You’re about to begin an exciting adventure in the United States—living with your host family, caring for their children, and becoming part of daily life.
It’s thrilling, but it can feel a little intimidating too—especially if English isn’t your first language. Don’t worry! With a bit of daily practice, you’ll feel confident, connected, and ready for anything.
This guide will help you build your English skills one step at a time, focusing on one skill each week while keeping everything fresh.
Being an au pair is so much more than babysitting. You’ll be:
Talking with host parents
Chatting with children
Reading bedtime stories
Texting daily updates
That’s why we recommend this practice order:
🎧 Listening – Understand instructions and all those cheeky little voices!
💬 Speaking – Respond clearly, kindly, and confidently.
📱 Grammar & Texting – Write polite, clear messages.
📚 Reading – Notes from school, labels, stories.
✍️ Writing – Daily logs, texts, and notes.
Each week, focus on one skill while continuing to use everything you’ve already learned.
Goal: Understand daily instructions and natural speech.
Daily Practice Ideas:
Listen to parenting podcasts (Little Sprigs, The Mom Hour).
Watch Daniel Tiger or Bluey—perfect for hearing adult-child conversations.
Keep a “new words I heard” notebook.
Challenge yourself to ask for repetition only once a day.
✅ Keep Practising:
Play audiobooks or bedtime stories while you clean or cook.
Goal: Give instructions, respond clearly, and build confidence.
Daily Practice Ideas:
Narrate what you’re doing: “Now I’m cutting apples…”.
Read a children’s book aloud daily—with fun voices!
Have a short check-in conversation with your host parent each day.
Start a chat with another au pair or parent at the playground.
✅ Keep Practising:
Ask one new question in English each day.
Goal: Be polite, clear, and correct in messages and conversations.
Daily Practice Ideas:
Practise clear, polite texts: “We’re home! The kids had fun :)”.
Use a grammar app (Grammarly, British Council’s LearnEnglish).
Copy 3 short sentences from a children’s book daily.
Choose one sentence to upgrade with perfect grammar.
✅ Keep Practising:
Use your corrected sentence in real conversation.
Goal: Read confidently and write useful, friendly messages.
Daily Practice Ideas:
Read food labels aloud—find 5 new words daily.
Write a short daily log of the children’s day.
Read a short kids’ article or storybook each day.
Send a postcard or email to a friend in English!
✅ Keep Practising:
Enjoy one fun book a week—just for you!
You’ve taken a big, brave step by becoming an au pair in the United States—bravo, you!
If you follow this English practice guide week by week, you’ll hit the ground running. Your host family will feel confident with you. The children will feel safe and happy. And you’ll feel like a total star in your new role.
Imagine how confident you’ll feel on Day One—understanding instructions, chatting comfortably, and reading bedtime stories like a pro.
This isn’t just about speaking English. It’s about connecting. And you’ve got this!
✅ Practice a little each day
✅ Be patient with yourself
✅ Enjoy the journey
Stay safe, smile often, and make magical memories.
Ready to start your au pair English journey?