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    New to English? Start by
    enjoying it and building from there.

    Even if your child finds English difficult, we help them become more comfortable step by step through phonics, vocabulary and simple conversation.

    For primary pupils, complete beginners and children who find English difficult

    Concerns we can help with

    Whether your child is new to English, falling behind at school or lacking confidence in reading, writing or speaking, we work from where they are now.

    English feels difficult

    We take time to make each point clear, building familiarity gradually through simple sounds, words and phrases.

    Falling behind in school English

    We review the vocabulary and grammar covered in class and revisit anything that has not yet clicked.

    Too shy to speak English aloud

    We start with short conversations and reading aloud, in an atmosphere where mistakes are okay.

    Building the foundations
    of English, step by step.

    We begin with sounds, words, sentences and conversation before moving on to more difficult exercises, expanding the English your child can use comfortably.

    A child's hand tracing letters with a marker on an alphabet practice board

    1. Phonics

      We work on the link between English sounds and letters, laying the foundation for reading and pronunciation.

    2. Vocabulary and phrases

      We practise everyday words and common phrases in context, including both their meaning and how to use them.

    3. Simple grammar

      We explain the foundations of school English clearly, including the verb 'to be', other common verbs and questions.

    4. English conversation

      We begin with short exchanges, such as greetings, introductions and talking about things they like.

    5. School English support

      We follow your child's school textbook and homework, going over anything unclear together.

    The skills we build in early English

    We develop reading, listening, speaking and writing gradually, based on your child's age and experience of English.

    • Understanding

      • Listening
      • Reading

    • Expressing

      • Speaking
      • Writing
      • Conversation

    • Foundations

      • Phonics
      • Vocabulary

    • Also supported

      • School English
      • Confidence

    Listening

    Becoming familiar with the sounds of English and recognising a wider range of words and phrases.

    Speaking

    Starting with short answers and introductions, then gradually becoming more comfortable speaking aloud.

    Phonics

    Working on how letters and sounds connect, to build the foundation for reading.

    Vocabulary

    Learning everyday words together: what they mean and how to use them.

    Reading

    Reading short passages and school texts, with practice in understanding their meaning.

    Writing

    Starting with individual words and short sentences, then gradually expanding what your child can express.

    Support with school English, conversation and confidence can also be discussed, depending on your child's needs.

    We start from your child's current level.

    We first look at their experience of English and what they find difficult, then choose content at a manageable level.

    1. Understand their starting point

      Their experience of English, what school covers, what they enjoy, and what they find hard.

    2. Choose a manageable starting point

      We choose what is most useful now from phonics, vocabulary, conversation and school English.

    3. Build confidence through small steps

      Each moment of reading, speaking and understanding adds to their confidence in English.

    Beginner English:
    common questions

    Questions we're often asked about children new to English, or who find it difficult.

    Is it okay if my child has never studied English?

    Yes. We can begin with manageable material such as phonics, vocabulary and short conversations.

    Can my child make progress if they find English difficult?

    We check which areas are unclear and work at a pace suited to your child.

    Can you help with school English and homework?

    Yes. We can use the school textbook and homework and review anything that remains unclear.

    English foundations

    Guides for getting started with English

    Petra articles on where to begin: phonics, conversation or school English.

    See all beginner articles

    Explore another support option if it is closer to your child's current goal.

    School English and regular testsOne-to-one help with textbooks, homework, grammar and regular tests in Japanese schools.EIKEN preparationPlan vocabulary, reading, writing and interview practice around the target grade and test date.

    About Petra's tutors

    We consider English ability, fit with your child, teaching style and lesson reporting, then suggest a tutor.

    • Dayun

      Dayun

      Keio University · PEARL

      English, beginners & primary

      Using journal writing, grammar and pronunciation practice, Dayun helps children who find English difficult express themselves more clearly over time.

    • Haruka

      Haruka

      Sophia University · Faculty of Liberal Arts

      English, maths & primary

      Haruka supports students from pre-school to secondary age in English and maths, working carefully towards their goals.

    • Julie

      Julie

      English, IELTS & SAT

      Julie keeps explanations simple and clear for students who feel unsure about English, working at a pace that supports gradual confidence.

    See more tutors →

    Let's make starting
    English feel manageable.

    We will ask about your child's experience of English, what they find difficult and how school is going, then suggest a manageable way to begin.

    Ask about beginner EnglishAsk us on LINE

    For primary pupils, complete beginners and children who find English difficult