For parents Guide
How to choose an online English class for your child
Online English classes for kids are not all the same. Use this checklist of nine things to look for, and the questions to ask, to choose a class where your child really learns to speak, read and write in English. We show how Little Lingos answers each one, so you can compare.
Key takeaways
- Choose live classes with a trainer who talks with your child, not only videos.
- Small groups or one-on-one mean your child speaks many times in every class.
- Ask about trainer experience, safety checks and how you will see progress.
- Try a free class first, and check that fees and refund rules are written down.
1. Live classes with a real trainer
Recorded videos and apps can help with practice, but a child learns to speak by speaking to someone who listens and answers. Look for classes where a trainer teaches live and talks with your child.
Ask: Is every class taught live? Will my child talk with the trainer, or mostly watch?
At Little Lingos: Every class is live online with an experienced trainer.
2. Small groups, so your child actually speaks
In a big class most children only listen. In a small group, or one-on-one, your child gets many turns to speak in every class.
Ask: How many children are in a group? How often will my child speak in one class?
At Little Lingos: Group classes have 3 to 6 children, and one-on-one classes are available. Every child speaks many times in every class.
3. A class length that suits your child’s age
Young children focus best in short, lively classes with songs, movement and pictures. Older children can handle discussion, reading and writing tasks.
Ask: How long is each class? How do you keep a young child engaged?
At Little Lingos: Every class is 40 minutes. Seeds classes for ages 3.5 to 6 use songs, movement and picture cards, and a parent sits nearby for the first few classes.
4. The right level, and a clear plan
Your child should start at the right level and know what comes next. Ask to see what is taught term by term, not only a list of topics.
Ask: How do you decide my child’s level? What will they learn this term and next?
At Little Lingos: Children start in one of three stages, Seeds (3.5 to 6), Sprouts (7 to 10) and Blooms (11 to 15), and the free demo class confirms the right starting stage. The full curriculum is published term by term. See the curriculum
5. Experienced, checked trainers
Your child will spend a lot of time with their trainer, so ask about experience with children and safety checks.
Ask: How long have your trainers taught children? Are they background-checked?
At Little Lingos: Trainers have taught English to children for at least 2 years and pass a background check. See our child safety page for more. Child safety
6. Progress you can see
You should not have to guess whether it is working. Look for regular updates, a written report and a chance to talk to the trainer.
Ask: How will I know my child is improving? How often will I hear from you?
At Little Lingos: Parents get a Friday garden update on WhatsApp every week, a term report on speaking, reading, writing and listening, and a parent-trainer call each term.
7. A free trial class before you pay
A trial class shows you how the trainer teaches and how your child responds, before you commit.
Ask: Is the trial free? Will I get feedback afterwards?
At Little Lingos: Every plan starts with a free 30-minute demo class, and you get a written level report the same day.
8. Clear fees and fair policies
Prices, refunds and rules for missed classes should be written down before you pay.
Ask: Are your fees published? What happens if we miss a class, or want to stop?
At Little Lingos: Fees are published on the fees page for each country. Refunds are available within 7 days of payment, and you can reschedule up to 2 classes a month with 24 hours’ notice. See the fees
9. A schedule that fits your family
Online classes should fit around school and family life, including your time zone.
Ask: Do you have class times in my time zone? Can my child catch up on a missed class?
At Little Lingos: Demo and class times are shown in your own time zone, and class recordings are available for 30 days.
Questions parents ask
Questions parents ask
What age should my child start online English classes?
Children can start as young as 3.5. Little Lingos classes run from age 3.5 to 15, in three stages: Seeds for ages 3.5 to 6, Sprouts for 7 to 10 and Blooms for 11 to 15.
Is a group class or one-on-one better?
Both can work. A small group gives your child other children to talk with; one-on-one gives them the trainer’s full attention. Little Lingos groups have 3 to 6 children, and one-on-one classes are also available.
How long should an online class be for a young child?
Long enough to practise, short enough to stay focused. Little Lingos classes are 40 minutes, and the free demo class is 30 minutes.
What should I look for in a trial class?
Watch how often your child gets to speak, how the trainer corrects them, and whether your child enjoys it. Ask for written feedback afterwards.
How do I know if the classes are working?
You should get regular updates and a clear report. At Little Lingos you get a Friday WhatsApp update every week, a term report on four skills and a parent-trainer call each term.
Start with a level report for your child
Book a free 30-minute demo class. Your child meets a trainer, plays a few word games, and you get a written level report the same day.
Book a free demo class