Hello and welcome to my podcast My Life and Other Funny Stories. My name is Dagmar Tomášková, I am an English tutor and coach and I created this podcast for English students who want to improve their oral comprehension. As always you can find the transcription of this episode and vocabulary list in the notes of the podcast. 

I’m so excited for today’s episode because we’re going to talk about how to take your English to the next level and, the best part, how to do it while having fun at the same time! If you’re serious about improving your English, expanding your vocabulary, and reading a book in English, I have a few key steps that will make the whole process a lot easier and more enjoyable for you.

If you’ve been following my podcast, you know I’m passionate about learning languages in a way that keeps it light, fun, and interactive, because let’s be honest – we learn better when we enjoy what we’re doing, right? So today, we’re going to focus on exactly that – how to learn English through reading and stories in a way that doesn’t feel like a drag but instead something you can enjoy. I’ll share the steps that have helped me and many of my students improve their language skills and have a great time in the process!

So, let’s jump right in and break this down!

#1: Choose Wisely! 

Alright, let’s talk about choosing the right book. First things first – pick a book that you’re already familiar with! Why? Because when you start with a story you already know, you’re not going to have to stress about the plot. You have a basic understanding of what’s going to happen, so you can focus on the language and vocabulary rather than trying to figure out what’s going on in the story. Trust me, this little trick will make your learning experience much more enjoyable.

And here’s a pro tip: pick books that are written for younger audiences, like children’s books or young adult novels. These tend to have simpler language and a more straightforward narrative. Not only will you be able to read these books faster, but you’ll also pick up vocabulary and expressions that are common in everyday conversations. I mean, who doesn’t love a good story, right? Plus, reading these books is less stressful, and that helps you keep your motivation up!

When you read something that’s too complex or advanced at first, you might find yourself feeling discouraged. But with a book aimed at younger readers, the language is more accessible, and the story is usually still engaging. You’ll feel more confident and able to dive deeper into English.

#2: Read Actively! 

The second step is all about active reading. Now, this isn’t about just turning the pages. No, no – when you’re reading in English, you want to be actively engaging with the material. What do I mean by that?  Pick out words and phrases that are new to you, or maybe ones that catch your attention. Whenever you come across something unfamiliar, don’t just skip over it! Write it down. Look it up in the dictionary or use an app like Google Translate to understand it better. And then – this is key – try to memorize it.

You don’t need to memorize every single word, but try to remember the ones that seem useful. And don’t worry if you don’t understand everything right away – that’s completely normal! Reading in a foreign language is all about practice. The more you read, the more you’ll naturally understand how words are used in context. Over time, you’ll get better at understanding the meaning of unknown words based on the context around them.

For example, let’s say you’re reading a book and you come across the word “bewildered.” If you’ve never seen it before, you might not know the meaning immediately. But, if the sentence reads something like, “He stood there, bewildered, unable to speak,” you can probably guess that “bewildered” means confused or surprised. You’re building your English skills by understanding words from their context, and that’s one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary in a natural way.

Also, don’t be afraid to look things up! Even native speakers use dictionaries when they’re reading, so there’s no shame in it. The more actively you read, the more you’ll retain the words, and it will pay off big time.

#3: Talk About It! 

Alright, we’ve chosen the right book, and we’re reading actively – but there’s another important step to really level up your English: talk about it! Yes, you’ve got to practice speaking too. Reading on its own isn’t enough to improve your overall language skills. You need to start using what you’re learning in conversation.

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a friend, a teacher, or even just summarizing what you read to yourself – it’s all about practicing what you’ve learned. Try summarizing the book in English. Tell someone about the plot, the characters, or the themes. Talk about what you liked, what you didn’t like, or what you thought the author was trying to say. The more you talk about it, the better you’ll be at forming sentences and expressing your opinions in English.

And guess what? It doesn’t have to be perfect. If you’re feeling shy or nervous, start small. Start with simple summaries, and as your confidence grows, you can add more details and develop your thoughts. You can even join online reading groups or book clubs. That’s exactly what we do in the Harry Potter Reading Club, where we discuss the books we’re reading in English, share opinions, and practice speaking about them. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun!

Speaking is the key to fluency, and when you start actively talking about what you’re reading, it’s going to force you to think in English. Plus, it’ll help you improve your listening skills too, because you’ll start hearing new phrases and expressions that others use when discussing books.

#4: Make It Fun!

I know, I know – you’ve heard this advice a thousand times, but it’s true. If you’re not enjoying what you’re reading, it’s going to feel like a chore. So make it fun! Pick stories that genuinely interest you. If you’re into mysteries, pick up a detective novel. I did the same in French. I found a detective book because I enjoy detective stories, and it was for a young adult, so it was easier, and it was such a joy to read it.  If you love adventure, try reading fantasy. If you love romance, find a cute love story. The more you enjoy what you’re reading, the more you’ll want to keep going, and the faster you’ll improve your English.

#5: Set Small Goals

This is a game-changer! Don’t overwhelm yourself with giant expectations. Break it down. Set small, achievable goals. For example, tell yourself you’re going to read one chapter a day, or you’ll learn five new words every time you read. This will keep you on track and prevent you from feeling like you’re drowning in too much material. Celebrate the small victories, and keep pushing yourself to the next level.

#6: Use Audio and Visual Aids

Okay, this one is super helpful. If you’re having trouble with pronunciation or understanding the language, try listening to an audiobook while reading. Audiobooks are a great tool because they help you hear how the words are pronounced correctly. And if you’re really struggling, watch a movie or series adaptation of the book…if there is such adaptation. It’s not cheating – it’s using every resource at your hand to get better!

So, are you ready to take your English to the next level? I guarantee that if you follow these  steps, you’ll enjoy the process while making great progress.  Remember, learning English doesn’t have to be so boring, or it doesn’t have to be a chore, it doesn’t have to be something you hate or have to do.It can be something that you want to do. It can be fun. 

And if you love Harry Potter and you want to try all of these tips in practice, join me in my Harry Potter book club where we are going to read the first book of Harry Potter series, meet every week for a group conversation and you will get as much support as you need. So check it out if it sounds like something for you! I am excited to see you there! You will find a link to apply in the description of this episode! (CLICK HERE)

Thank you so much for listening to this episode and don’t forget that you can find the transcription and vocabulary list in the notes. Please give it a five-star rating if you liked it and I will see you next time, bye-bye.