. They Lose Momentum

Imagine your child is on a roll with their English lessons, gaining skills and confidence. Then comes a break. What happens? That forward momentum grinds to a halt. And just like pushing a stalled car, it’s much harder to restart than to keep going.

Momentum is a critical factor in learning. When kids are progressing steadily, they feel motivated and excited. Interruptions, however, can make restarting feel like starting from scratch, especially if they sense their peers have moved ahead. Maintaining momentum, even with reduced lesson frequency, keeps the learning process alive and avoids unnecessary frustration.

3. Confidence Takes a Hit

Confidence is fragile, especially in language learning. When your child is actively learning English, every new phrase or successfully completed exercise reinforces their self-belief. But a break can make them doubt their abilities.

Speaking English requires kids to take risks, like trying new words or making mistakes in front of others. Regular practice builds the confidence they need to do this. Without it, they may feel rusty or embarrassed, making it harder to pick up where they left off.

4. They Stop Thinking in English

One of the biggest advantages kids have over adults in language learning is their ability to start “thinking” in the new language. With regular practice, English starts to feel natural—they stop translating from their native language and begin processing directly in English. But take a long break, and that mental shift fades, making English feel foreign again. Consistent exposure is key to maintaining this skill.

5. Their Level Drops

Learning English isn’t a “pause and play” activity. If your child takes a long break, their proficiency doesn’t stay static—it often declines. This can be particularly frustrating if they return to group classes where peers have advanced. Falling behind can affect not only their language skills but also their motivation to catch up.

6. Their Cognitive Development Slows

Language learning isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s a workout for the brain. Regular practice enhances problem-solving skills, memory, and critical thinking. Extended breaks interrupt this cognitive development, slowing down the mental benefits that come with consistent language exposure.

7. They Lose Motivation

Remember the excitement your child had when they first started English lessons? Prolonged breaks can dampen that enthusiasm. The longer they’re away, the harder it becomes to reignite their interest. Kids thrive on momentum and achievement, so keeping lessons consistent ensures they stay connected to their goals.

When Is It Okay to Take a Break?

Despite the risks, there are situations where a break might be the right choice. For example:

A Bad Teacher: If your child’s teacher isn’t effective or is damaging their confidence, it’s better to pause lessons and find a new instructor. A bad experience can do more harm than a short break.
Burnout: If your child is genuinely overwhelmed and showing signs of stress, a short, planned break can help them recharge. Just make sure it’s temporary and structured.

How to Keep Learning Consistent Without Overloading

If a full break isn’t ideal, how do you keep the learning process manageable and enjoyable? Here are some tips:

1. Reduce Frequency, Not Commitment

Instead of stopping entirely, consider reducing the number of lessons during busy periods. Even one session a week can keep the learning process active.

2. Integrate English into Daily Life

Use everyday moments to reinforce learning. For example:

Label household items in English.
Watch cartoons or movies in English.
Encourage your child to narrate their day in simple English sentences.

3. Use Fun, Low-Stress Activities

Learning doesn’t always have to feel like a lesson. Try:

Word games like Scrabble or Hangman.
English storybooks or audiobooks.
Apps and online games that make English fun and interactive.

4. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Break learning into bite-sized goals, like mastering five new words a week or writing a short paragraph about their favorite animal. Celebrating these milestones keeps motivation high.

Making English Learning Fun and Effective

Learning doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By introducing creativity and variety into lessons, you can keep your child engaged even during busy times. Here are some ideas:

1. Gamify the Process
Turn lessons into games, like rearranging jumbled sentences or using word dice to create funny phrases.

2. Explore Real-Life Applications
Show how English is used in everyday situations, like writing thank-you notes or texting friends. This makes learning feel practical and relevant.

3. Encourage Self-Expression
Let your child explore creative writing, like making up short stories or writing dialogue for their favorite characters.

Remember: Consistency is Key!

While life gets busy, maintaining consistent English lessons is crucial for long-term success. Pausing for too long can lead to setbacks in progress, confidence, and cognitive development. Instead of taking extended breaks, find ways to adapt the learning schedule to fit your child’s needs without losing momentum.

At IELC, we understand the challenges parents face in balancing their child’s education with a busy schedule. That’s why our courses are designed to make English learning effective, engaging, and flexible. Whether your child is just starting or preparing for advanced proficiency, we create a positive and fun environment that keeps them motivated and progressing.

Our expert instructors use proven methods to build confidence, fluency, and love for the language. From online courses to on-campus sessions, we offer tailored programs to suit every need. With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, IELC is Indonesia’s top-rated English course.

Don’t let breaks derail your child’s progress—let IELC help them unlock their potential. Contact us today and start their journey toward confidence and fluency in English! 🌟

Next steps…

Many Indonesian children lack confidence when they speak English. They are worried about making mistakes and are embarrassed to speak English in front of others.

This is because they have been taught English the wrong way.

At IELC, we teach English the right way so your child can express themselves with confidence and fluency. Whether it’s online or on campus, we create a positive learning environment where your child will feel warm and welcomed, where they can learn and have fun at the same time.

The best English course for kids in Indonesia

With so many courses available, it can be confusing to know which course to choose.

With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars on Google, IELC is the highest ranked English language course in Indonesia.

We teach English the right way so your child can gain confidence and fluency.

With these skills, they can unlock their potential and fulfill their dreams!

Our experienced teachers guide your child along every step of the learning process to ensure the best learning outcome.

As Indonesia’s #1 English campus, we offer great courses for kids, teens, and adults:

Whether it’s online or on campus, we will help your child gain the skills they need for their future. Contact us to start your child’s journey towards confidence and fluency today!

Sincerely,

Anthony McCormick

IELC Managing Director.