The Truth Behind Why Learning English Feels So Hard

Luca Brussouw
Jan 19
3 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

It's time to put down the books.

Start speaking. Start connecting

You can't learn to swim from a book. Don't learn English in that way either

Language is learnt when people can chat freely and understand each other in everyday situations. It’s not just about memorising words or grammar rules; it’s all about making connections and communicating with others.

When we bring immersion into the classroom, language learning becomes exciting rather than just a dull task. Les Petits Imaginaires’ new program, Little Stars, makes this immersive approach easy and enjoyable for everyone!

Why Immersion Matters in Language Learning

Immersion means surrounding learners with the language they want to learn, encouraging natural use and comprehension. This approach helps students:

Develop confidence in speaking and listening
Understand cultural expressions
Build practical communication skills rather than just theoretical knowledge

Traditional language teaching often focuses on memorisation and isolated grammar drills. While these have their place, they rarely prepare learners for real conversations.

Immersion bridges this gap by creating an environment where language is used actively and meaningfully.

How Les Petits Imaginaires’ Little Stars Programme Supports Immersion

Little Stars is designed specifically to foster immersive language experiences for young learners. It combines storytelling, interactive activities, and cultural exploration to engage children in a natural learning process. Key features include:

Story-based learning: Children listen to and participate in stories told entirely in the target language, helping them absorb vocabulary and sentence structures in context.
Interactive games and role-play: These activities encourage learners to use language spontaneously, improving fluency and comprehension.
Cultural elements: Songs, traditions, and customs from the language’s culture are integrated, making learning richer and more relevant.

By focusing on immersion, Little Stars helps children connect emotionally with the language, which boosts motivation and retention.

Practical Ways to Bring Immersion into Your Classroom

Teachers can create immersive environments even without specialised programmes. Here are some practical tips inspired by Little Stars:

Use the target language consistently: Speak mostly or entirely in the language during lessons to encourage listening and comprehension.
Incorporate storytelling: Use simple stories or picture books to introduce new vocabulary and grammar naturally.
Create role-play scenarios: Simulate real-life situations like shopping, ordering food, or greeting friends to practice conversational skills.
Include music and songs: Songs help with pronunciation, rhythm, and memorisation while making learning fun.
Display cultural media: Posters, objects, or videos related to the culture of the language deepen understanding and interest.

These methods help learners experience the language as a living, breathing tool for communication.

Examples of Immersive Activities from Little Stars

To illustrate how Little Stars brings immersion to life, here are some sample activities:

Boom, Clap, Snatch: Children attentively listen for the letter announced during "snatch a," and they must quickly identify the sound.
Character Role-Play: Kids take on roles from a story, acting out dialogues and practising pronunciation and intonation.
Mini Bakery Day: The classroom transforms into a mini bakery with props, songs, crafts, and food descriptions, all conducted in the target language.

These activities make learning interactive and memorable, encouraging children to use the language confidently.

Benefits Beyond Language Skills

Immersive language learning also supports broader educational goals:

Improves cognitive skills: Switching between languages enhances problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
Builds empathy: Learning about other cultures fosters understanding and respect.
Encourages creativity: Storytelling and role-play stimulate imagination and expression.

Little Stars not only teaches language but also nurtures these valuable skills through its immersive approach.

To have another language is to possess a second soul. -Charlemagne

Tips for Parents to Support Immersion at Home

Parents can reinforce classroom immersion by:

Encouraging children to use the language in daily routines, such as naming objects or describing actions.
Watching children’s shows or listening to music in the target language.
Reading bilingual books together.
Creating simple games that involve speaking and listening.

These activities help maintain immersion beyond the classroom and accelerate language acquisition.