As autumn turns to winter and the nights get longer, it is now a good time to make use of your time indoors by reading.
At 3R English School, we strongly encourage English students to read lots of English, in addition to their class work and homework.
As an English student or parent of a young learner, you might wonder why reading is so important. Perhaps you want to do it but are confused as to where to start or which books you should read.
"I study English in class and do all my English homework. Why do I need to read English books as well?"
The classwork and homework that you practise, are only the fundamentals of learning the English language!
Reading English fiction or nonfiction books in your spare time is how you build upon and improve all the skills you have been taught. You will learn important vocabulary, improve your spelling, and become a much more articulate English speaker. There is the added bonus of learning a subject too and becoming a more open-minded person.
“I don’t understand everything. Can I read English books with Japanese translation?”
In a short word: no. We don’t recommend this.
There are multiple reasons why books with Japanese translations are a bad idea:
1. To be a good English speaker, you really need to be able to think in English, not pause and work out the meaning of everything. This is a fundamental problem with learning English generally in Japan (which we have spoken about many times previously).
2. The Japanese translations are not accurate. Hiragana and Katakana do not use the same phonic or sound system as English. They are counterproductive to your speaking ability and will actually impede your progress.
3. Being comfortable with not knowing everything is realistic in everyday life and normal in learning a new language, such as English. Understanding comes with patience and practice.
"Where is the best place to buy an English book from?"
Fortunately at 3R English, we do have a small children’s library. There is a good variety of English books to suit every level of our students. Please make use of this library and instruct your child to ask the teacher for a book, should you need one.
Alternative places are your local bookshop or online retailers such as Amazon. Searching for books on Amazon.co.uk will enable you to search by age and by CEFR level. You can then often locate the same book on Amazon.co.jp.
There are many used English books also on Mercari in good condition if you are looking for something cheaper.
“There are so many books to choose from! How do I choose the right English book for me?”
It can be daunting trying to find suitable English reading material online, so knowing your current level is useful. Your current Callan English stage level or your EIKEN or TOEIC score equivalent CEFR will also help you find books.
Some useful ways of searching are by:
1. Searching in English
2. Search for school grade or year. E.g., '4th grade English book’
3. Search by your English level. E.g., CEFR B1, etc.
4. Search by subject or topic. E.g., ’English short stories’, ‘English astronomy book’, ‘Dr. Suess beginner’s English book’.
“How often should I read English?”
As the saying goes, 'Practice makes perfect.' Reading English should be a regular, daily habit, like taking exercise or brushing your teeth. 20 minutes a day minimum is a good starting point.
“I find reading English difficult. What should I do?"
Even when reading in your own native language, you will always see words that you don’t know. In fact, if you do understand every word, the book level is arguably too low, as you are missing the opportunity to increase your vocabulary.
It is therefore absolutely normal for English learners to not know everything they are reading! We would say that 5-6 difficult words per page is acceptable.
1. Use a dictionary or translation app for new words or grammar. You can do this by marking each word or page with a 'Post-It', for example, or underlining it in pencil, and then checking the meaning before you read on.
2. To remember the word and its spelling, write it down in a notebook for future reference.
3. Think of your own sentence in your head, using this new word. This will increase your chances of remembering it and being able to use it yourself.
If you follow these guidelines and prioritise English reading as part of your studies, you will make more progress, more quickly.
Since Christmas is not far away, why not put a book on your list for Santa?
(If you have been good this year, of course.)
Richard & Miyako
Ofuna, Yokohama City.
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