Learning English is easier with stories! These simple stories repeat common words and phrases to make English learning effective and enjoyable. You can find transcripts of each episode at smalltownspanishteacher.com.
Welcome to season 2 of Simple Stories in English! In this season, I will be telling you more about myself. In this first episode you will learn. In today’s episode I am going to answer the question: Who am I? This story is in the first person and the present tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: I’m, live, teacher, sing and mom. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story at https://smalltownspanishteach...
Jack is a little cat. He thought today would be like any other day exploring with his family, but instead he woke up to discover that is home became a construction site! Will he be able to make his way through the heavy equipment and find his family? This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words beam, dirt, edge, crane, dump truck, and looks for. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story a...
Julio loves winter because winter means skiing. He makes sure to wear all the right clothing: hat, scarf, gloves, and - most importantly - his helmet. When his helmet falls off the ski lift, he thinks he will be fine if he just goes slow. Unfortunately, though, accidents happen. This simple story is told mostly in the present tense, but introduces the past tense in a retell. Important vocabulary includes ski lift, helmet, head, wounds, stitches, and cut. No matter where you are in your language ...
Arthur the monster lives alone in the mountains. He is tired of being alone in his cave and decides to go to the city to make some animal friends. Some animals look down on him because of his size, looks, and smell, but one animal steals his heart. This story is in the third person and the past tense with some present tense dialogue. Important vocabulary in the story includes: stank (smelt bad), hurt, monkey, and pig. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on you...
Isabel wishes she were home for Christmas instead of all alone in a big city. She knows that other people in her apartment building are also alone, so when the electricity goes out, she decides to spread light and joy through candles and song. This story is in the third person and the present tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: feels, neighbors, candles, box, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Nativity, and carols. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on ...
Tom Turkey is a lazy turkey. He lives in the woods and just wants to eat all day. The other woodland animals are worried about Tom. They know hunting season is coming and Tom needs to learn how to avoid humans. Each animal gives Tom advice on how to stay safe. But, will Tom listen? This story is in the third person and the present tense. Important vocabulary in the story includes: turkey, advice, avoid, ignore, and legs. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on ...
This episode tells the story of Latriz, a receptionist at a clinic, and highlights her important role in helping patients. The story details various interactions she has with patients both in person and over the phone, showcasing her ability to provide guidance and support in stressful situations. Latriz's job requires her to stay calm, gather information, and direct people to the appropriate medical care.
Sylvia's love for sweets leads to a painful toothache, forcing her to visit the dentist. The hygienist takes x-rays and cleans her teeth, revealing significant plaque and tartar buildup. The dentist finds five cavities, emphasizing the need for better dental hygiene and less sugar. Sylvia resolves to prioritize her dental health over her sweet tooth.
Luis just wants to dance the night away, but a car accident lands him in the emergency room with his date. Now, instead of salsa, he must deal with x-rays, stitches and a cast. What fun! This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “crash”, “hurts/pains”, “neck”, “leg”, “arm”, “cast" and “neck brace”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/20...
Paloma is a near perfect child. She just has one problem that threatens to take over her life - Paloma is a worrier. She worries about EVERYTHING from school to shopping to what she wears. Paloma reaches out to her mom, who realizes that she needs more help than she can give. So, Paloma meets with a therapist. At first she is worried, but after time she begins to develop confidence and her worrying subsides. This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “worried”, “worr...
The Mesoamerican Reef system is the second largest in the world. Located in the Caribbean Sea, the most beautiful section of this reef is accessible through the island of Roatán in Honduras. Here you can see the plant and animal life that call this tropical paradise home This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words island, fish, coral reef, film, and scuba dive. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcri...
Brandon and Julia love dinosaurs. They have a bunch of plastic toy dinosaurs that they play with together. There is only one problem. Julia’s Tyrannosaurus Rex is always eating Brandon’s dinosaurs. Brandon and Julia both know a lot about dinosaurs. Will Brandon be able to find one that Julia’s T-Rex can’t eat? This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “grabs”, “eats”, “growls”, “carnivore” (meat eater), and “herbivore” (plant eater). No matter where you are in your ...
Today’s story was originally written by Scott Wyatt Why is the raven black? 7-year-old Agapita has created a series of drawings to explain the dark feathers of this intelligent bird who just wanted to get a glimpse of his creator. This simple story is told in the past tense and focuses on the words “crow”, “drawing”, “creator”, “world”, and the verbs “see/saw”, “made”, and “would be”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript o...
Hannah is a curious girl. When a butterfly lands in her back yard, she wants to learn all about it. After visiting the library, she learns that these butterflies are special and that they fly all the way to Mexico from Canada. What else will she learn about the monarch butterfly? This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “wants”, “book”, “wings”, and “insect”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcr...
Dayana the alpaca is surprised to learn that her wooly coat is going to be sheared. She loves her wool, so she runs away. While she is away, she meets a graceful vicuña, an overgrown sheep, and a sheared llama. Dayana learns that it might not be so bad to have her coat cut after all. This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “cut”, “want”, “doesn’t”, and “wool”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a trans...
Jayden, Charley and Theo love fishing with their mom. One Saturday they grab their fishing poles and head to the lake. Find out what they catch in today’s story, “Let’s Go Fishing.” This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “want”, “pull”, “bait”, and “excited”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/05/21/simple-stories-in-english-lets-go...
