As English is a second language for our youngsters I believe that we should optimise each moment during the day to allow our children the best opportunities to improve their English abilities.
　　The world is a fast pace environment and Chengdu is no exception. Due to this fast standard of living many parents may worry about time management with regards to their children and specifically in improving all aspects of their children's English. I am quite sure that many parents have asked how can I help my daughter/son in the time that I have with them?
　　First, let me say that it is easier than you think and for the moment we will touch on a few topics.
　　Golden Apple has provided a fantastic syllabus for our little ones and as a parent I feel that the first step is to learn the Golden Apple syllabus. This will allow you and child to be on par with regards to what they have learnt, are learning and will be learning in the future. Emphasis, on this point is basically to understand and converse in English to your child,eg. Parent: What can you see? Child: I can see a flamingo, as opposed to the child looking at a picture and saying "flamingo". This allows children to recall vocabulary, grammar points, optimises listening skills etc. and allows children to be accustomed to speak English in front of parents.
　　Once parents have obtained this crucial knowledge you can play simple games with your child sitting in the living room and instead of speaking to your child they can guess what you are or what you are doing. One of my children's favorite games for example is to guess what I am, I will pound my chest with my first and scream like a gorilla and the children love to guess what you are. Pretty soon after that your children will start showing you the actions and will appreciate your feedback in English.
The second thing I propose is that the children have worked really hard this term to bring their Everyday English levels at least three levels higher than before. This is certainly English that is used everyday at school or at home which would be beneficial to your child. Here are a few examples for you, this world also depend on level of English of your child.

　　Parent: What time is it?
　　Child: It's dinner/supper time.
　　Parent: Good, and what must do you now?
　　Child: I must wash my hands.
　　Parent: What do you say?
　　Child: I am finished washing my hands.
　　Parent: What do you need?
　　Child: I need chopsticks, please.
　　Parent: Here you are.
　　Child: Thank you mom/dad.
　　Parent: You are welcome.

　　This is extremely valuable to your child and yourself and if you put a little time and effort, this will become part of your daily routine allowing children to express themselves and learn with parents.
　　Children love arts and crafts and something as enjoyable as or drawing or coloring in allows several ways to communicate to each other. Children can say what they are drawing, ask for help and a may ask you to give them a different variety of things such as markers, rulers, paper, scissors, crayons, pencils,erasers etc.
　　Children also love to sing and watch television, what great way for them to listen to English and practice English at the same time. Ensure that songs/cartoons are native English speakers as this allows children to learn correctly. There are many good Foreign cartoons that can be found here in Chengdu and both you and your children can sit nack and learn.
In conclusion, the most important thing is that English provides a great reason for you to bond with your children, so have fun while doing it. Yes, at the beginning it will be slightly weird however if you stick to the above you and your children will have a great time learning and I am confident that your children will more than happy to participate. Just a reminder, it is beneficial to speak to your foreign Teachers as they can and are ready to help you ,if your English is not of the highest standard our teachers have the patience to help.