Why Is My Child Not Improving in English? What Most Parents in Ho Chi Minh City Are Missing | Spark English Center Vietnam

A Question Thousands of Parents in HCMC Are Asking

“My child has studied English for years…
So why can’t they read confidently?
Why do they hesitate to speak?
Why is writing still so hard?”

This is one of the most common concerns among parents in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for families whose children attend:

• international schools
• bilingual schools
• English-medium programs

At Spark English Center Vietnam, we hear this question daily from Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese parents.

The truth may surprise you.

👉 Most children are not failing at English.
They are missing key foundations.

The 5 Most Common Reasons Children Don’t Improve in English

🔴 1. Too Much English Exposure — Without Structure

Many children are surrounded by English:

• school lessons
• homework
• cartoons
• tutors

But exposure alone does not equal progress.

Without:

✔ phonics
✔ decoding skills
✔ structured reading practice
✔ guided writing

Children memorize words but cannot read independently. They guess. They hesitate. They avoid English.

🔴 2. No Systematic Phonics Foundation

This is the biggest hidden problem in Vietnam.

Many programs:

• skip phonics
• teach it inconsistently
• rely on sight words and guessing
• assume children will “pick it up naturally”

For children who don’t speak English at home, this creates long-term struggle.

Without phonics, children:

• misread words
• rely on pictures
• struggle with spelling
• lose confidence
• fall behind academically

At Spark, phonics is not optional — it’s the foundation.

🔴 3. Large Class Sizes Mean Little Feedback

In many English centers, classes have:

• 12–20 students
• limited speaking time
• little correction
• no individualized pacing

Children can sit quietly for months without anyone noticing gaps.

At Spark English Center Vietnam:

✔ classes are capped at 4–6 students
✔ every child reads, speaks, and writes every lesson
✔ teachers give immediate, targeted feedback

Progress becomes visible — quickly.

🔴 4. English Feels Stressful, Not Meaningful

When English is taught as:

• rules
• drills
• worksheets
• test preparation

Children disconnect emotionally.

They stop trying.
They stop speaking.
They stop enjoying learning.

Imagination, storytelling, and creative application aren’t “extras” — they are what make learning stick.

🔴 5. No Connection Between Class and Home

Even the best lessons fail if English disappears after class.

Parents often say:
“I don’t speak English — how can I help?”

The answer: you don’t need to teach.
You need:
✔ routines
✔ reading habits
✔ encouragement
✔ simple structure

At Spark, we coach parents on how to support learning at home without pressure.

What Actually Works: The Spark Approach

At Spark English Center Vietnam, progress comes from combining three essential pillars:

🔤 Pillar 1: Systematic Phonics + Literacy

We teach children how English works:

• letter–sound relationships
• blending and decoding
• spelling patterns
• reading fluency
• comprehension

This gives children independence — the ability to read new words without guessing.

🎭 Pillar 2: Imagination & Meaning

Phonics and literacy are delivered through:

• stories
• play
• drama
• creative writing
• discussion

This turns English from a subject into a tool for expression.

Children stop asking “Is this correct?”
They start asking “Can I say more?”

👧👦 Pillar 3: Small Groups + Personal Attention

With 4–6 students per class:

• teachers notice gaps immediately
• instruction adapts to the child
• confidence grows fast
• shy students find their voice

This is especially powerful for ESL learners in HCMC.

Why This Matters for International School Students

International schools move fast.

Without strong English foundations, children struggle with:

• reading textbooks
• writing assignments
• class discussions
• tests
• confidence

Spark doesn’t just “add English.”

We help children access their education fully.

How Fast Can Parents Expect Results?

While every child is different, most Spark students show:

✔ improved reading accuracy in 4–6 weeks
✔ stronger confidence speaking English
✔ increased voluntary reading at home
✔ better writing structure and vocabulary
✔ improved school performance

Parents often say: “This is the first time my child actually enjoys English.”

Why Spark English Center Vietnam Stands Out in HCMC

Parents searching for the best English center in Ho Chi Minh City choose Spark because we offer:

 ✅ phonics-based literacy (not guessing)
✅ full English development (reading, writing, speaking)
✅ imagination-driven engagement
✅ small classes
✅ ESL specialists
✅ measurable progress
✅ parent guidance
✅ support for Vietnamese, Korean & Japanese families

We are not a test center.
We are not a babysitting class.
We are a literacy and confidence center.

Final Thought

If your child is studying English but not improving,
the problem is not effort — it’s method.

With the right structure, support, and environment,
every child can grow in English.

At Spark English Center Vietnam, we help children move from:
hesitation → confidence
guessing → reading
memorization → expression



👉 Book a free English assessment today:
https://www.sparkvn.com/assessment