Don't Forget the Books!

The Critical Resource Most Expat Parents Overlook When Moving Abroad (And How It Could Set Your Child Back Years)

Supporting Your Child's English Reading Journey Abroad

When you move to a country where English isn't the primary language, maintaining your child's reading development in their native tongue requires some planning. Based on our experience relocating to a Spanish-speaking country, here are some practical tips for keeping your young readers connected to English literature.

Bring Physical Books!

Digital resources are helpful, but nothing replaces the tactile experience of paper books for young and emerging readers. Before you move:

• Pack a selection of age-appropriate favorites

• Include books slightly above their current reading level for growth

• Consider books that connect to your destination's culture

• When family and friends come for a visit, ask them to bring books for your child’s emerging interests and next reading levels

Kermit the Frog stuffed animal on a sofa - adjacent to a tall bookshelf with a home library. Photo by Marcela Rogante on Unsplash

Essential Home Library Resources for the Expatriate Home

Beyond children's literature, building a comprehensive learning environment requires strategic planning for reference materials and accessibility tools. Whether for homework sent home from school, or as a core homeschool resource, students benefit from having core English-language reference works readily available:

• A robust children's dictionary such as Merriam-Webster's Elementary