How to Help Your Child Learn English Through Stories

By Nicola AKA Peach

Whether your child is learning English as a second language or is a native English speaker developing their reading and communication skills, sharing stories gives you a practical way to support them. My approach is to start with a story that interests them, make room for conversation, and build from what they already understand.

I love teaching children, and I created Presa & Peach to give them a world they can escape into and feel part of. A place for curiosity, kindness and small adventures—with opportunities to learn along the way.

You don’t need to turn every page into a lesson. Here are some ways to make story time useful while keeping it enjoyable.

Start with the picture

Before reading, explore the cover together. What does your child notice?

For Pip Climbs the Apple Tree, you could ask:

• “Can you find Pip?”
• “Where is Presa?”
• “Why do you think Pip climbed the tree?”

Start with a question your child can manage. They might point, answer with one word or explain their idea in a sentence. You can build on their response: if they say “tree”, you could reply, “Yes, Pip is up in the tree.”

For a more confident speaker, try asking what might happen next—and why.

Read a little at a time

You don’t have to finish the whole story in one sitting.

Read a short section, then give your child space to respond. They might have a question, notice something funny or remember something similar that happened to them.

Follow that conversation. Talking about the story is part of the experience, even when it takes you away from the page.

If your child is learning English and needs help understanding an event, a brief explanation in your home language can help you move on together.

Choose a few words to explore

Rather than stopping at every unfamiliar word, pick two or three to use after reading.

With Presa Loves Walkies, you could try walk, boots and long.

Find your boots by the door. Walk slowly across the room. Make a long path with string and let a toy animal follow it.

For children who already know these words, explore how they describe an action. How is strolling different from rushing? Can they show you both?

Choose the level that gives your child something to think about without interrupting the fun.

Listen together

Audio offers another way into a story. Your child can hear the words while following the text, or simply listen beside you.

Try Presa Loves Walkies with my recording. Pause when your child wants to ask a question, or replay a short section they enjoyed.

For an English learner, you might choose one useful phrase to say together. For a confident English speaker, talk about how the reader’s voice changes when someone is excited or worried.

There is no need to repeat every sentence. Keep your attention on what is happening in the story.

Return to favourites

A familiar story is worth reading again.

On another reading, your child might notice a detail they missed, recognise a word or join in with a phrase. You can also change your questions.

Start with “What happened?” Then, when they are ready, try “Why do you think they did that?” or “What would you have done?”

You don’t need to ask all of these. One question that starts a real conversation is enough.

Take the story into everyday life

After reading, look for connections with your own day.

On a walk, you might spot a tree, a flower or a cat resting in the sunshine. A child learning English could try “I can see a tree.” A more confident speaker could describe it or imagine what an animal might see from its branches.

At home, your child could draw a favourite moment and tell you about it. If they enjoy writing, invite them to add a caption or invent what happens next.

Offer an idea and see where they take it.

Make room for their ideas

I want children to feel that their ideas belong in the conversation.

Give your child time to answer. Listen to what they are trying to tell you, and resist the urge to correct every mistake. You can respond using the correct wording naturally, without asking them to start again.

Some days they will have plenty to say. Other days they may prefer to listen. You can still share the story together.

Choose your first story

Meet a gentle dog who loves his walks in Presa Loves Walkies, available to read and listen to.

Or follow a curious cat in Pip Climbs the Apple Tree, available to read now.

Both stories are free to read online. Parents and carers can also join our mailing list to get the printable versions for reading and colouring together.

© 2026 Nicola Turner. All rights reserved.