Everyday English at home: phrases for daily routines

Why routines work

Routines are predictable. Your child knows what is happening, so they understand the English from context, even if every word is new. Hearing the same phrase in the same situation many times is exactly how language sticks. Within weeks, many children start saying the phrases themselves.

Start small

Choose one routine, such as brushing teeth, and use English for that routine only. Once it feels natural, add another. Trying to switch the whole day to English usually leads to frustration for everyone.

Morning

• "Good morning!" / "Time to get up."
• "Did you sleep well?"
• "Let's get dressed." / "Put on your socks."
• "What do you want for breakfast?"
• "Hurry up, please!" / "Let's go!"
• "Don't forget your hat."

Mealtimes

• "Wash your hands, please."
• "Let's eat!" / "It's delicious."
• "Do you want more?" / "Yes, please." / "No, thank you."
• "Can you pass the salt, please?"
• "Are you full?"
• "Let's clean up."

Bath time

• "Time for a bath."
• "Is it too hot?" / "Is it too cold?"
• "Wash your hair." / "Close your eyes."
• "Count to ten, then we get out."
• "Dry yourself with the towel."

Bath time is excellent for body parts ("Wash your elbows!") and counting.

Bedtime

• "Time to brush your teeth."
• "Put on your pyjamas."
• "Which book do you want?"
• "Good night. Sleep well."
• "I love you." / "See you in the morning."

Going out

• "Put on your shoes." / "Do you have everything?"
• "Hold my hand."
• "Look! A red car."
• "Let's cross the road. Look left, look right."
• "We're home!"

Tips for parents

• Say it with actions. Point, gesture and show as you speak, so meaning is clear.
• Do not demand replies. Let your child answer in Japanese at first. Understanding comes before speaking.
• Echo instead of correcting. If your child says "I eat finish", say warmly, "Oh, you finished eating? Great!"
• Keep it light. If your child resists, drop the English for that day and try again tomorrow.
• Use a picture chart. A poster of the morning routine with English labels helps everyone remember.

For parents learning too

Many parents worry their English is not good enough. These phrases are short and simple, and you can learn them alongside your child. Practise a few by yourself first, perhaps with a translation app's audio, then start using them. Your child will see you learning, and that is a powerful example.

Tip: Make a routine chart together: your child draws or colours each step (wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth), and you write the English phrase underneath. Put it on the fridge.