Telling the Story of Childhood Second Language Acquisition Through Children's Literature

Abstract

This project combines research with creativity. In an attempt to inform both young and older readers of the experience undergone by second language learning students from foreign countries, research was merged with literature. The research analyzes eight professional research sources surrounding the topics of second language acquisition and acculturation in children. The results are compiled in a literature review matrix. The second portion of research involved recognizing common themes in children's literature surrounding second language acquisition and acculturation. Both picture books and short chapter books were examine. The final portion of the project culminated in writing an original children's fictional chapter book based on common themes from the research findings. The book tells the story of a young girl and her family as she navigates moving from France to English-speaking Texas, and the difficulties and successes she experiences.