CEFR for Parents: How to Understand Your Child’s English Progress
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It’s a global standard used to measure language skills. If you’ve seen levels like A1, A2, or B1, you’ve already come across it. These levels help schools, apps, and tests know what a learner can do in a language and help parents see how far their child has come.
Understanding the CEFR Levels for Children
Here’s a simple breakdown of the early CEFR levels you’re most likely to see in kids’ English programs:
- Pre-A1: Recognizes basic words and can follow simple instructions (often ages 2–5)
- A1 (Beginner): Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and simple phrases
- A2 (Elementary): Can communicate in simple and routine tasks and understand basic sentences
- B1 (Intermediate): Can handle short conversations, describe experiences, and express opinions in basic terms
How to Know Where Your Child Is
Look for real-world signs:
- Your child understands short English videos or songs (A1)
- They respond to simple questions like “What’s your name?” or “Where’s the cat?” (A1–A2)
- They begin using sentences like “I went to the park today” (B1)
Many programs, especially digital ones, align their levels with CEFR. For example, Dinolingo tracks your child’s progress through themed lessons and activities that gradually introduce CEFR-level skills without using the technical terms.
Why CEFR Is Helpful
CEFR levels give structure to your child’s learning. Instead of just guessing whether your child is improving, you can follow a general path:
- Pre-A1 to A1: Listening and vocabulary growth
- A1 to A2: Basic speaking and understanding
- A2 to B1: Describing, reacting, and having short conversations
These levels are also used in many exams like Cambridge English or TOEFL Primary, so they can help you choose the right test or program later on.
Support Your Child at Each Level
At Pre-A1 and A1:
- Use songs, picture books, and simple commands in English.
- Repeat short phrases often.
At A2 and B1:
- Start short conversations at home.
- Encourage story retelling and journaling.
- Use digital tools like Dinolingo to reinforce grammar and vocabulary through fun games and stories.
Final Thoughts
CEFR isn’t just for teachers it’s a tool for parents too. It helps you understand where your child is and what’s next on their learning journey. With supportive tools like Dinolingo and regular English exposure at home, your child can grow step by step with confidence.
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