TEYL - How Children Learn a Foreign Language

Summary

Teaching young learners English as a foreign language can be challenging, especially in environments where English isn't commonly spoken. A learning-centered, meaning-focused approach is key, where grammar is taught through context, repetition, and active participation rather than explanations. Teachers should create an immersive English environment using visuals, gestures, and simple sentences to make language comprehensible. This approach fosters real communication, engagement, and helps young learners internalize grammar naturally. By using techniques like storytelling and scaffolding, teachers can effectively support young learners in acquiring English through meaningful, interactive experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Grammar should be taught through meaningful, contextual learning, not through direct explanations.
• 😀 Young learners absorb grammar best through repetition and recycling in various contexts like stories, songs, and cartoons.
• 😀 Active participation from learners is crucial for effective language acquisition.
• 😀 Young learners learn language more effectively when the language is presented in a natural, authentic way.
• 😀 Teachers should create an English-speaking environment in the classroom to foster real communication.
• 😀 Scaffolding techniques like clear pronunciation, slower speech, and rephrasing help make language comprehensible.
• 😀 Visual aids (pictures, flashcards), gestures, and realia support language comprehension for young learners.
• 😀 Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on activities and physical gestures to make abstract language concepts more tangible.
• 😀 Teachers should use simpler language, avoid overly complex sentences, and translate only when absolutely necessary.
• 😀 Storytelling is an effective way to teach young learners, combining grammar, vocabulary, and context in a meaningful way.
• 😀 Providing opportunities for students to hear and practice English regularly is essential for language retention.

Q & A

How important is teaching grammar to young learners of English?

Grammar is important because it forms the building blocks of language, but the approach to teaching it should match how children learn. It should be learning-centered and meaning-focused, avoiding grammatical explanations.

How do young learners typically learn grammar?

Young learners gain an understanding of grammar through repetition and recycling language in different contexts, such as through stories, songs, or cartoons, rather than through direct grammatical explanations.

What is meant by a 'learning-centered' approach to teaching grammar?

A learning-centered approach focuses on making grammar meaningful and interesting, requiring active participation from learners, and working with how children naturally acquire language.

Why should teachers avoid explaining grammatical concepts directly to young learners?

Young learners learn more effectively when they encounter grammar in context, through meaningful activities like commands, rather than through abstract explanations.

How can teachers create an effective English-speaking environment in the classroom?

Teachers can create an effective English-speaking environment by presenting language through real communication and meaningful contexts, providing opportunities for students to interact, and using scaffolding techniques to make the language comprehensible.

What are some ways to scaffold language learning for young learners?

Teachers can use visuals, gestures, body movement, realia, and graphic organizers like Venn diagrams or tables to help make language comprehensible and engage young learners.

How important is pronunciation when teaching young learners English?

Pronunciation is important, but teachers should ensure they speak clearly and slowly, maintaining a natural flow. Adjusting their speech to be understandable while avoiding unnatural speech patterns is key.

Should teachers translate difficult words into students' native languages?

Translation should be used only when necessary. Teachers should try to avoid over-relying on translation and instead use techniques like visuals, gestures, or realia to convey meaning.

What is the role of repetition in language learning for young learners?

Repetition is vital for reinforcing language and grammar. By encountering language multiple times in various contexts, young learners internalize grammatical structures and vocabulary more effectively.

Why is the storytelling method considered effective for teaching young learners?

Storytelling is effective because it provides a learning-centered, meaning-focused approach to grammar. It engages students by presenting language in context, allowing them to experience grammar through the actions in the story, supported by visuals, gestures, and clear speech.