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How Can I Tell If My Child Is Making Progress in English?

Smiling boy sitting at a desk giving two thumbs up, with a stack of books beside him, showing confidence and positivity in learning.

As a parent, it can be hard to know whether your child is really moving forward in English. Perhaps their marks are inconsistent, perhaps they seem shy about speaking, or perhaps you simply cannot tell if all those lessons, apps and worksheets are actually working. You want reassurance that the time, money and effort you are putting in are leading somewhere.

You want to know that your child is not just learning English but thriving in it.


The good news is that progress in English is not always about exam results or perfect grammar. Often the most important signs are the small and subtle ones that happen at home, in conversation, or even in your child’s attitude.


Progress is not always visible on paper


Three smiling students in school uniforms sitting together at a desk, looking at a computer screen and learning with interest.

One of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that progress in English shows up immediately in marks or fluency. If your child is not moving up levels every term, you might worry they are stuck. However, language growth is more like a staircase than an escalator. Children climb step by step, and sometimes they appear to remain on the same step for a while before suddenly moving to the next.


Your child may go months with little outward change and then one day surprise you with a fluent sentence or a new confidence in class. That silent incubation period is part of the process. Just because you cannot see the progress on paper does not mean it is not happening in their mind.


Signs your child is moving forward


Smiling children and an adult wearing gardening gloves planting colourful flowers together in a raised garden bed, showing teamwork and learning outdoors.

So, how can you tell if your child is genuinely improving? Look for these signs:


  • Understanding more than before: They follow along with English videos, stories or instructions more easily.

  • Using new words naturally: Instead of memorising vocabulary lists, you hear them drop new words into daily conversation.

  • Asking questions in English: Curiosity in the language shows growing confidence.

  • Making mistakes but moving on: Rather than freezing or panicking, they correct themselves or keep speaking.

  • Greater independence: They try to read alone, watch shows in English, or explore learning apps without being pushed.


These are the real markers of growth even if the test results are slow to catch up.


Why tests do not tell the full story


Rows of empty exam desks and blue chairs set up in a large hall, prepared for students to take tests.

Exams and marks often focus on memorisation, speed, or very specific skills. Yet language is much broader. A child who gets a poor result on grammar may still be improving dramatically in listening or speaking. Another child might not write long essays yet but could be absorbing vocabulary at a rapid pace.


Parents sometimes panic when marks drop, assuming progress has stopped. In reality, their child might be going through a normal learning stage, shifting from simple words to more complex structures. This naturally leads to more mistakes before everything stabilises. Progress is messy. And messy is normal.


The parent’s role in recognising growth


Smiling father sitting on a sofa having a positive conversation with his son, creating a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Children often underestimate themselves. They may believe they are bad at English even when they are quietly making progress. This is where parents play a crucial role.


If you only measure progress by results, you miss the wins that matter most. Instead, celebrate effort, notice small improvements, and point them out. Say things like, “I love how you used that new word today,” or “You understood that video without subtitles, that is amazing.” Recognition builds confidence, and confidence accelerates learning.


At the same time, avoid constant correction. Children need space to try, fail, and try again. Your encouragement, more than your corrections, tells them they are improving and they are capable.


Practical ways to track progress at home


Smiling parents sitting with their child who is holding a smartphone, happily looking at the screen together and sharing a positive family moment.

You do not need to be a teacher to measure growth. Here are some simple ways:


  • Keep a journal of new words: Let your child write or draw new vocabulary. Look back after a few months and you will be surprised at how much has been added.

  • Record short videos: Every month, film your child speaking for one minute in English. Watching back later shows clear improvement in fluency and confidence.

  • Read progressively harder books: Notice when they move from picture books to short stories, or from subtitles to no subtitles.

  • Track independence: Are they asking less for help with homework? Are they choosing English media on their own? That is progress.

  • Celebrate milestones: Perhaps it is ordering food in English on holiday, finishing a book, or explaining a game rule to you. These real life moments are often more valuable than results.


The ripple effect of progress


Smiling teenage girl wearing glasses and holding books, standing against a blue background, showing confidence in learning.

When your child makes progress in English, the effects go far beyond the classroom. They gain confidence, they feel more independent, and they start to enjoy learning again. This can spill over into other subjects, friendships, and even their relationship with you.


I have seen shy children blossom into confident speakers, not only of English but in their own language too. I have seen families grow closer as they celebrate small wins together. Progress in English is not just about the language. It is about building resilience, curiosity, and pride.


Final thought


Smiling mother sitting on a sofa with her daughter, reading together from a tablet and creating a positive learning moment.

If you are unsure whether your child is making progress in English, look beyond the marks. Look at the small daily signs, the quiet improvements, the confidence slowly building. Progress is not always loud, but it is always happening.


Every child moves at their own pace. Some leap forward while others take steady steps. With the right support and encouragement, every child can grow into a confident English user.


So rather than asking, “Why is my child not fluent yet?” try asking, “What small progress did I notice today?” Because those small steps add up, and one day you will look back and realise just how far they have come.


Take the next step


If you are ready to support your child in a new way, I invite you to sign up for the waitlist for my FREE Ultimate Parent Guide. As soon as it is ready, it will be emailed directly to you.


Inside, I share the most powerful insights I have gained from years of teaching thousands of children, listening to their worries, and observing the role parents and families play in their progress. This guide will show you how to reframe your role, create the right environment at home, and truly help your child build confidence and thrive in English.



 
 
 

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