The onset of globalization made learning English a worldwide movement. Over the last few decades, more and more non-English-speaking countries incorporated English as an important part of their educational programs. Parents from all over the world are becoming increasingly aware of the need for English knowledge so naturally, they want the best and the most effective English learning method to prepare their children to have the English competency they will need later on. Many educators are continuously testing and devising various approaches to effectively teach English. Among these educators is Helen Doron, a British-born linguist who formulated the Helen Doron Method–a method that stands out above the rest.

The HD method is based on scientific studies and it is internationally recognized to be a very effective approach to teaching English because unlike other methods, this method uses the “mother-tongue approach”—children learn English in an immersion setting. This approach places the children in a setting where English surrounds them and being in this setting will make them learn English as if it were their mother tongue.

This method encourages the English language acquisition at an early age. It takes advantage of the “windows of opportunity”—that is the time when a child can best learn or refine abilities. Through the HD method children as young as three months old are exposed to English not only in an HD classroom but also at home through daily listening or simply by hearing English songs, rhymes, poems and short conversations from the HD CDs provided to them.

In contrast to the traditional teaching approaches that utilize ineffective and monotonous dictations, the HD method employs a variety of meaningful games and activities. These activities are designed to teach the language through stirring the senses of the learners. Children in an HD classroom do not just “hear” the words but they also “experience” them thus reinforcing their comprehension of the words’ meanings. An HD classroom is never dull because the HD method emphasizes “learning through fun”. Children learn best when they are having fun therefore every HD lesson is thoughtfully planned to include not just one activity but a variety of them to stimulate children’s curiosity and to keep up with their short attention span. With just four to eight children in each HD class, maximum participation is always achieved. Nobody feels left out. Everybody has the chance to talk, to participate in games, and to interact with the teacher and with the other children in the class. The HD method also emphasizes “encouragement through praising”. Children are praised for participating instead of being criticized for wrong answers. Without them knowing, praises encourage children to strive to give the right answers and when they receive praises, they know that they achieved something. This helps a lot in building up their self-esteem that will eventually make them feel at ease when speaking the language. Learning does not come naturally when a child feels that he is being tested or when he feels pressured. For that reason, HD teachers are taught to create a situation that motivates the children to speak willingly instead of cornering them and demanding them to speak.

In contrast to a traditional classroom, HD lessons are done in an informal setting. This leaves out the constraints of being in a traditional class where children are required to sit up straight and to be still. The HD method believes that children should be comfortable and active. The atmosphere in an HD class is always conducive to learning.

The HD method has different programs for children from three months old to 14 years old. These programs come with carefully designed teaching and learning materials. These materials are created based on the children’s age and English proficiency so a child at the age of eight who is learning English for the first time uses different learning materials compared to that of child with the age of two. This is to ensure that the materials match the children’s interests.

Learning Centres that apply the HD method must utilize the HD learning and teaching materials and must also ensure that all their teachers have a complete understanding of the method. Not only do qualified HD teachers have an excellent grasp of the English language but they are also trained to apply effective classroom activities in their teaching. HD teachers attend regular trainings and seminars to equip them with the latest knowledge of HDEE programs and teaching strategies.

With the HD method, parents can be sure that they’re giving the best English education to their children. This proven method can only result to success. Many parents are happy with the HD method because they see that their children reach certain milestones in English after every program. This is the reason why many parents let their children continue learning English with HDEE and children like it too because they play and have fun in every HD lesson.

Learning English through the HD method is fun and easy because learning is achieved through a natural way.