My Child Is Behind in English at School – What Can I Do? (UAE)
If your child is behind in English at school in the UAE, the first reaction may be to add more homework. However, that is not always the right solution.
Your child may understand spoken English but struggle with reading. Another child may read well but find writing difficult. Therefore, the first step is to identify the exact gap.
Not sure why your child is struggling?
Start with an assessment and find the English skill that needs attention first.
Book a Level Assessment WhatsApp UsSigns Your Child May Be Behind in English at School
Homework takes too long
Your child spends more time understanding the question than answering it.
Reading is slow
They read individual words but lose the meaning of longer sentences.
Writing stays very simple
They know the answer but struggle to write a complete sentence.
They avoid speaking
They understand some English but hesitate when they need to answer.
Why Is My Child Falling Behind in English?
There is rarely one reason. For example, a child may have weak phonics, limited vocabulary or poor reading comprehension.
Another child may have joined an English-medium school after studying in another language. In that case, they may understand the subject but struggle to express the answer in English.
| What You Notice | Possible Gap |
|---|---|
| Guesses new words | Phonics |
| Reads but does not understand | Comprehension |
| Knows words but cannot write | Sentence building |
| Understands but avoids speaking | Speaking confidence |
What Should Parents Do First?
Next, choose practice that matches that skill. Keep it focused and consistent. Finally, check progress instead of simply increasing study time.
If the main issue is broader English development, you can explore the English course for kids. For children who need individual support, see English tutoring for kids.
How iEnglish Kids Helps Children Catch Up
At iEnglish Kids, support starts with the child’s current level. Then, the learning plan focuses on the skills that are affecting school performance most.
This may include phonics, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary or speaking. As the child improves, the level of practice increases gradually.
English Support for Kids Across the UAE
You can also see iEnglish Kids activities before choosing a program.
Do not wait for the English gap to get bigger
Find the weak skill now and give your child a clearer path to catch up at school.
Book Your Child’s Assessment Register on WhatsAppFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know why my child is behind in English?
A level assessment can help identify whether the main gap is reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary or comprehension.
Can extra English classes help my child catch up?
Yes, when the support focuses on the specific skill causing the difficulty rather than repeating general English.
When should I get extra support?
If the same difficulty appears regularly in homework, reading, writing or classroom tasks, it is better to address it early.