Children read picture books and adults read novels. That’s developmentally correct, right?
In your first language, I would agree. If you’re learning a second language as an adult, make sure to consider what ‘developmental’ age your second language is when choosing books to read.
Developmental Age of Second Language
Remember, in order to reproduce language, you have to understand it first.
It takes time for vocabulary to develop enough to understand a language, in any form written or spoken.
Children learning their first language take years to be able to communicate and aren’t fluent for years more after that. They are learning physical skills as well, but keep in mind how long that skill took them with their brain primed to learn.
Quick Note on Text Levels
Elementary school reading teachers are taught there are 3 text levels related to reading.
There’s the independent reading level, instructional level, and frustrational level.
Each level is determined by the student’s ability to accurately read an amount of the text.
Independent level means a student can accurately read at least 95% of text.
Instructional level is 90-94% accurate.
Frustration level is anything below 90%. Keep that percentage in mind when considering your second language reading levels.
Reading Level Expectations
I wouldn’t expect a first year student in German to read a 1000 page novel in German right away. That skill is appropriate for higher level German students due to the vocabulary and language nuances involved. It can even be challenging for native English speakers!
As hard as it might be on your dignity, I recommend starting with toddler and preschool picture books.
Those help adult language learners the same way they help toddlers and preschoolers learn the language. Pictures aid context, useful vocabulary, and of course words are simple enough.
If you disagree, find your favorite novel (no pictures allowed!) in a new -to -you language and try to read it.
You could probably pick out character names and some words but how many would you have to look up before it became too frustrating?
It doesn’t matter if you’re using Google translate or a dictionary, at what point would you copy and paste the whole text and just read it in English?
That defeats the entire purpose of reading in the new language!
Different Reading Options
If you can’t get access to picture books, or you are really bothered by the idea of reading books for little kids, consider some other options.
- News articles or blog posts are great shorter text options! They’re typically shorter and about current events so context is easier to pick up. They can use more slang or unfamiliar words so keep that in mind.
- Children chapter books like early readers are not as simple as picture books but not as difficult to read as novels.
- Graphic novels are another great option as they can be like adult picture books with context provided! Their stories are not as simple and can keep your interest longer.
- There are also novels that have English on one side and your target language. Book stores have these for novels and short stories. These dual language books can work, but I often find myself reading the English side more.
At the End of the Day
In regards to language development, adults can and should read childrens’ books for practice, vocabulary growth, and even some laughs (we could all use more laughter!).
At the end of the day, is your priority to learn another language or to read that novel in German? Hint: one goal will help you with the other!
