Young learners’ reading and writing experiences of a second/foreign language : the Maltese and Finnish context

Abstract

The case study presented in this chapter focuses on reading and writing activities and events experienced by a group of 9 to 12 year-old children learning English in Malta and Finland. The objectives of the case study were to: find out about teachers’ classroom practices related to reading and writing in English as a second/foreign language; collect information about children’s reading and writing experiences in the second/foreign language provided within the classroom context; compare language learning experiences in both countries. It was anticipated that having collected information from teachers and children, insights into children’s English reading and writing experiences would be obtained and compared to claims teachers make about the language experiences provided. From such information, one could tentatively infer how the language environment and experiences being offered to children can help them use the second/foreign language beyond the classroom context.