Welcome to Northern Virginia Dynamic English
Northern Virginia Dynamic English (NVDE) is a volunteer run information-based website for English Language Learner (ELL) communities in Northern Virginia (NOVA). The goal of the NVDE website is to present information including online resources, experienced-based teacher articles, list of local NOVA ESL classes and more! If you would like to find out how you can help NVDE, volunteer, submit an article/website or need more information, please contact us.
Improve Reading and Comprehension Through Children’s Literature
For children and adults learning a foreign language, reading is key to comprehension. Research shows those who read most, read best. Developing a lifelong habit of reading is fundamental in helping students succeed. In acquiring a second language, reading is just the beginning of opening the door of comprehension orally but especially written. How can one write if he cannot read?
Reading improves grammar, exposing “rich, organized, interesting language model”. The written language is more structured and complicated in comparison to conversational language which can be imprecise, rambling, less grammatically correct and less organized. [Trelease, 41]
Let us explore the following topics: how to motivate reading, what to read and consider series books in children’s literature.
How do you motivate your students or family to read?
Encourage students to create a rich literary environment by surrounding themselves with books, magazines, newspapers in English. Have reading material readily available for down time like waiting in line, or in a car. Independent educational consultants for Usborne Books and More often emphasize the three B’s for encouragement:
Baskets/Boxes – have them by the kitchen, the bathroom and the bedside filled with books. I also keep books in my car for travel time treats for family as well as myself.
Bonding time – reading aloud creates family bonding, it models to the family that reading is fun, important and interesting. Plus even by yourself reading aloud does wonders for proficiency and fluency.
Bedtime reading – allow an extra 30 minutes to relax and catch up on reading after a long day. For children, the extra minutes along with a reading light is a treat and seen as a special privilege.
What to read?
Read what interests you or what you would like to discover. I have often heard living abroad that when acquiring a new language, one acquires a new identity as well. One learns a new language and a new culture, and inwardly, a new perspective, appreciation and new forms of expression. Reading as an ESL student allows the opportunity to re-invent, invest in and explore oneself. It opens up a world of possibilities.