A group of young learners sitting and lying on the floor, reading

Stories and poems

In this section you will find stories and poems to use in the primary classroom with your learners aged 5-11.

Stories and poems

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. They 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

This lesson plan for A1 level primary learners aged 9 to 10 years old explores racism, prejudice and tolerance.

Tusk Tusk
Age
Language Level
Duration
180

Download the lesson notes and student worksheets to use with the picturebook 'Still a family: A story about homelessness', by Brenda Reeves Sturgis. You can also watch a video of the author reading the story.

Still a family
Language Level
Duration
30

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.

It's a no-money day
Language Level
Duration
30

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

Wild
Language Level

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

A Dog Day
Age
Language Level
Duration
120

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