Many language learning guides advice students to go beyond their weekly language software lessons and seek out additional learning from secondary materials. We agree with that opinion. In fact, we’ve recommended building up on reading materials in the target language as supplements for practicing your ability to process information.
Problem is, finding materials suitable for a student’s level is usually hard. Back when I first began learning Italian, for instance, I tried finding online news sites and blogs written in the language, only to realize that understanding them often went beyond my vocabulary stock and comprehension levels.
Most language students need to find alternate reading materials that will support their levels. These suggestions should help:
- Reading textbooks for grade school students. In most cases, your reading skills in a target language will measure right along the same lines as those of grade school students. Start with kindergarten levels (we’re not kidding) and gradually move up until you find your ceiling.
- Blogs for kids. Same concept as above, except you should be able to find plenty of them online. Sure, none of the issues discussed (which could be anywhere from how to make friends in school to how to respond to your parents) might be appealing, but they’re excellent ways to practice reading and comprehension.
- Jokes. Find websites or books in the target language dedicated to jokes and humor. Most of the time, these types of content are written with basic, unsophisticated language – just enough to communicate a bone-tickling and perfect for someone just learning the language.