Are you trying to get your child started in English? Can’t find the right materials? As a leading educator I can tell you that storytelling is a fantastic strategy to advance quickly in English. Why? Because in the process of learning to do lively readings or act out stories you are intensifying the development of oral and literacy skills. Combining language skills makes a huge difference—and boy, is it fun!

However, not all story-based materials are created equal. I have designed this collection of classic stories specifically for parents and children learning English together. I understand that your needs are quite different than those of teachers or English speakers (although the books will be very useful for them too), and I invite you to try my approach FREE with this version of The Red Hen for the iPad.

So after downloading, what should you focus on?

- Personal interaction. Children learn languages best through personal interaction. This is why it is important that you, the parent, join in the adventure. [Note: older children and adults can use the stories independently, but I still recommend to have a learning buddy]

- Animate your story reading/telling sessions. Make pretend voices, act out some parts, wear wigs… make the sessions as animated and lively as possible!

- Use your English! Make the point of using the English that sticks with you (more each time) in your daily conversations with your child. Also, do NOT worry about speaking with perfect grammar and pronunciation. Actual usage is more important at this point.

For even greater results with your English ‘lessons’:

- Play the story frequently. This is both to train your ear to the flow of real English in action and also to imprint large volumes of English grammar, intonation, cultural flair, etc., in your brain (a lot of this process will take place unconsciously!)

- Set personal learning goals. For example, “This week we will learn at least five new expressions.” Challenge yourself as you become more strategic in your learning. Make flashcards, keep a language-learning journal, and think of other ways to help you as you go—don’t forget to pat yourself on the back every now and then!

Key Features of Ana Lomba’s Classic Bilingual Stories:

- Voice-over by native actresses for captivating effect and to help you model animated speech.

- Easy toggle functionality between Chinese and English so you can quickly check the meaning if you get lost—you could also alternate reading in the two languages if you so please.

- “Pause” button so you can stop and replay shorter chunks of the text.

- Divided in scenes so that you can concentrate on one section at a time and for easier reenactment.

About Ana Lomba:

- Parents’ Choice Award Winner and innovator with eight books and CDs published with McGraw-Hill.

- Owner of Ana Lomba Early Languages LLC (www.analomba.com), a company offering language learning resources, consulting, training, and curriculum licensing for language schools.

- Twenty-year career as a language educator, having taught parent-tot, preschool, elementary, middle school, and university language courses (including five years at Princeton University).

- A grad from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (B.A.), Binghamton University (M.A.), and Princeton University (M.A). Currently at NYU (Advanced Certificate).

- Leadership in prestigious national and regional language organizations including at ACTFL, FLENJ, and NNELL.

- Please visit www.analomba.com to learn more about her.