Using Picture Books to Teach a Foreign Language – This Week’s Teaching Tip

A Friday activity I share with my seventh grade, foreign language students of Spanish is a well-known Dr. Seuss book. Naturally most of his books are well-known, but this one is extremely popular. I present key points of Oh The Places You Will Go, 1990 by Theodor S. Geisel and Audrey S. Geisel, in a bilingual version that I created for classroom purposes. Nothing warms the heart or widens young eyes more than the mere mention of a Dr. Seuss book.

The reason this particular Dr. Seuss book is so loved is because people of all ages appreciate the life messages that resonate throughout the illustrative pages. Of course, I can’t forget to display Dr. Seuss’ unique and hilarious illustrations to my classes along with the phrases from the book.

When my students first have a glimpse of the cover, many of they exclaim, “Oh that’s my favorite book!”

The written words of widom in this book have even been presented at graduation events. The book’s messages pull the reader into a journey of self-empowerment and the will to persevere.

The Spanish version to this book is called Oh Cuan Lejos Llegaras, translated by Aida E. Marcuse, Lectorum Publications INC, 1993. When I demonstrate this book bilingually, I target key pages that emphasize major life events. For example, the beginning illustrates to readers that today is a great day to accomplish great things. This focuses on the idea that each day brings new hopes, so pursue your dreams.

In the middle section of the book, I discuss “the waiting place.” Sometimes in life it seems like you are just waiting for something to happen. Waiting to find out about a grade, waiting to find out if you made a team, waiting to find out if you made a part in a play, or waiting for an important phone call.

Closer to the end of the book, we discuss how life can turn scary at times, but then you will go forward and confront your problems. These are life experiences that young adults in this age range are able to easily relate to.

Dr. Seuss’ closing lines are the most powerful, upbeat words in the book. “And will you succeed? Yes you will indeed! (98 and 3/4 guaranteed.) Kid you will move mountains.!” At this point, I make students aware that the rhyming words in English are not necessarily the same ones that rhyme in Spanish. They can hear this when I read the paired phrases in both languages.

On a realistic note, as excited as many 12 and 13-year olds are about reading Dr. Seuss books, there are some that may view the presentation as corny or react like they are being babied. Still, the majority of young adults and children listen quietly with wide-eyed stares to these powerful words of wisdom. That is why Dr. Seuss and his works will always be timeless classics.

After I finish presenting this book to my students, there appears to be a feeling of reflection and appreciation in the air. I am always amazed how I could hear a pin drop during the brief moment of silence in the room.

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