In this paper, I discussed the benefits of using children’s literature in English language and global citizenship education. In conclusion, I will summarize the discussion and add some supplementary explanations.
English language education in Japan now faces an enormous challenge. Japanese students must increase English language proficiency to levels that match international standards. Young EFL learners should be provided with more opportunities to immerse themselves to engage with the English language both inside and outside the classroom. In this regard, Krashen (2004), who proposed free voluntary reading based on his Comprehension Hypothesis, may be useful. Krashen described free voluntary reading as “reading that is easily comprehensible and compelling, reading that the reader selects...reading that is done with no testing...no book reports, but its own sake, for pleasure” (Krashen 71). Children’s literature provides appropriate material for this type of free voluntary reading. It has a long tradition, and works of diverse language levels and genres are readily available.The recent, remarkable development of ICT technologies provides favorable conditions for encouraging free voluntary reading of children’s literature. EFL learners can freely access many types of children’s literature on the Internet. Further, the production of e-books has rapidly increased and bestselling books are available for purchase at reasonable prices.Using children’s literature can also be helpful in teacher training programs. One might say that good EFL teachers are good EFL learners. When they engage in free voluntary reading of children’s literature, they can read for their own pleasure while unconsciously improving their English language abilities. Their renewed joy and confidence will positively affect their teaching.In the next section, I will summarize the second part of my discussion: the benefits of the use of children’s literature in global citizenship education.We now live in a global society. Therefore, the importance of global education is rapidly increasing. In this social context, using children’s literature provides many benefits for global education. Metaphorically, children’s books serve as windows as well as mirrors. They serve as mirrors because they reflect our reality. They serve as windows because they offer avenues to different worlds. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe serves as an example of a window. We can explore Narnia along with the Pevensie siblings. We can also experience Christian worldviews, including the notions of sin, crucifixion, and resurrection. Alternatively, Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! serves as an example of a mirror. When we read this book, we gain new insights into the familiar. We also enhance our empathy for small things such as sparrows. In this English translation of some of the haiku of Kobayashi Issa, Japanese readers can rediscover aspects of these poems that they had not noticed in the Japanese originals. They can also deepen their understanding of their own culture.As shown in these two books, children’s literature can play an important role in global citizenship education. It can help deepen an individual’s understanding of his or her own and other cultures.