Learning a new language can start at home. If you are learning English, you can teach your children as well. There are some easy English sentences you can teach your kids. Use them every day, and see how they (and you) improve (get better)!

My dad spoke a few phrases of German to me when I was little. It inspired (motivated) a life-long love of languages. You never know the impact (effect, work) it could have on your children.

“Did you sleep well?”

(ˈdɪd ˈjuː ˈsliːp ˈwɛl?)

You can say this first thing in the morning. Even if your kid answers in your native language, they’re still learning and answering an English question. Pretty soon (in a short time, very soon), they may tell you about their dreams in English!

“What would you like for breakfast?”

(ˈwɑt wəd ˈjuːˈlaɪk fɔr ˈbrɛkfəst?)

After everyone is out of bed, ask what they want to eat for breakfast. This is a good chance to practice food vocabulary and phrases. It can help you practice your vocabulary first thing in the morning, too!

“Don’t touch.”

(ˈdoʊnt ˈtʌtʃ)

If you have small children, this is an important phrase. If they love to touch (feel with the hands) things, you might say this easy English sentence a lot when you’re shopping. My mom always said, “Touch with your eyes, not your hands.” (It only worked sometimes, though.)

“Please/thank you.”

(ˈpliːz/ˈθæŋk ˈjuː)

These are two very important phrases to learn- some would say the most important. The sooner you teach your children to say please and thank you, the sooner they’ll be polite (have good manners, be nice to others, act correct in a situation).

“You can do it!”

(ˈjuː kən ˈduː ˈɪt)

Encouraging your kids is a great thing to do. Encourage their language learning by saying, “you can do it!” They’ll feel more motivated and will work harder. While you’re at it, give yourself a little encouragement, too. See the difference it makes!

“Good job.”

(ˈɡʊd ˈdʒɑb)

Did your child learn a new word? Did they do well in school? You can also support (encourage, motivate) them by saying, “good job!” They’ll know that you recognize the hard work they’re putting in. And good job to you for speaking English with your children.

“Good night / Sweet dreams.”

(ˈɡʊd ˈnaɪt/ˈswiːt ˈdriːmz)

Send your wee ones off to the Land of Nod with a “good night” and “sweet dreams.” They’ve had a long day learning English and need the rest. Then when they wake up in the morning, you can ask how they slept.

“I love you.”

(ˈaɪ ˈlʌv ˈjuː)

This may be one of the most important easy English sentences on the list. Letting your child know you love them is very important. If you tell them this phrase in English, they’ll know you love them in two languages!

Which of these easy English sentences do you use with your children? Did they make our list? Share your favorites with us in the comments below!

Missed an Easy English blog? Check out Small vs Short vs Tiny, Restaurant Phrases, or Daily English Phrases!

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Erin Duffin lives in Hamburg, is an English teacher,  yoga instructor, and can’t wait to incorporate German into her (future) children’s lives. How lucky to be brought up with two languages in the house..!  

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