Why Reading Matters Especially for Children Learning a Second Language

When children grow up in multilingual or international environments, learning to read in a second language becomes an important part of their education. But reading in another language isn’t easy. In fact, researchers say it’s one of the hardest skills to master, especially when aiming for strong, confident reading abilities.

One researcher, Grabe (2002), points out that reading in a second language takes a lot of work. It is not just about knowing the words. It’s also about knowing why we read and how to read with a clear purpose.  In his study, Grabe explains that people read for different reasons. He describes four main purposes for reading. Each of these purposes comes with its own strategies to help the reader understand the text better. For example, someone reading for fun might approach a story differently than someone reading to learn new information.

Understanding the purpose behind reading helps children use the right tools to get what they need from a book. It also shows us that reading is more than just recognizing words. It involves thinking carefully, using the right strategies, and connecting what we read to the world around us.  Grabe also highlights that reading doesn’t happen in isolation. Social experiences like reading with friends, listening to a teacher read aloud, or talking about books at home play an important role. All of this together helps children become fluent readers.

As we work to promote children’s literature across Africa and beyond, it is important to remember that teaching children how to read is just as important as giving them something to read. When children understand why they are reading and have the tools to help them along the way, reading becomes a meaningful and joyful part of their lives.