Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide practical instances of implementing picture book reading sessions within school libraries to enhance language proficiency and foster emotional stability among lower-grade multicultural students hailing from foreign backgrounds. The research outlines the design and execution of a picture book reading program tailored for multicultural students, with analysis based on the outcomes of actual classroom implementations. In the course of the study, existing literature pertaining to the use of picture books for enhancing multicultural education and language skills was reviewed. This informed the development of a structured class procedure by extracting core components. Indeed, 43 multicultural students in five classes in the first and second grades of A Elementary School in Gyeonggi-do were given three pilot classes for each class for 20 weeks and a total of 100 picture book reading classes, each with 17 main lessons. This study establishes the positive impact of picture book reading classes on the Korean language comprehension of multicultural students. The results confirm positive improvements in students’ ability to understand Korean, as evidenced by enhanced Korean expression and presentation skills, increased library usage, and a positive shift in classroom attitude. The procedure for reading picture books using school libraries proposed in this study was actually conceived and developed in the course of class operation in the school education field, reflecting the changes brought about by the increase of multicultural students and the need to improve the class environment. Through this practical investigation, important insights have been extracted regarding how picture book reading sessions designed for elementary school students from multicultural backgrounds can enhance the classroom environment and elevate learning outcomes.