Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Is it important for young English language learners to read dual language text?

It can be helpful for learners to read texts in both languages. It can provide a quick reference to aid comprehension and fosters an appreciation of the languages. It can be used creatively as a shared reading teaching tool in a bilingual setting. However, it is not a necessary part of learning the language. Often young learners will read one language and ignore the other. Additionally, if the majority language is English, this tends to reduce the desire to read in a minority language. Controversially, English quite frequently becomes the favoured language of choice due to its dominance/status in environments where English is widely used.


More articles from our blog

Created: Sat 17th May 2014

A School Language Profile is an invaluable tool!

In the previous article we looked at the thorny issue of EAL learners with specific learning differences (SpLD).  We discussed how identification of SpLD in EAL learners could be a long and frustrating process.  We looked at some possible, non-language based assessments.  At the end of the article we discussed the possibility of using a ‘language profile’ to help identify possible concerns at an early stage.

Teacher with young students
Created: Thu 24th Sep 2026

"Sawasdee krub!” 
“nǐ hǎo!” 
“Hello!” 
“Annyeonghaseyo!”

As a leader of an international school setting over the last decade, my fluency in saying ‘hello’ in multiple languages has only improved! Taking advice and guidance from families and the community has made a huge difference in creating an important sense of belonging, not only for the children but the parents, too. 

Language learning game for induction-to-English
Created: Thu 28th Feb 2019

In cases where you have an absolute beginner to English, an induction-to-English is supportive. Yes, we need to be differentiating for the Curriculum Access in class too, but let's help our learners with some of the basics in a regular small group or one-to-one supportive English learning session...

Back to Blog