While exploring various ways to
encourage second-year university students in a teacher-training program
to read more in English, I began having them read books for children.
To make the activity relevant to their future careers, the students
were asked to read the books with younger learners. This required multiple
skills beyond just reading as often the language (from English to Czech)
had to be adapted by the university students for the children and the
stories invariably led to discussions. For the university students is
was a novel and enriching experience that motivated them to think more
about methodology. For the children, it was a delight to have young
adults take the time to read to them and help them with their emerging
English. |