If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read more fairy tales. (Albert Einstein) They are many reasons why we should read our children fairy tales, but experts seem unable to agree whether we should start reading fairy tales to children at a very young age or not. This discussion becomes more difficult when we think of teaching fairy tales in a language class. In my opinion, we should start as early as possible. Of course, the choice of the tale, the objectives, the language, and the activities should be graded for each age group. Today, I will share some reasons why we should use fairy tales in a foreign language classroom (two parts) and in my next posts, I will share some activities. 1. Fairy tales help show children how to manage problems Sometimes we struggle to teach children how they should deal with problems they may face when learning a language. Making use of fairy tales might a powerful tool to teach them how to deal with these problems. 2. Fairy tales help children build emotional resilience Not everything is perfect in learning a foreign language in the classroom, as it is not in real life. If we build an environment to show children that good and bad things happen, and that these problems are part of the learning process, they will develop a positive attitude towards learning in general, and will become stronger emotionally. 3. Fairy tales help teach critical thinking skills We, as teachers, can use either good or bad fairy tales and expose children to guided conversation about these aspects. They will help children develop critical thinkings skills. 4. Fairy tales help develop children's imagination I have always believed that fantasy, fun, and imagination help develop creativity. Fairy tales help children use them all and become more creative than they actually are. 5. Fairy tales help teach lessons All teachers who teach children know we teach more than a language.Fairy tales might help us deal with some delicate lessons and morals that arise in the classes. 6. Fairy tales help children's development Fairy tales may be similar to children's development, as they have many layers of meaning. If you use the same fairy tale at different ages with the same students, they will grasp the different meaning. This may be similar to learning a new language - the struggles against difficult times is unavoidable, but if they face the hardships and overcome obstacles, they will meet victory in the end, and be prepared to move to another level of development. 7. Fairy tales help teach cultural literacy When you read fairy tales to children, it helps them develop their imagination, as they may include different cultures and ways of doing things. They also teach children about cultural differences in the world outside their own, which is essential when learning a foreign language. They will develop a curiosity to learn about new things, places, people. 8. Fairy tales help teach stories Fairy tales teach children how to understand the meaning and power behind storytelling. Hearing a fairy tale over and over again will help children develop their own storytelling skills, for instance, tell a story in the correct order, pay attention to details, characters etc, either in the mother or foreign language. 9. Fairy tales help teach children move beyond their comfort zones Some fairy tales can inspire children to be open to explore danger and confront it - both real and imaginary danger - which is very important when they are learning a foreign language. Also, they can help children understand individuality, but also the importance of supporting one another. Collaboration is a powerful skill, not only in learning a language, but also in their future work environment. 10. They are great fun! If your objective is to use fairy tales to teach language, lessons, moral, culture, etc, you cannot also deny that it is great fun to sit with children around and simply read fairy tales. Their excitement and smiles when you come with a book to read, and the fun you will all have when you disappear in another world inside the fairy tales will be memorable. So, have fun and enjoy your fairy tale!
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I have been talking to many people recently, and realised that most one them have never read any classic books, either in their mother tongue or in a foreign language. I would say that the benefits of reading in your own language, or when you are studying a second language are the same. I always refer to some of them when talking to my students.
So, why should you read the classics? 1. It increases your vocabulary When reading the classics, you see many words that are not part of your daily life. When you learn new words, you increase your range of vocabulary. This allows you to express yourself in a better way, be able to communicate accurately and create a perception of an intelligent world. 2. It helps you write better Reading the classics is a good way to improve your writing. When reading you end up learning the grammar and style of the author, and that contributes to the development of your own writing. 3. It helps you speak better Reading books that were written by great writers teaches you how to express yourself with clarity and style. It helps you improve the mastery of the language, you become more persuasive, and you have an advantage over less articulate people. 4. It helps you have new ideas Observing the same ideas that other people have generates a repetitive thinking. When reading the classics, you are able to be more inspired and have the opportunity to improve your own creativity. 5. It helps you have an historical perspective A person who just reads newspapers and magazines can only rely on their own time. When reading the classics you broaden your historical perspective and develop a critical sense. The classics are also important to stimulate your mind by knowing the thoughts and experiences of other people from other time. 6. Educational entertainment Reading the classics is a fun pastime. You can find many facts about the history and the vocabulary of the time that the book was written. Another good activity is to look for more modern versions of the classics, and compare the times, historical facts, vocabulary, etc to increase the fun. 7. Sophistication If you like to stand out in conversations among friends, to have knowledge of the classics is essential. You will deepen your ideas and develop a critical sense. 8. More efficient reading Reading several books increases the speed you read. It is also a challenge to read books from different times and themes. If you read several different books, the reading speed will get faster and faster each time. 9. Critical sense If you are a writer or blogger, to ignore the classics is a big mistake. Regardless of the topic you address in your writing, you need to be persuasive and develop your critical sense. The best way to learn is from the masters. Spend some time with the classics and take advantage from them. 10. Culture Reading is an invaluable act of personal and professional development. Reading the classics is a way to access information, and with them, seek changes in the world. Also, universal culture is extremely important to write good texts and be critical. So, what are you waiting for? What is the next book you are going to read? |