Use dual-language books to boost your child's literacy. Part 1

A fun way for a child or independent reader to enjoy and succeed with “reading” and learning a second language is with the use of dual books.

These unique books have same text in two different languages in each page and while readers explore a second language compare it with their own they start out on a path toward fluency in their new language.

Readers soon discover that they don’t need to learn every single new word that they encounter in the second language. As unfamiliar words reappear in the context of the story, readers will pick up their meaning effortlessly just as they pick up and understand new words in their own language.

Learn about the many benefits of dual-language books. Find out HOW you can use your first language to boost your child’s English and/or Spanish reading and comprehension.

Is English your second language?

How does knowledge of first language help my child learn English?

1. Continued development of the first language supports linguistic and cognitive development in English; some experts warn that children who stop developing their first language before they have become fluent in the second may not have enough proficiency in either language to perform academic tasks

What is Linguistic development? Linguistic development, also known as language development, refers to a process that begins VERY EARLY IN LIFE and every leads to the development of a child's language skills. As an adult, this process is more structured as you learn the second and 3rd language.

What is Cognitive development? Cognitive development refers to the construction of a thought process that includes problem solving, remembering and the ability to make decisions from childhood up to the adulthood stage. This ability to learn, reason and analyze the fact that a process begins from infancy and progresses as the individual grows. It involves activities that are concious intellectual like thinking and remembering.

2. It allows children to think, talk, read and write at a higher level than if they were limited to using English only

3. Children who already have knowledge of one language have a useful tool when learning a new language

Source: Peel District School Board and Barron’s Educational

To learn more about the interesting bilingual stories in Lets Read! in Spanish and English series. CLICK HERE

Why is it that young adults still prefer Printed Books vs eBooks ?

Today’s young adults are always up to date on the newest fads, knowledge of the best apps,  and latest viral videos - thanks to the extended reach of the technologically advanced world we now live in. However, recent research shows that one trend that hasn’t quite become so popular is the transition from traditional print books to eBooks. According to a recent survey from The Guardian[1], 62% of young adults’ ages 16-24 years old prefer traditional books over electronic books. This statistic may seem very surprising to many given the constant rate of change in taste in today’s popular culture, the pace at which young people are exposed to the latest trends, and how quickly they adapt to it and make it their own.

Now you may be wondering; how is this possible in today’s culture? Well, according to Luck Mitchell of Agency Voxburner - his research suggests that these young adults prefer print media as they feel there is more emotional and monetary value that can be extracted from hardcopy books as oppose to eBooks. Additionally, individuals from this group also indicated that they prefer to physically hold the product, as their mobile or tablet devices restrict product utility, packaging preferences, resale value and ease of sharing.

Another striking statistic lies in young adults’ preference in physical vs. virtual products; where most youngsters prefer hard copy versions of newspapers, magazines, movies, etc. Although both mediums serve their purpose of conveying a story and message through words, the emotional attachment to print books far outweighs the convenience of eBooks. Readers who pride themselves on their vast book collections tend to lean towards the side of printed books, as there is mere satisfaction in looking at a packed bookshelf. Therefore, the physicality of owning printed books as oppose to having them stored electronically in one place - although quite convenient, loses some of its pizazz to these avid readers.

All in all however, although eBooks represent another facet of where the world of technology is headed, it is important to note that not every new trend will be replacing the value of traditional media such as printed books.