Storybridge to Second Language Literacy

Storybridge to Second Language Literacy makes a case for using authentic children's literature-alternately also referred to as 'stories' or 'real books'-as the medium of instruction in teaching English toyoung learners particularly in contexts where children must access general curriculum subjects in English.The author first proposes theoretical foundations for the argument that illustrated children's books aresuperior to traditional language teaching courses in the primary school. She builds the case around themotivational power of stories the language and content of quality children's literature and the potential ofliterature to contribute to development of second language academic literacy. She then reviews research ofthe past thirty years that clearly supports her claim. Finally she uses transcripts from real classrooms toillustrate how teachers in diverse contexts make use of stories. Through the classroom vignettes a practicalmodel of literature-based instruction emerges that is adaptable to a wide range of primary school teachingcontexts including English as a second language contexts in core-English countries.Storybridge to Second Language Literacy compiles in one volume solid theoretical foundations for story-based instruction research evidence of thepast thirty years supporting the approach (not currently available in a single source) and extensive classroom vignettes illustrating diverse practicalapplications (not lesson plans).This makes the book valuable for anyone in the field of young learner ELT.MA students in TESOL will find the book useful and will develop an understanding of why and how literature-based instruction works and developinsight to guide their practice. Members of TESOL Elementary Education EFL and Bilingual Education SIGs and IATEFL Young Learner SIG willbe interested in the volume. Instructors of teacher development courses should also find the proposed volume a valuable addition to assigned readings.Each chapter is followed by 'Think about it' questions and 'Try it out' suggestions.