Imani navigates the end of the school year, saying 'See you later' to classmates and encountering more emotional goodbyes with graduating friends and departing teachers. She reflects on the bittersweet nature of farewells and the importance of cherishing memories as people move on to new adventures. Ultimately, Imani comes to appreciate that goodbyes are a natural part of life, even as she values the connections she's made.
Victoria is feeling nervous and scared about leaving her small town and going to university in a big city. Her friend Piper doesn’t seem scared at all. Victoria learns that some of Piper’s confidence comes from her success in a martial arts class. Victoria decides to give it a try and she learns that small girls like her can be fierce opponents. This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “confidence”, “punch”, “kick”, “roll”, and “grab”. No matter where you are in yo...
Ronaldo comes from a family obsessed with football (or soccer), so it is no surprise that he wants to be a famous football star like his “tocayo”, or namesake, Cristiano Ronaldo. But Ronaldo only wants to play front and center, hogging the ball and making all the goals. He needs to learn the importance of each position to truly become a great player. Transcript: https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2024/03/05/simple-stories-in-english-the-great-ronaldo/...
Today’s story connects to episode 9. Perhaps you will remember “Miguel’s Little Lie”. Miguel wanted to go to a rock concert with his friend Wes, but, due to his lying, ended up going to a classical music concert with his mom and sister. Little did he know how much that concert would change his life. He thought rock music was the only sound worth listening to, but after hearing violins, flutes, trumpets, and tubas, he has a new appreciation for instruments. This simple story is told in the presen...
Luisa loves winter. She likes the cold because it means snow and ice. She skates on the ice and plays in the snow. There is only one problem: it hasn’t snowed yet! This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “snow”, “ice”, “cold”, “snowflake”, and “frost”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of the story at https://smalltownspanishteacher.com/2023/12/30/simple-stories-in-english-a-winter-story/...
Life with a toddler can be fun and difficult. That is why routines are so important. When Lily doesn’t take her nap, the rest of the day is rough for her dad, Stephen. Perhaps a nighttime routine with soothing songs will be exactly what they both need to sleep. This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “sleep”, “throws”, “sings”, “reads”, and “doesn’t”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find a transcript of ...
Some students feel that they just don’t know anything, so why even try? Perhaps they just need a little bit of motivation and confidence. Daniel is not the smartest student, but he finds inspiration through a magic notebook. Through his magic notebook, he finds a recipe for success. I hope you enjoy “The Magic Notebook.” This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “doesn’t”, “needs”, “listens”, “study”, and “solve”. No matter where you are in your language journey, st...
Mothers often need to have patience as children learn and grow. Nadia is mother to Luisa and Perla. Luisa loves her family and she loves to help. But sometimes her help causes problems for her mother. All is well, though, with Luisa hugs her mom and tells her, “I love you, mom.” This simple story is told in the past tense and focuses on the words “listened”, “ran”, “wanted”, “said”, “responded”, “surprised”, “pretty”, and “love”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will hel...
We all get bored. Georgie has a room full of things, but he still gets bored. When he tells people he is bored, they just send him away to do something else. Will he just stay bored forever? Or will he find something to entertain the day away? Listen in to find out in “I’m Bored!” This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “thinks”, “grabs”, “takes”, and “What’s wrong?”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way. You can find...
Who doesn’t enjoy a day at the beach? Ramona certainly does. She goes to the beach every day and watches the tourists as they take pictures, play in the waves, and play in the sand. Ramona is not a tourist. She is a capuchin monkey. She is also a famous thief. Listen in to find out how Ramona steals from beachgoers in “Ramona on the beach”. This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “monkey”, “take/takes”, “tourist”, “steal”, “thief”, and “beach”. No matter where you...
Paula enjoys living in the mountains with her dog Bobo and her one hundred and fifty cows. But sometimes her cows wander off and need help getting out of some sticky situations. Paula counts her cows and when they are missing, she looks for them. Paula will do anything to help her cows if they get stuck. She will pull, cut and even sing to help them. Will she be able to help them all? This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “needs”, “is missing”, “look for”, “stuc...
Luis enjoys his life as a rancher. He likes taking care of animals. Being on a ranch requires boots. Luis has a special friend that he wants to spend time with on the ranch, but she does not have boots, so Luis decides to get her some. Luis goes all over town, including the shoe store, the bank and the gas station as he tries to buy the perfect boots. Will he be able to get what he wants? This simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “needs”, “asks”, “goes”, “has”, numb...
When things get lost, the logical solution is to look for them. Sometimes we are so busy looking that we don’t see what is right under our noses. Lourdes is busy. She tries to make time for her son’s problems, but sometimes her own problems get in the way, such as when she needs some ginger for her cake. This story is told in the present tense and has multiple repetitions of “Did you look?” and “I looked” as well as places around the house . No matter where you are in your language journey, stor...
Miguel just wants to go to a concert, but his mom says no, even when he begs. So, Miguel and his friend come up with a plan that involves just a little lie. Miguel typically tells the truth, so lying is not easy for him. Will he be able to maintain the lie? Or will he cave under pressure? This short, simple story is told in the present tense and focuses on the words “lie”, “says”, “sees”, “music”, and “concert”. No matter where you are in your language journey, stories will help you on your way....
