"Reading on pillows": How to encourage small children to read in foreign languages

Abstract

One of the most successful projects of Children's Literature Department is "Reading on pillows" for children 3 to 6 years old, when children listen and discuss picture-books in English, French, German, Italian, Chinese etc. Sitting on pillows helps children to feel comfortable and they actively participate in discussion, learn their first foreign n words, sing and dance. The main goal is to inspire children's curiosity, to let them "taste" foreign language and culture and to ensure small children that reading in foreign languages is exiting and not very difficult. As a result we get many new devoted readers, both children and adults. The project is simple but very effective. It is easy to reproduce and could be considered as a good example of the best library practices.