engleski

Chapter Books

This thesis deals with chapter books. It explains what chapter books are and considers their usefulness and possibilities of implementation in the context of teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) to young learners. This thesis also consider how chapter books affect the literacy of native speakers and of Croatian pupils. It is presumed that reading is the main source of information and a valid educational goal, so this paper explains what it means to be literate and explores the role of the teacher in acquiring literacy, especially in a foreign language. It describes the role of the teacher in creating independent readers and discusses whether chapter books should be adapted for young EFL learners and what the adaptation of original texts brings. The results of the study conducted in two Croatian schools regarding the suitability of chapter books for pupils of third, fourth and fifth grade are presented. The aim of the study was to find whether students in Croatian schools are able to understand literary works which are written for native speakers and the importance of illustrations for the comprehension of the plot. The results show that pupils understand original works of literature, but thev have some difficulties with the vocabulary in individual books. It is concluded that chapter books can be used, but they need to be carefully selected in accordance with students' knowledge and needs, and that special teaching materials should be prepared prior to their implementation.

chapter book; reading; comprehension; literacy; English as a foreign language (EFL)

nije evidentirano