Here you can find a wide range of ideas for using stories and poems in your primary classroom. All of the materials are based on authentic texts or stories written especially for primary learners and are designed to engage and motivate children as well as develop their understanding of important themes and encourage personal, social and emotional development. Written by young learner experts from around the world, our ideas for using stories and poems are easy to use and aim to give your students the skills and confidence they need to enjoy learning English.

Choose a short story or poem
A family from different generations holding hands

Still a family

Download the lesson notes and student worksheets to use with the picturebook 'Still a family' by Brenda Reeves Sturgis. There are links in the lesson notes to a video of author Brenda Reeves Sturgis reading 'Still a Family: A Story about Homelessness'.

Close up of a shelving unit containing nonperishable food in storage at a food bank in the North East of England.

It's a No-Money Day

Download the lesson notes and student worksheets to use with the picturebook 'It's a No-Money Day' by Kate Milner. There are links in the lesson notes to read the first chapter online and a short video interview with the author.

Wild

This lesson plan for primary-aged learners is designed to be used with the picturebook 'Wild' by Emily Hughes.

A Dog Day

This lesson plan for primary-aged learners is designed to be used with the picturebook 'A Dog Day' by Emily Rand.

Superhero High

This lesson introduces learners to a popular story about super powers with a series of structured activities. 

Dinosaur Dig

This lesson introduces learners to a popular story about a computer game with a series of structured activities.

Ali and the magic carpet

This lesson introduces learners to a popular story about weather and habitats with a series of structured activities.

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

See our publications, research and insight