Considerations on the use of Authentic Children's and Youth Literature in the Foreign Language Classroom

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/736664895

Abstract

When teaching language courses, there are many considerations to keep in mind when deciding if non-textbook literature should to be included in the curriculum. Factors influencing this decision include authenticity, text difficulty, the target audience's age and language level, and implementation in a world where technology is changing how we read. The purpose of this research is to examine the validity of using authentic children's and youth literature in a college level foreign language classroom in order to increase students' understanding of the target language. The importance of authenticity will be discussed, followed by the reasoning behind using children's literature, including picture books, to teach older students linguistic and cultural content. Because it is changing how we read, the use of technology to enhance literature's implementation will also be presented. To provide a practical basis for this topic, sample classroom activities for two different German children's books will be included.

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