Dear Students,
The first lesson for English for Children class is about the characteristics of children. This lesson is taken from Scott and Ytreberg (1990:1-7) and Cameron (2001:1-19).
Here is the summary of the lesson:
General Characteristics of Children
• Their own understanding comes through hands and eyes and ears. The physical world is dominant at all times.
• They have a very short attention and concentration span.
• They sometimes have difficulty in distinguishing the real world and the imaginary one.
• They are enthusiastic and positive about learning.
Children from age five to seven
• Can talk about what they are doing
• Can tell about what they have done or heard
• Can plan activities
• Can argue about something
• Can use logical reason
• Can use vivid imaginations
• Can use a wide range of intonation patterns in L1
• Can understand direct human interaction
Children from age eight to ten
• Can tell the difference between fact and fiction
• Ask questions all the time
• Rely on the spoken words as well as the physical words
• Able to make some decisions about their own learning
• Have definite views of what they like and dislike doing
• Able to work with others and learn from others
Eight things to consider in teaching a foreign language to children
1. Words are not enough
a. Most activities for the younger learners should include movement and involve the senses.
b. The teacher must use plenty of objects and pictures to work with.
c. The teacher should demonstrate what he/she wants the children to do.
2. Play with the language
The teacher should: Make up rhymes, Sing songs, Tell stories, Let the children experiment with words and sounds
3. Language as language
a. The spoken word should be accompanied by other clues of meaning: facial expression, movement, gestures, etc.
b. Reading and writing are extremely important for the child growing awareness of language
4. Variety in the classroom
The teacher should use variety of activity, pace, organization, voice
5. Routines
The teacher should have systems and routines, organize and plan the lessons, use familiar situations and activities, repeat stories, rhymes, and songs
6. Cooperation not competition
The teacher should make room for shared experiences, give the feeling of belonging and togetherness, and encourage group work and cooperation
7. Grammar
Children have an amazing ability to absorb language through play and other activities which they find enjoyable. So, introduce grammar through songs and music, plays and stories, and games.
8. Assessment
The teacher should make regular notes about each child’s progress, talk to the children regularly about their work, and encourage the children to make self assessment
