A Must-Read for Parents: How English Picture Books Can Support Language Learning for Taiwanese Children
May 12, 2025
Why Are English Picture Books a Great Tool for Children Learning English?
A Natural Way to Connect Sounds and Meanings
English picture books help Taiwanese children build a connection between spoken language and written words. Through repetitive storylines, rhymes, and sentence patterns, kids absorb English naturally—without rote memorization.
Visual Clues Support Understanding and Ease Anxiety
Illustrations play a key role in reducing language anxiety. Even if children don’t understand every word, they can guess the story through images and context, significantly improving comprehension.
More Fun Than Textbooks, Longer Attention Spans
Compared to traditional textbooks, picture books are far more engaging. Their fun plots and characters keep kids focused longer and spark curiosity, turning learning English into a joyful experience.
Common Challenges for Taiwanese Children and How Picture Books Help
Memorizing Words But Not Using Them? Books Provide Context
Many children spend time memorizing vocabulary, but struggle to use it in real situations. Picture books introduce words repeatedly in meaningful contexts, helping kids learn how to use them naturally.
Afraid of Making Mistakes? Dialogue Promotes Speaking
Character conversations in picture books encourage children to speak English. Mimicking characters lowers the fear of making mistakes and gradually builds speaking confidence.
Only Relying on Cram School? Read Together at Home
English picture books offer parents an easy way to support language learning at home. No teaching background required—just a few minutes daily can create a powerful parent-child reading habit.
Best Ages for Learning English Through Picture Books
Ages 3–5: Develop Language Sense and Love for Stories
This stage is crucial for building language intuition. Simple and fun picture books help kids fall in love with English and lay a strong foundation for future learning.
Ages 6–8: Phonics and Sentence Structure Development
Children at this age begin learning phonics and basic grammar. Picture books with repetitive patterns and rhymes boost reading comprehension and self-expression.
Ages 9 and Up: Thematic and Cross-Subject Learning
Older children can use English picture books for interdisciplinary topics—science, history, art, and more. It’s a way to expand both their language and knowledge horizons.
Real-Life Uses of English Picture Books in Taiwan
Parent-Child Reading: One Book a Day, Learn Through Play
Daily reading with children turns picture books into natural learning tools. With games and interactive dialogue, English becomes part of everyday life.
Schools and Kindergartens: Supplementary Materials and English Corners
Teachers use English picture books to create fun language-learning environments. Combined with English corner activities, they enhance classroom effectiveness.
After-School Programs: Thematic Learning Plans
Cram schools and after-school programs can integrate picture books into thematic lessons, helping children learn English through story-driven experiences.
What Educators and Parents Are Saying
Expert Insight from an Educator
Rosa, founder of Miracle Orange Language Studio, shares:
“When reading English picture books with children, I recommend avoiding direct translation. This allows kids to experience English naturally, rather than interpreting stories through Chinese.”
She emphasizes that even if children don’t understand every word, they can guess the meaning through parents’ tone, gestures, and illustrations—reducing anxiety and improving comprehension.
A Parent's Story
Parent blogger Sushi Mama shared her experience reading with her son:
“Since my son Sushi was born, I was inspired by parenting author Pei-Ting Wang, who advocates for English read-alouds at home. I believe this is a painless and natural way to learn English.”
With just 15 minutes a day, her son gradually became interested in English and started using new words in everyday life.
Recommended English Picture Book Series for Taiwanese Children
Physical Book Sets
Bob Books: Simple sentences and clear visuals—perfect for beginners building reading confidence.
Oxford Reading Tree: A well-structured series that covers multiple reading levels.
Usborne Phonics Readers: Rhyming and rhythmic books that reinforce phonics skills.
Recommended Apps and Digital Resources
Epic: Over 40,000 English picture books for all levels.
Raz Kids: Includes quizzes and tracks reading progress.
PictureCook: Offers interactive digital picture books with AI dialogue, creating realistic English environments.
Conclusion: A Natural English Environment Begins with One Picture Book
Build Language Sense and Confidence Through Shared Reading
Spending a little time reading together each day helps children develop language intuition and confidence in using English.
Choose the Right Tools to Make English Part of Daily Life
With the right picture books and learning strategies, parents can easily build an immersive English environment at home—making English learning natural and sustainable.
Start your English reading journey today with [PictureCook]—try a free interactive storybook and enjoy learning together!