Comments on: Language Learning Tip #2: Read Children’s Books http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/ A little place for learning languages Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:10:31 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Khatzumoto http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-957 Khatzumoto Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:31:03 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-957 "Nobody sits hunched over a library desk late at night in the dark with a reading light and a six-pack of Red Bull taking detailed notes on “Where’s Spot?”" I love it. Nice one. :D Great advice, great post. “Nobody sits hunched over a library desk late at night in the dark with a reading light and a six-pack of Red Bull taking detailed notes on “Where’s Spot?””

I love it. Nice one. :D
Great advice, great post.

]]> By: Nitty http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-829 Nitty Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:19:37 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-829 I actually find children's books hard to use and not that rewarding because, as an adult learner, I really want to become conversational with other adults. Children's books use a lot of vocabulary that doesn't come up that frequently in regular conversation. As you point out, it's great to catch up on the language you missed, but, really, how often do you want to say "ready-set-go" and "birdie"? I'd rather spend that time learning more useful vocabulary and then circle back to it once I've already accomplished my primary goals and can hold a decent conversation. Just my approach - of course everyone has different methods and goals. Really I wish books existed that had the grammatical level of a children's book with the vocab/content of an adult's! I actually find children’s books hard to use and not that rewarding because, as an adult learner, I really want to become conversational with other adults. Children’s books use a lot of vocabulary that doesn’t come up that frequently in regular conversation. As you point out, it’s great to catch up on the language you missed, but, really, how often do you want to say “ready-set-go” and “birdie”? I’d rather spend that time learning more useful vocabulary and then circle back to it once I’ve already accomplished my primary goals and can hold a decent conversation. Just my approach – of course everyone has different methods and goals. Really I wish books existed that had the grammatical level of a children’s book with the vocab/content of an adult’s!

]]> By: thomas http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-496 thomas Sat, 22 Nov 2008 23:05:42 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-496 @J: Thanks! As for rhythmic French books, since you are fluent in French I'd suggest searching google for some French parenting forums, and asking on there. @J: Thanks! As for rhythmic French books, since you are fluent in French I’d suggest searching google for some French parenting forums, and asking on there.

]]> By: J http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-494 J Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:00:32 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-494 Another excellent tip, Thomas! We have a wee one on the way, and to prep the little guy/girl for a bilingual life, we've been reading French baby books out loud. However, I haven't been able to find books in French that have the same bouncy cadence that Dr. Seuss books have. I read that infants respond well to rhythms. If anybody knows of any, please let me know! Another excellent tip, Thomas!

We have a wee one on the way, and to prep the little guy/girl for a bilingual life, we’ve been reading French baby books out loud. However, I haven’t been able to find books in French that have the same bouncy cadence that Dr. Seuss books have. I read that infants respond well to rhythms. If anybody knows of any, please let me know!

]]> By: thomas http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-487 thomas Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:26:06 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-487 @Diane: Thanks. Yes, it is a lot of fun. I've learned so many things just from reading to my son. We have English books too of course, but he's the one who chooses which ones he wants to read, not me :) So I end up reading Japanese books to him half the time. @Diane: Thanks. Yes, it is a lot of fun. I’ve learned so many things just from reading to my son. We have English books too of course, but he’s the one who chooses which ones he wants to read, not me :) So I end up reading Japanese books to him half the time.

]]> By: Diane http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/comment-page-1/#comment-486 Diane Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:55:54 +0000 http://babelhut.com/study-methods/language-learning-tip-2-read-childrens-books/#comment-486 I use children's books all the time with my high school French students. Language in context is more meaningful, and there are often patterns in children's books that are helpful to language learners. Besides, it's a lot of fun! Great post :-) I use children’s books all the time with my high school French students. Language in context is more meaningful, and there are often patterns in children’s books that are helpful to language learners. Besides, it’s a lot of fun! Great post :-)

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