How Can Digital Storybooks Foster EAL Children’s Reading Motivation: A Multiple Case Study

This paper explores the features of digital storybooks that can help foster English as an additional language (EAL) children’s motivation in reading English as a second language (L2) or as an additional language. Prior research suggests digital storybooks are conducive to children’s reading motivation in their first language (L1); however, research on the effectiveness of story apps fostering children’s reading motivation in additional languages is relatively scarce. This research adopted a qualitative approach to investigate how storybook applications designed for English as a First Language (L1) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) differ and influence EAL children’s reading motivation in L2, specifically, reading English as an additional language. This study explores the perspectives and voices of EAL children as well as their parents in relation to their experiences and attitudes toward the use of digital storybook apps to foster their L2 reading motivation.