Connecting reading and writing using children's literature in the university L2 classroom

Abstract

This article investigates the potential benefits of using children’s literature in adult second language (L2) classrooms. A short-term, intensive university course for English reading and writing was designed incorporating children’s literature into the curriculum. The author describes the course and discusses how children’s literature can be used to improve students’ linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional skills. Both the teacher’s and students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the use of children’s literature in such a context are addressed. The author concludes that with adults in the L2 classroom, children’s literature can be used as a model for student writing, can engage students in critical thinking, and can be a springboard for meaningful discussions and creative composition. Finally, the author provides suggestions of how language teachers can integrate reading and writing instruction, as well as critical thinking, using children’s literature with adults in L2 classrooms.