Photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash
Being able to read is fundamental when it comes to learning a new language, and being a part of a book club is a great way for ESL students to be exposed to new words and concepts. A book club offers adult ESL learners a variety of benefits, including the following:
Expansion of Vocabulary
With every book a student reads, they are introduced to new or unfamiliar words. While participating in a book club, they will be able to ask the instructor what each of these new words means and learn how they are used in context. When they read out loud, they will also be able to learn how the word is pronounced. The more words a person is exposed to, the more they will expand their vocabulary.
There are words in the English language that have multiple meanings or sound similar to other words with different meanings. A book club can help students recognize what those words look like in print. After they have learned the definition of a word, by seeing that word used in a book, they’ll have a better understanding of how words are used to create meaning.
The more a student reads, the more they are exposed to how sentences are constructed, which can help them when it comes to their own writing. This is a skill that is used in many different areas of life, including the work place.
Not only can a book club help students learn how to pronounce words, but as they discuss the meaning of the story, this allows them how to formulate questions and express opinions about the work. They also learn how to listen to and appreciate others’ opinions while engaging in discussions.
As students read more, their reading fluency will improve. This opens up exposure to more words and ideas, which can increase the rate in which they learn English.
When it comes to book clubs for ESL learners, they aren’t structured like a typical book club. The students will all read the same book, but more often than not, they aren’t taking the book home and reading it on their own. They meet with an instructor at set times during the week and read the book together.
The purpose of this is to ensure that students not only hear the correct pronunciation of words and have unfamiliar words defined for them, but the meetings also help students understand what’s going on in the story and learn about the intricacies of the English language.
Reading is a fundamental part of any language, and book clubs create an environment that is inclusive and open for students to express themselves and learn the basics. These skills can then be taken into other areas of life, including the work place.
Not only will reading help when it comes to safety signs or understanding the employee manual or other documentation, but students will also gain experience in expressing ideas and opinions, which can be beneficial when interacting with coworkers or supervisors.
Book clubs don’t necessarily feel like a traditional class, which can be incredibly important when it comes to learning English. Sometimes, things need to feel “fun” for a person to truly comprehend the lesson. By participating in a book club, students are exposed to the world in words, and this can help them learn a new language and express themselves in every aspect of life.
Improved Comprehension
There are words in the English language that have multiple meanings or sound similar to other words with different meanings. A book club can help students recognize what those words look like in print. After they have learned the definition of a word, by seeing that word used in a book, they’ll have a better understanding of how words are used to create meaning.
Improved Writing Skills
The more a student reads, the more they are exposed to how sentences are constructed, which can help them when it comes to their own writing. This is a skill that is used in many different areas of life, including the work place.
Improved Oral Skills
Not only can a book club help students learn how to pronounce words, but as they discuss the meaning of the story, this allows them how to formulate questions and express opinions about the work. They also learn how to listen to and appreciate others’ opinions while engaging in discussions.
Improved Reading Fluency
As students read more, their reading fluency will improve. This opens up exposure to more words and ideas, which can increase the rate in which they learn English.
Not Your Traditional Book Club
When it comes to book clubs for ESL learners, they aren’t structured like a typical book club. The students will all read the same book, but more often than not, they aren’t taking the book home and reading it on their own. They meet with an instructor at set times during the week and read the book together.
The purpose of this is to ensure that students not only hear the correct pronunciation of words and have unfamiliar words defined for them, but the meetings also help students understand what’s going on in the story and learn about the intricacies of the English language.
Reading is a fundamental part of any language, and book clubs create an environment that is inclusive and open for students to express themselves and learn the basics. These skills can then be taken into other areas of life, including the work place.
Not only will reading help when it comes to safety signs or understanding the employee manual or other documentation, but students will also gain experience in expressing ideas and opinions, which can be beneficial when interacting with coworkers or supervisors.
Book clubs don’t necessarily feel like a traditional class, which can be incredibly important when it comes to learning English. Sometimes, things need to feel “fun” for a person to truly comprehend the lesson. By participating in a book club, students are exposed to the world in words, and this can help them learn a new language and express themselves in every aspect of life.
