Struggling in English? Don’t Wait—Netflix Isn’t Enough!

As a parent, you may have noticed a “language tug-of-war.” In SJKC schools, children focus heavily on Mandarin. In SMK, Bahasa Melayu takes priority. English often feels like a secondary priority—something your child will “pick up” from YouTube, Netflix, or casual conversation.

We’ve all seen it: your child glued to an iPad, laughing at an English YouTuber or following a fast-paced Netflix series. You breathe a sigh of relief. “They’re watching English shows, so they must be learning, right?”

Unfortunately, many parents discover a harsh reality when UASA, PT3, or SPM results come back: entertainment English is not academic English. Watching Netflix or YouTube improves listening and casual conversation but does not teach formal writing, grammar, or exam-style comprehension. Waiting until secondary school to take English seriously may leave gaps that are hard to close.

The Key Question: When should parents start taking English seriously? The answer: now.

The Big Change in Standard 4

English learning changes significantly from Standard 4:

• Before Standard 4: Focus is on basic reading, writing, and spelling.
• From Standard 4 onward: Students move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” They must write longer sentences, understand complex texts, and use English in subjects like Science and Math.

If children haven’t built strong foundations by Standard 4, they may struggle with longer sentences, new vocabulary, and comprehension across subjects.

Parent Tip: Early support is about exposure, confidence, and structured practice—not perfect grammar. Small steps now prevent bigger struggles later.

By Standard 4, students need structured reading, writing, and grammar skills—things casual YouTube or Netflix exposure cannot provide.

Why Early Attention Matters

• SJKC Students: By Standard 6, students face the UASA (Ujian Akhir Sesi Akademik). English tests grammar, context, and comprehension—not just words.
• Secondary Transition: Moving to Form 1 is challenging. Essays are longer, and texts are more difficult.
• CIS Students: English expectations are very high, often following UEC or international benchmarks. Students must read and write with precision.

Even if your child watches English shows every day, struggles with writing, speaking, or spelling are early warning signs.

Signs Your Child May Need Support (Standard 1–3)

Watch for these early signals:

• Reading struggles: Trouble understanding simple stories or instructions.
• Speaking gaps: Pauses, wrong word usage, or frustration when explaining ideas.
• Writing hesitation: Avoids writing tasks, skips words, or makes repeated spelling mistakes.
• Avoids participation: Nervous when reading aloud or answering questions.

Tip: These are not failures—they are early signals to act before gaps become harder to fix.

The Risks of Waiting

Delaying focus on English can cause:

• Stress and burnout: Trying to fix years of weak English in months is overwhelming.
• Limited opportunities: Universities and scholarships often require strong English. A “Distinction” in SPM opens doors; a “Credit” may just meet minimum requirements.
• Confidence issues: Poor English affects performance in other subjects.

“I Don’t Speak English”—How Can I Still Help?

Even if you don’t speak English, you can help your child succeed. Here are four practical strategies:

1. Be the “Curious Student” (Let Them Teach You)

Children love being the expert. Instead of correcting them, ask them to explain what they learned in school.

How to do it:

“What is the English word for kerusi?”

“Can you explain this story to me in Mandarin?”

You don’t need to be fluent in English, and you don’t need to replace Netflix. Instead, create structured practice and encourage your child to actively explain what they watch or read.

Why it works: Teaching you is active recall, one of the best ways to remember words and concepts.

2. Focus on “Input” Through Technology

You don’t need to provide English yourself—just create the right environment:

• Audiobooks & Read-Alouds: Use apps or YouTube channels where native speakers read stories. Your child can follow along in a physical book.
• English Subtitles: Watch cartoons or shows in English with subtitles in the language they know. This helps connect sounds to meaning naturally.

3. Build the “Study Habit,” Not Just the Language

Consistency matters more than intensity. You can supervise study routines without knowing English:

• Provide a quiet study space.
• Ensure assignments are completed.
• Use Textbook-Aligned Exercises to practice exactly what appears in exams. Answer keys make checking progress easy.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

English can feel like a “chore” for children. Your encouragement matters most:

• Praise new words or sentences they use correctly.
• Show English as a “superpower” that helps them enjoy games, movies, or learning more about the world.

Parent Tip: Motivation often matters more than correction. Celebrate effort, curiosity, and small improvements.

How Parents Can Support Daily

1. Check their level – Ask your child to summarize a story in English. Difficulty forming sentences? Start supportive practice.
2. Structured practice – Targeted exercises help bridge the “vocabulary gap.” Zekolah offers Textbook-Aligned Exercises and Past-Year Papers for SJKC, SMK, and CIS students.
3. Consistency over intensity – 15 minutes daily is better than occasional long tuition sessions.
4. Encourage discussion – Talk about daily life or stories. Focus on understanding and confidence, not perfect grammar.

Quick Daily Tips:

• Read one short story or article together.
• Ask your child to summarize it.
• Label household items in English.
• Play word games.
• Praise effort, not just grades.

Start Today, Support Over Perfection

Your child doesn’t need you to be a walking dictionary—they need you to be their biggest cheerleader. Focusing on understanding, consistency, and motivation matters far more than perfect grammar or constant correction.

By supporting English during primary school, you help your child:

• Understand lessons better in higher grades
• Build confidence in reading, writing, and speaking
• Prepare for exams like UASA, PT3, SPM, or UEC without stress

Providing the right tools—like Zekolah’s Past-Year Papers and Textbook-Aligned Exercises—gives your child structure and targeted practice to succeed independently. Small, regular steps now will build confidence, strengthen English skills, and prepare them for future learning.

Start today, celebrate effort over perfection, and provide steady support. With the right guidance and resources, your child can master English, thrive academically, and develop the confidence to succeed beyond the classroom.