Samfields8@yahoo.com

Thank you so much,

Sam Fields

A Professional Book Review by a Third Party. 

September 2024

I asked Jennifer Parker to do a professional book review through the lens of an ESL teacher, and this is what she wrote about my book entitled Learn English by Reading about West Coasting. 

Sam Fields, M.Ed.

Educational Text: Learn English by Reading about West Coasting

Author: Sam Fields

Word Count: 916

“Learn English by Reading about West Coasting” by Sam Fields offers an engaging and creative approach to language learning by blending the excitement of travel with the practicality of mastering English. The book, in the range of B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference, is designed for English language learners, using vivid descriptions of the Pacific coast of the United States. Also known as "West Coasting" as its thematic core, making the narrative of the writer’s adventures an enjoyable way to study a new language.

A Unique Approach to Language Learning

One of the book's most striking features is the creative approach. Rather than focusing on grammar exercises or repetitive vocabulary drills, Sam Fields immerses readers in the experience of traveling along the West Coast. This approach not only teaches language skills, and writing or conversation practice, but also introduces readers to the geography, culture, and lifestyle of one of the most scenic and culturally rich regions in the U.S.  By using travel as the framework for language instruction, Fields makes the learning process less tedious and more immersive. Learners absorb English in context, which is an essential aspect of becoming proficient in any language. When vocabulary and grammar are tied to real-life experiences, they are easier to remember and more relevant to actual conversations. For instance, instead of just memorizing travel-related vocabulary, learners encounter words and phrases naturally while reading about the best spots to visit, things to do, and local experiences on the West Coast.

Engaging Content

The chapters of "Learn English by Reading about West Coasting" are structured around different aspects of a West Coast trip. Each section delves into a new region, such as California’s iconic coastline, Oregon’s natural beauty, or Washington’s misty landscapes. These scenic descriptions are interwoven with lessons on grammar, sentence structure, and conversational English. For instance, while describing a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, Fields introduces readers to the future tense by describing plans for upcoming stops and activities. This contextualized learning makes grammar points feel more natural and less like isolated lessons.

The book also takes time to highlight cultural aspects, like surfing culture in Southern California or the tech-savvy atmosphere of Seattle. By introducing learners to regional slang, idiomatic expressions, and everyday English phrases in the context of these locations, Fields enriches the language learning experience with a cultural component. This not only helps readers learn how native speakers communicate but offers readers insights into the cultural backdrop of the language while reinforcing learning with vocabulary support with comprehension questions for speaking or writing practice.

Accessibility for Language Learners

Fields understands the challenges that English learners face, and he addresses them with great care in this book. The text is written in clear, straightforward language that is accessible to intermediate learners, but challenging enough to push their skills forward. Definitions and explanations of new words and phrases are seamlessly integrated into the text, allowing readers to learn vocabulary in context without the constant need to refer to a dictionary. 

The book also includes helpful exercises at the end of each chapter that reinforce key vocabulary, grammar points, and cultural concepts. These activities are designed to be both practical and enjoyable, often encouraging readers to use their new language skills creatively, such as by writing about a trip they would take along the West Coast or crafting conversations they might have with locals. By including these exercises, Fields ensures that readers actively engage with the material rather than passively absorbing information. 

An Emphasis on Practical English

One of the greatest strengths of this book is its focus on practical, conversational English. Fields places a strong emphasis on the kind of language learners are likely to use in everyday situations, particularly in the context of travel. Readers learn how to ask for directions, make restaurant reservations, and chat with locals about the sights—all while gaining confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in English. 

This practical approach is complemented by the inclusion of listening and speaking tips throughout the book. Fields encourages learners to practice speaking aloud and listening to native speakers, and he provides advice on how to improve pronunciation and listening comprehension. Although the book itself is a written resource, it acknowledges the importance 

of developing all four language skills—reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

Limitations ~ Developing Skills

Lesson planning: If instructors are using this text in a classroom environment, they will need to do lesson planning to identify their own learning objectives and themes. 

Glossary of Terms: As a language learner, it would be ideal to have the entire glossary of the vocabulary words for the entire book at the back of the book. For quick reference, a total glossary could provide an easier opportunity for memory retention and aligned learning activities, which could include page numbers or activity pages. The vocabulary includes essential vocabulary in the high-frequency range. By not including slang, it may be useful to span all generations, with an inclusive approach, including Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Expansion activities: If used for instructional purposes or lesson planning purposes, the teacher will need to create more learning expansion activities. Having some supplemental chapter or theme activities can further expand on reinforcing vocabulary and language practice. Since there is no vocabulary practice or exercises, this would be particularly important to offer some type of practice to reinforce new vocabulary. For example, the comprehension questions could include some of the new vocabulary to ensure the language is focused, prompted, and clearly actionable in language building.

Level: Intermediate + While "Learn English by Reading about West Coasting" offers a fun approach to language learning, it may not be the best fit for absolute beginners. Readers of this text should already have some foundational knowledge of English, and while it provides plenty of context and explanations, it moves at a pace that might be challenging for those with very limited language skills. This is a great fit for language learners with some high beginning to intermediate levels.

Specific Region: As the book is focused on the theme of travel during a certain time period and in a very specific region, it will appeal to those more interested in the West Coast of the US although it remains a great value to get the traveler’s experience. For those with a sense of wanderlust, the book’s combination of language learning and travel is likely to be a perfect match.

Conclusion

“Learn English by Reading about West Coasting" by Sam Fields is a unique and engaging resource for intermediate English learners who want to improve their language skills in a real-world context. By using the backdrop of a West Coast journey, Fields makes language learning an enjoyable experience rather than a chore. The book’s blend of practical English, cultural insights, and interactive exercises make it an excellent tool for learners who are looking to gain confidence in their conversational English while also learning about one of the most iconic regions in the United States.

References:

Fields, S. (2023). Learn English by Reading about West Coasting. Urban Book Publishers.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Parker jenniferparkerdesigner@gmail.com

https://jenniferparkerdesi.wixsite.com/instructionaldesign

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learningexperienceinstructionaldesigneducationaltechnologyjenniferparker/

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This is my take on writing the book.

I never knew how much fun I could have on an adventure until I took a wild summer vacation in California. I learned so much about how to live on the road. This book is perfect for fans of action-filled adventure stories. This book will help you learn English and learn about the West Coast. Full of exciting adventures, you will have a hard time setting this book down.

The title is “Learn English by Reading about West Coasting.” It is the story of a summer vacation I took many moons ago.  Because I have used many educational resources over the 20-plus years teaching E.S.L. (ML or ELL), it was easy to write this book to help English learners. 

This book is both the product of my story and an educational tool for those students of English who are intermediate English language learners as well as for anyone who wants to learn about the West Coasting adventures. 

It is my hope that this book will be helpful (and possibly part of a future curriculum) as well as fun for teachers, students, and avid readers who enjoy richly adventure-filled stories and those of you who want to explore the West Coast with me through my experiences, and who knows, it might inspire you to write and share your own story. 

I invite you to get your copy today! Here is the link to the book: Learn English by Reading about West Coasting

Lexile Range 810L – 1000L 

B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Thank you so much,

Sam Fields, M.Ed.