Enhancing Young EFL Learners’ Oracy and Vocabulary Development Through Picturebook Reading Mediation

In the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education for young learners, the search for effective and engaging teaching methods has led researchers to explore various strategies and tools. This study examines the impact of picturebook reading mediation on the development of oracy and vocabulary among young EFL learners. The primary objective is to understand how these learners enhance their speaking skills, with a particular focus on vocabulary acquisition, using a picturebook reading. A case study research design was employed with four grade 4 students (aged 9). Prior to the reading intervention, students completed a pre-test consisting of picture description and a vocabulary matching based on the selected picturebook. Following this, the intervention phase involved a 6-week picturebook reading mediation. To evaluate the impact of the intervention on oracy and vocabulary development of children, the same test was administered as a post-test at the end of the study, and the results were analyzed. It was found that utilizing the picturebook The Giving Tree contributed greatly to enhancing the children’s vocabulary and oracy skills. The children made meaningful connections with the text, and improved their vocabulary and language fluency. The research provides insights into the effectiveness of picturebook reading mediation in fostering the oracy and vocabulary development of young EFL learners.