Málfríður - 15.03.2008, Blaðsíða 15

MÁLFRÍÐUR 1
suit your students’ particular needs. A simple rule is,
initially, to choose books slightly below the level of
your students’ English. This will reduce any possible
anxiety when reading and build their confidence. If
they find the texts too easy, they can then try a high­
er level. At the end of this article you can read more
about titles available and where to buy them.
Many Danish publishers such as Gyldendal and
Alinea have different readers series. – and these can
be seen at your local Center for Undervisningsmidler
or bookshop. For the past 21 years, I have been lan­
guage consultant and part­owner of the English
Center in Randers where you can find every kind
of international graded reader (mostly published
in England). Although I no longer work there it
is the best place in Denmark to buy readers pub­
lished in England with a choice of over 1000 differ­
ent titles. They have a wonderful web­site (which
I built up myself!!) and of special interest are the
‘Frilæsningspakker’ which I first introduced some
years back but which are extremely popular. There
are packs for every level, and the books chosen are
either bestsellers or new. Great for the busy teacher
or librarian who wants to save time and money
(there is a small discount)
I would like to share with you my considerable
knowledge about some of the readers series pub­
lished in the UK.
Cambridge Story Books – a wonderful series of
readers with 4 levels for young learners (1.­4. klasse).
These books are based on authentic readers – but
professionally abridged and therefore classed as
‘comprehensible input’ but readers feel like they are
reading an authentic text. The illustrations are very
English, and at the lowest levels the books are so
well illustrated, that learners can almost guess the
short sentences that accompany them. Every title is
recorded on CD (one for each level), and there is a
wonderful teacher’s guide for each level with photo­
copiable pages. Perfect for young learners. Price
range – kr. 19,00 – 39,00 + moms
Macmillan Readers – originally called Heinemann
Readers, this series has recently been totally re­
vamped, and many titles now include a CD. Starter
level is in full colour, and new titles such as books
based on TV series such as ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and
‘The Princess Diaries’ will always be a hit with the
girls. There are many ghost stories at elementary
level which are always popular – but note that some
of the titles from this series are more suitable for
adults (eg. Good Wives, The Mayor of Casterbridge
etc.) Find out which ones are for school age learn­
ers. Also, some of the illustrations are rather old
fashioned…but also – rather English! Price range kr.
50,00 + moms.
Penguin Readers (5.­10. klasse) ­ although this series
is now ready to be re­vamped, it still has many good
titles – especially film tie­ins. Most books at the
lower levels are illustrated in colour, and printed
on nice shiny paper while at higher levels the paper
is rather cheap looking and the illustration in black
and white not inspiring. Some of the most popu­
lar titles are: Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan,
Stephen King books and many other exciting titles.
Here again, some titles are not suitable for school age
learners or just too old and boring…(eg. Memoirs of
a Geisha, Leonardo De Caprio etc). Price range kr.
34,00 – 57,00 + moms
Mary Glasgow Readers (6.­10. klasse) – a new
series of readers – and in my opinion the best inter­
national readers on the market at present. Titles
such as Buffy, Batman and Billy Elliot in full colour,
all with CD, containing stories, fact­files, strip car­
toons and photos from the original films/TV series,
these books are perfect for teenagers. There are 4
levels, so there is something for everyone. Even the
weakest readers in the oldest classes will enjoy the
starter level, because the content is written for their
age group. There is nothing worse than asking a
teenager to read something in English that he read
in Danish back in the 4th year! The only complaint I
have is the binding – so just send the books back if
they fall apart at the seams (which they did on one
of my recent courses!!). Price range under kr. 50,00
+ moms
Barringtons – (good readers) – for those readers
who need a challenge, Barrington Books are per­
fect. These books are written for native speakers
with reading problems, so although the content is
relevant for teenagers, the numbers of words on the
page and size of print is larger making the books
easier and quicker to read than other teenage novels.
Visit www.barringtonstoke.co.uk to see the whole
list – or call the English Center for help.
Internet – I would like to recommend a few websites
where you can find lots of PDF (printable) activities
and exercises for those avid or fast learners.
www.link2english.com – Mary Glasgow Readers
­ you can download pages from each title to check