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

Monster shopping trip

This lesson introduces learners to a popular story about a shopping trip with a series of structured activities. 

Colours: What is pink?

This is an activity for primary classes based on an adaptation of the famous poem What is Pink? by Christina Rossetti.

Peas!

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 5 to 6 years old explores ecology, the environment and nutrition. 

Rain

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 7 to 8 years old explores the theme of rain in the African savannah.

The Very Busy Spider

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 5 to 6 years old helps raise awareness about visual impairment.

Is it because?

This lesson plan for A2 level primary learners aged 9 to 10 years old explores the theme of bullying.

Susan Laughs

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 9 to 10 years old raises awareness about children with a disability.

What if?

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 9 to 10 years old helps in raising awareness about recycling.

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