hello
goodbye
yes
no
red
blue
sunny
rainy
cloudy
one
two
three
book
books
Why a short routine works at this age
Young children learn a new language best from things that happen the same way every day. When the routine never changes, your child knows what comes next and can join in before they can speak: a wave for “hello”, a nod for “yes”, a point at the window for the weather. Keep the same order, the same words and the same time of day, for example after breakfast or before a bath.
Each card above has audio. Play a word, then say it yourself; your child hears it twice, from the recording and from you.
Step 1: say hello and ask “Are you ready?”
Wave and say “Hello!” Then add your name, as in the recording: “Hello! I’m Mum.” or “Hello! I’m Dad.” Ask “Are you ready?” and nod. A nod, a smile or “Yes!” all count as an answer.
Listen to the short exchange below together. Later you can share the roles: one of you says hello, the other answers.
Nia Hello! I'm Nia.
Leo Hello! I'm Leo.
Nia Are you ready?
Leo Yes!
Step 2: look at the weather
Go to the window, or look at a weather picture, and say one word. Give each word a gesture so your child can answer without speaking:
- sunny – make a big circle with your arms
- rainy – wiggle your fingers down like rain
- cloudy – hold both hands above your head like a cloud
- If the sky doesn’t match any of the words, choose a picture instead; one word a day is enough.
Step 3: count three books and tidy up
Put three books on the floor. Count them together as you put them away: “One book, two books, three books!” If one has a red or a blue cover, point to it: “A red book!” Tidying gives the counting a purpose, and the routine a clear end.
You will hear “book” for one and “books” for more than one. Say the “s” a little more clearly, but don’t ask your child to copy it; it comes with time.
Step 4: say goodbye
Finish the same way every day: wave and say “Goodbye!” Your child can wave back or say “Bye!” A fixed ending tells your child that English time is over and will come back tomorrow, which makes the next start easier.
Common mistakes
Most of these are small parent mistakes, and they are easy to fix:
- Translating every word: say the English word and show the meaning with a gesture or a picture. Your child links the word to the thing, not to another word.
- Asking your child to repeat: at this age, listening and joining in with gestures come first. Words usually follow when your child is ready.
- Adding new words every day: keep the same few words for a week or two. Repetition is what makes them stick.
- Turning it into a test: questions such as “What is this?” can feel like an exam. Say the word yourself and let your child point.
- Plural after numbers: if your first language doesn’t add a plural ending after a number, “three book” will sound right to your child. Just say “three books” back and keep going.
What comes next
When your child waves and nods without help, keep the routine and change one part at a time: a new weather word, counting to five, or a colour question with toys. The weather and counting articles below build on these same words.