Relia: Literacy materials in L2 classroom/Please respond to Mr. Balosa

[Balosa, David]

Realia is a term for real things - concrete objects - that are used in the classroom to build background knowledge and vocabulary. According to Herrell and Jordan (2008), realia is used to provide experiences on which to build and to provide students with opportunities to use all the senses in learning (p. 24).

In their book "50 Strategies for teaching English language learners" (2008, p. 25), Adrienne L. Herrell and Michael Jordan mention literacy materials such as newspapers, books, magazines, checkbooks, bank books , and encyclopedia as realia, would you agree that  computers/laptops and cellphones can also be used and/or mentioned as realia? Can you briefly explain your opinion?



David Balosa
ESL & Literacy Instructor
LaSalle University
University Ministry & Service
215-224-1189
5218 N. Carlisle Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141
balosa at lasalle.edu