Learning English As A Second Language: What To Read

“To have another language is to possess a second soul.” – Charlemagne

(lehman.edu)

When learning a new language—whether in a classroom or a non-traditional atmosphere—reading is always important. Learning to communicate verbally is also crucial; some people watch television to learn phonetics, or they read aloud to practice pronunciation. Of course, writing is a whole other challenge when it comes to learning English as a second language. Some informative and helpful books for ESL learners include:

• The Oxford Picture Dictionary (1998) has definitions of words complete with brilliant images that promote comprehension. With over 4,000 words and phrases, this book is a must for those learning English as a second language.

• Let’s Go! is a series of educational texts for children. With a focus on language skills, these books help to build a foundation for reading and basic writing.

• Alphabeti-cool by Rebecca Bielawski (2013) guides beginner readers through the alphabet.

“Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” 

– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Fiction Classics and Originals from FCP for Beginners

• The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss (1957) is essential for those learning the notion of rhyming; it’s simple, fun and straightforward.
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown (1947) is another classic children’s favorite that has proven beneficial for those learning to read English.

• Kip the Letter X by Kim Patrick (with illustrations by Joseph Cowman) is a Full Cycle Publications original and deals with that elusive letter X. A tricky letter to learn, this is wonderful for ESL students as it addresses something that can be quite difficult when learning the English alphabet: the purpose of “X.”

• Z is for Zebra: A Mosaic Menagerie by Judith Caseley (another Full Cycle Publications original) is ideal for young children learning to read and is also a wonderful tool for students learning English as a second language. Because it delves into the alphabet with great detail, the building blocks of language are there and can be accessed easily. 

Z is for Zebra is “A delight for the mind and a visual feast for young book lovers and their parents. Each page features an alphabet letter and a highly colorful animal mosaic along with quirky, funny memorable phrases. Using glass tile, pebbles, and found materials instead of her usual paints and brushes, Caseley’s words and pictures celebrate the imagination of every child, weaving her magic for the youngest would-be zoologist. It appeals to a young child’s shorter attention span and innate love for animals and color. From jeweled starfish to bright butterflies, comic giraffes to venomous vipers, this book is sure to be one your child will cherish.”

For more information on titles mentioned in this blog, visit the following links:

• https://www.esljobexchange.com/5-must-have-esl-books-for-young-learners/
• https://bilingualkidspot.com/2019/06/11/esl-english-learning-books-for-kids-beginners/
• https://freekidsbooks.org/english_level_esl/
• https://prepeng.com/read-childrens-books-in-english-esl/

For more information on original works from Full Cycle Publications mentioned in this blog, consult the website along with the links below:

• https://www.fullcyclepublications.com/product/kip-the-letter-x/
• https://www.fullcyclepublications.com/product/z-is-for-zebra-a-mosaic-menagerie/