Introduction Planning engaging English lessons can feel overwhelming — especially when time is short. I know the feeling. Many teachers want to use stories in the classroom, but worry that story-based lessons require hours of preparation. The good news? They don’t. With a clear structure — and the right mindset — you can build an […]
How to Build a Story-Based English Lesson in 20 Minutes Read More »
Introduction Teaching vocabulary and grammar is one of the biggest challenges in the language classroom. If you are a teacher, you know that this can be a nightmare to deal with. Many learners can memorise word lists or complete grammar exercises, but they still struggle to use English naturally when speaking or writing. In my
Using Storytelling to Teach Vocabulary and Grammar Naturally Read More »
Introduction Reading aloud might seem like a simple activity — something we do as children or in school — but in my opinion it’s one of the most effective and overlooked ways to become a confident English speaker. Whether you’re a learner studying on your own or a teacher guiding students through stories, reading aloud
What Reading Aloud Can Do for Your Confidence in English Read More »
Introduction Many English learners can read stories — but struggle to speak about them. They understand the text, yet hesitate when asked to discuss it. The solution isn’t more drilling; it’s connection. When we move from reading a story to talking about it, learners start using English as real communication. My article below shows teachers
From Reading to Speaking: Turning Short Stories into Real Conversations Read More »
Introduction Stories are as old as human culture. From myths and folktales to short stories and personal narratives, stories are how we make sense of the world — and they also make powerful tools for language teaching. When used well, stories can transform a dry grammar or vocabulary lesson into a meaningful, memorable experience. In
How to Teach English Through Stories (and Why It Works So Well) Read More »
Introduction Short stories are one of the best ways to improve your English. They’re short, fun to read, and full of useful vocabulary and grammar in context. Even better, they make you think, laugh, and sometimes even feel surprised. I’ve always loved using short stories to learn and teach English. They’re my favourite way to
Ten More Short Stories Every English Learner Should Read Read More »
Introduction I’ve always loved short stories. They can surprise us, move us, or stay with us for years. That’s why I believe they are one of the best tools for learning English. A good story captures attention, helps learners absorb vocabulary in context, and makes studying far more enjoyable. As both a teacher and a
Introduction I have said this many times, but short stories are one of the best ways to improve your English. They’re short, enjoyable, and full of useful language. In this article, I’ve chosen 10 of the best short stories for English learners—six of them with a free lesson plan you can use for self-study or
10 Short Stories Every English Learner Should Read (6 With Lesson Plans!) Read More »
Introduction How Short Stories Can Supercharge Your English Learning If you’re learning English and feeling stuck with grammar rules, endless vocabulary lists, or dry textbook exercises, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news—there’s a better way to learn that’s enjoyable, practical, and surprisingly powerful: short stories. In this guide, we’ll explore how reading short
Introduction Reading is one of the most powerful ways to improve your English skills. Whether you’re learning English yourself or teaching students, strong reading habits build vocabulary, grammar understanding, comprehension, and even writing and speaking fluency. Today, we live in an exciting time where thousands of online resources are available to help you or your