Stories can make us feel excited, sad, happy, surprised. The characters come ‘alive’ and we escape our world – living for a moment in a magical, different experience. It’s a powerful and motivating way for children to learn language. Stories help children to: learn vocabulary (especially when key words are repeated in the text and...
English LessonsLearn English through stories
November 7, 2020by Mrs English Language Academy


Stories can make us feel excited, sad, happy, surprised. The characters come ‘alive’ and we escape our world – living for a moment in a magical, different experience. It’s a powerful and motivating way for children to learn language.
Stories help children to:
- learn vocabulary (especially when key words are repeated in the text and pictures)
- learn how words can be put together to make sentences and texts
- learn sounds, rhythm and intonation (especially where there are lots of rhyming sounds)
- use their imagination and thinking skills to ‘work out’ meaning and predict what happens next
- develop their understanding of the world, life experiences, relationships and feelings.
Reading with your child is also just a lovely way to share time together.
Choosing a story
Not all stories are right for second language learning. When you choose a storybook, keep the following points in mind:
- Ask for advice from teachers, libraries and bookshops: which stories do they recommend?
- Length: will the amount of text on each page keep your child’s attention?
- Illustrations: is the story supported by enjoyable pictures?
- Interests: is the story related to your child’s interests (for example, if they like books about superheroes, would they like to try a similar story in English)?
- Characters: will your child like the main characters (for example, are they similar ages)?
- Grammar and vocabulary: is the language similar to the English they are learning at school? Is it similar to the type of language they use in their first language?
- Supporting other learning: does the story link to something your child is learning about?