If your student isn't a fan of English, reading, writing, or grammar, you're not alone.
When I homeschooled my six children, one of them actually offered to pay me not to teach English! I thought I knew why they disliked language arts—but I was wrong.
After researching curriculum, language development, and motivation, I discovered five hidden reasons kids resist English. Those discoveries eventually led me to create Grammar Galaxy, a story-based language arts curriculum that has helped thousands of reluctant learners enjoy English.
In this episode, I'm sharing those five surprising reasons—and practical ways you can help your own student.
In This Episode
You'll learn:
- Why traditional English curriculum feels repetitive
- How story makes grammar meaningful and memorable
- The developmental reason grammar can seem confusing
- Why fun isn't optional when it comes to learning
- The hidden skill that affects both English and math success
The 5 Hidden Reasons Kids Hate English
1. English Is Too Repetitive
Traditional language arts curricula repeat many of the same concepts year after year.
For example, students often study parts of speech every year from elementary school through high school, even though much of the material has already been covered.
Instead of constant repetition, I recommend a mastery approach, where students learn concepts once and then build on them with increasingly advanced applications.
2. English Doesn't Feel Relevant
Many grammar exercises ask students to identify parts of speech in random, disconnected sentences.
Children naturally remember information better when it's part of a meaningful story.
That's why Grammar Galaxy teaches grammar through an ongoing adventure in which students help save the English language from a mischievous gremlin. Story transforms grammar from an abstract exercise into something memorable and engaging.
3. Grammar Requires Abstract Thinking
Grammar asks students to think abstractly about language—something many children aren't developmentally ready to do until middle school.
Kids aren't just remembering:
- letter sounds
- word meanings
- vocabulary
They're also learning to identify the different jobs words perform in a sentence.
Introducing grammar gently—and without making children feel like they're failing—helps preserve their confidence until they're ready to use these concepts more naturally.
4. English Isn't Fun
Learning sticks when it's enjoyable.
Humor, stories, games, and active learning all increase engagement and help students remember what they've learned.
Some student favorites in Grammar Galaxy include:
- humorous stories
- synonym and antonym mix-ups
- active games
- comedy writing
Learning doesn't have to be boring to be effective.
5. English Feels Too Hard
One of the biggest surprises in my homeschool was discovering that my children's biggest obstacle wasn't grammar at all.
It was handwriting speed.
Because they wrote so slowly, they often forgot what they wanted to say before they could finish writing it down. That frustration affected writing and even math assignments.
Some simple solutions include:
- handwriting speed drills
- dictation exercises
- allowing children to dictate responses before handwriting becomes automatic
Children are far more motivated when work feels challenging—but achievable.
One simple trick is to begin with material that's easier than you think they need. Early success builds confidence and encourages continued learning.
Resources Mentioned
📖 Free Grammar Galaxy Samples
Try Grammar Galaxy with your reluctant learner:
https://funtolearnbooks.com/samples
📚 Grammar Galaxy Placement Test
Find the best starting level for your child:
📝 Grammar Concepts by Level
See what is taught in each volume:
Have a Question?
I'd love to hear from you!
Leave a comment below and let me know:
What does your child dislike most about English?
Listen to the Episode Here
Why Kids Hate English (and What to Do About It)
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Until next time…
Have a happy homeschool week!
