HOW CHILDREN ASSIMILATE A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
It is believed that children can start learning a foreign language as early as possible even if they cannot speak their mother tongue. It is crucial to organise optimal conditions to learn the language naturally in the same way as the first language.
According to Jayne Moon (2005) teaching a foreign language is more effective if:
- children will be frequently exposed to the language,
- optimal conditions will be provided to encourage natural needs of using the language,
- communication will be the main goal.
Children should be exposed to the language as often as possible. The learning process will be more effective if we spread the learning span beyond English classes. Children can listen to songs, rhymes and stories and play the same toys and games as during English lessons in their free time in the kindergarten, at home or in the car. Encourage parents to watch with children English programmes for kids on TV or the Internet.
Creating positive attitude to the foreign language during English classes, teachers encourage children to communicate in English - at first with a teacher and then with peers.
References:
- Moon, J. 2005 Children Learning English. A Guidebook For English Language Teachers, Macmillan
- Szpotowicz, M., Szulc-Kurpska, M. 2011 Teaching English to Young Learners, Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN
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