This course looks at the development of children between the ages of 4 to 12 and considers the ELT implications. Taking into consideration how children think and learn, this course will provide a framework to structure thinking about children’s language learning and consider teaching strategies for effective early foreign language teaching, making the link between pre-school and primary education. The course will also consider ways of (a) developing awareness in the classroom context (e.g. project work, drama, art, and craft), and (b) supporting children’s learning (e.g. rhymes, chants, songs, (action) games, stories, use of teaching aids, cross-curricular themes). The aim of the course is to familiarize participants with the teaching of English to very young learners and to give advice and ideas for classroom activities. Video-taped lessons support participants’ understanding of the teaching situations while looking at instances that make explicit the points raised in the lectures. By the end of this course, the students will: (a) Have a clear understanding of the techniques, materials, and activities, (b) Be able to adopt similar practices in their own classrooms, and (c) Be in a position to develop materials relevant to young learners’ interests. Course textbook and outline/list of readings are available. Assessment: Final exam or portfolio.
