Using Storybooks to teach Young Learners How to Write

Abstract

The group of students I seek to address is twelve- to thirteen-year-old elementary school students who are in fifth and sixth grade. The target learners’ proficiency is from level Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid (ACTFL). This book is intended to be used in reading classes in private English schools. This textbook integrates a Process-Genre approach to writing in combination with an intensive reading element. With the support of the teacher, students will read texts and complete intensive activities to familiarize them with the language and content of the books, and then moves on to raise awareness of the target genres. Students will learn what features they need to look for to understand the text. Texts types in this book include fiction, nonfiction, and folktales. This book also includes support for writing by going through the stages of the writing process. While completing most activities, students work with peers in pairs and groups. At the end of each Unit, students are asked to read extensively at home to further enjoy the genre and even watch related videos for fun. Due to the needs of my target group, I believe my textbook will help students learn how to cope with new genres by becoming aware of their moves and the linguistic knowledge needed to be able to comprehend and produce similar texts. This textbook seeks to prepare younger students for a lifetime of reading and writing.