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ESOL Resources for Children

The resources on this page are designed specifically for children. Parents, teachers or their caregiver can help children develop their English language skills using these resources at their own pace.

Contents

Apps

  1. Duolingo Kids

Description: A child-friendly version of Duolingo designed for ages 3–8, offering fun, interactive lessons in vocabulary, reading, and comprehension.

Features: 700+ activities, colorful visuals, gamified learning, and stories.

Availability: Free on iOS and Android. No ads or in-app purchases.

  1. British Council – LearnEnglish Kids: Playtime

Description: Created by English teaching experts, this app offers songs, stories, and games to help children learn English in a fun way.

Features: 100+ animated videos, themed content (e.g., fairy tales), listening and speaking practice, downloadable content.

Availability: Available on iOS and Android.

  1. Drops (Droplets for Kids)

Description: A visual, game-based language learning app. The kids’ version, Droplets, is designed for ages 7–16.

Features: Colorful illustrations, pronunciation practice, no typing, short daily sessions, 50+ languages.

Availability: Available on iOS and Android. Offers free and premium versions.

  1. Akelius Languages

Description: A comprehensive language learning app with a focus on vocabulary and grammar through games and interactive lessons.

Features: 200–4000 word vocabulary range, games, songs, audiobooks, offline access, no ads.

Availability: Free on iOS, Android, and web. Suitable for all ages.

  1. Studycat – Fun English

Description: A playful app for children aged 2–8 that teaches English through games, songs, and stories.

Features: VoicePlay™ for speaking practice, offline activities, ad-free, builds all four language skills.

Availability: Free trial available on iOS and Android, with subscription options.

  1. Languakids

Description: A structured English course for children using games and real-life scenarios to teach vocabulary and grammar.

Features: CEFR-aligned lessons, interactive games, real-life situations, offline mode, safe and ad-free.

Availability: Available on iOS and Android with a 7-day free trial and subscription plans.

  1. BOOKR Class

Description: A digital library of animated books and games for children aged 4–14, designed to improve English skills.

Features: 1000+ books, 5000+ games, narration, text highlighting, teacher dashboard, CEFR-aligned, supports special needs.

Availability: Available on iOS, Android, and desktop. Offers free trial and subscription.

 

Self-study Books

This list includes some of the best self-study books designed especially for children. These books are full of colourful pictures, simple explanations, and engaging activities that help young learners build vocabulary, improve reading and writing, and gain confidence in using English. Whether your child is just starting out or already knows some English, these books offer age-appropriate support for learning at home or in the classroom.

 

Ages 3–5

The Reading Lesson: Teach Your Child to Read in 20 Easy Lessons

Authors: Michael Levin & Charan Langton

Focus: Phonics and early reading

Details: A step-by-step reading program with 20 lessons. Each lesson introduces letters and words using simple stories and exercises. Designed for short daily sessions (15 minutes), making it ideal for young learners or children with learning differences.

 

Ages 5–8

Oxford Picture Dictionary for Kids

Authors: Jenni Currie Santamaria & Joan Ross Keyes

Focus: Vocabulary building through visuals

Details: Uses colourful illustrations to teach vocabulary in subjects like science, math, and social studies. Includes vocabulary cards, reading and writing practice, and an audio CD for pronunciation support.

 

This Is Me – ESL Wonder Workbook No. 1

Author: Elizabeth Claire

Focus: Basic vocabulary and writing

Details: A beginner-friendly workbook with clear instructions on each page. Great for home use with a parent or tutor. Helps children express themselves while learning foundational English.

 

ESL Worksheets and Activities for Kids

Author: Miryung Pitts

Focus: Grammar, vocabulary, and fun practice

Details: Includes worksheets and flashcards covering topics like shapes, numbers, time, and prepositions. Pages are copier-friendly and designed for repeated use.

 

Ages 6–9

English for Everyone Junior: Beginner’s Course

Focus: Vocabulary, grammar, and listening

Details: A visual course with colourful illustrations, simple explanations, and audio support. Covers everyday topics like family, school, and food. Great for independent learning or guided study.

 

Ages 7–11

Let’s Go Series

Authors: Barbara Hoskins, Karen Frazier, Ritsuko Nakata, Carolyn Graham

Focus: Speaking, listening, phonics, and grammar

Details: A lively series that uses songs, chants, games, and partner work. Includes workbooks, audio CDs, and online resources. Builds confidence in communication and grammar.

Stories

  • Oxford Owl – Free eBooks and phonics resources for ages 3–11.
    🔗 oxfordowl.co.uk
  • Storyberries –
    Free online stories with pictures and simple English.
    🔗 storyberries.com
  • BOOKR Class – Animated books with audio and games for ESOL learnersd more.

Websites

  1. British Council – LearnEnglish Kids

    • Offers games, songs, stories, and activities tailored for young English learners.
    • High-quality content from a trusted educational organization.

  2. ABCya

    • Features educational games organized by grade level.
    • Great for vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening practice.

  3. Funbrain

    • Combines reading materials and games to support literacy and language development.
    • Includes popular books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

  4. PBS Kids

    • Offers interactive games and videos from shows like Arthur and Sesame Street.
    • Helps children improve listening and comprehension skills.

  5. Starfall

    • Focuses on phonics, reading, and early literacy.
    • Many free resources, especially for younger learners.

  6. ESL Tower

    • Provides printable worksheets, games, and quizzes for ESOL learners.
    • Suitable for both classroom and home use.

  7. Duolingo

    • While not designed specifically for kids, it offers a gamified experience for learning English.
    • Best for older children who can read in their first language.

  8. Highlights Kids

    • Offers stories, games, and activities that build vocabulary and comprehension.
    • Completely free and very child-friendly .

Youtube Channels

  • British Council Learn English Kids
    • Created by the British Council, this channel offers songs, stories, games, and activities tailored for young English learners.

  • Learning Time with Timmy

    • A collaboration between the British Council and Aardman Animations (creators of Wallace & Gromit), this series is perfect for preschoolers learning English.

  • English Singsing

    • Offers fun and engaging content like songs, phonics, stories, and dialogues to help children learn English naturally.

  • Super Simple Songs

    • Combines music and animation to teach English through catchy songs and simple language.

  • Pinkfong! Songs for Children

    • Known for “Baby Shark,” Pinkfong also offers a wide range of English learning songs and stories.

  • Wow English TV

    • Features Steve and Maggie, who use storytelling and humour to teach English in a way that’s fun and memorable.

  • ChuChu TV

    • Offers nursery rhymes and educational songs that are great for vocabulary building and listening practice.

  • Kiboomu Kids Songs

    • Focuses on educational songs that teach basic English concepts like numbers, colours, and the alphabet.