English lessons for the child who never puts their hand up.

If your child understands English but will not speak it, the problem is usually not ability. It is the twenty-nine other children in the room.

One-to-one onlyNo group pressureFree first classAges 4–16

Why quiet children stay quiet in group classes

In a class of thirty, a shy child can go a whole term without speaking a full sentence in English. The confident children answer first, the lesson moves on, and the quiet ones learn that staying silent is safe. They fall further behind — not because they cannot do it, but because they never get the practice.

One-to-one removes the audience. There is no one to be embarrassed in front of, no one to interrupt, and no reason to rush.

What we do differently

What usually happens

1. First lesson: mostly listeningThat is completely normal and expected. The teacher does more of the talking and keeps the pressure low.
2. Next few lessons: short answersSingle words, then short phrases. The teacher builds on whatever the child offers.
3. Then: they start volunteeringThis is the moment parents notice at home — the child says something in English without being asked.

How long this takes varies enormously from child to child. Anyone who promises you a fixed timeline has not met many shy children.

What parents say

Common worries