Exploring Children's Picture Storybooks with Adult and Adolescent EFL Learners

This article presents a theoretical framework to support the use of children's picture storybooks in teaching EFL to adults and adolescents. The author presents ways to use these books, addresses the twin goals of teaching mechanics and culture, and includes a list of books and a wide variety of activities that EFL teachers can use to effectively teach adult and adolescent learners. The author explains that the narrative of a good children's book flows with a steady rhythm that makes it an excellent read-aloud. Whatever the medium, children's book illustrations create a bond between the reader's eyes and ears. Wherever possible, EFL teaching and learning should include viewing and critical analysis of text/print, color, pictures, icons, photographs, graphics, movement, sound, and music. When instructors have little or no access to technology or print resources, picture storybooks can help them introduce and blend the skills of viewing and representing. In settings where the Internet and technology are available, EFL teachers can use picture storybooks to introduce the important roles that color, shape, design, and texture play in comprehension and communication.