Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
TEACHING ENGLISH FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
Katie Bain ktbain53@gmail.com
elfellowkbain.wordpress.com
Ice Breaker Find Someone Who What connection do these answers have
to how you teach children? What ideas come to your mind for how
you could change your teaching for young learners as you reflect on these activities?
Pre-Discussion Questions What young learners do you teach? What resources do you have for them? What are the joys and challenges of
teaching young learners? What questions do you have about
teaching young learners? What do you want to know?
Attention Span: the amount of time learners are
able to pay attention
Authentic MaterialsMaterials used in the targe culture for actual
communicative needs
BinsStorage boxes that contain materials for
classroom use
ChantWords or phrases that are repeated again
and again, in a rhythm
Classroom LibraryAn area of the classroom where students can
find books and resource material
Classroom ManagementThe way in which the teacher manages the
students and content of classroom learning.
Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD)
Instructional approach for grades K-8 for low and intermediate language level learners
that provides authentic opportunities for use of academic language, maintains highest
standards and expectations for all students, and fosters voice and identity.
Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD)
Primary language is proveded by trained, bilingual teachers, trained bilingual aides,
trained parents, or cross-age/peer tutoring. Emphasizes teacher collaboration.
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are integrated among all content areas with an
emphasis on science, social studies, and literature.
Holistic LanguageLanguage treated as a whole, with
integration of skills
Individualized learning/ Differentiated instruction
Opportunities for student to interact with material at their own rate and level
Language Experience Approach
Uses learners’ own experiences as a basis for classroom speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities. Learners
dictate to the teacher or assistant, who writes down what they say.
Language Experience Approach Video
PhonicsA reading approach that teaches the written
symbols which represent sounds of a language
Sound-symbol correspondence
The relationship between the sounds of a language and the written forms of those sounds
SkitA short dramatization or play
Total Physical Response (TPR)
A language teaching approach that combines language learning with physical movement, initially
based on commands.
TPR-Storytelling (TPR-S)TPR-S adds the additional component of oral performance and the acting out of stories.
Transition techniquesTechniques for changing from one activity to
another
Learning Centers/StationsAreas of a classroom that are set up for
learning purposes
Video Viewing
Younger Learners (K-5)
Video Introduction Try to write down the key tips given in the
video
Video IntroductionAfter finishing the video turn and talk to your neighbor and try to answer these questions. What is the purpose of this
activity? Could you do this in your
classroom?
Video Introduction Warm, Friendly, Comfortable Room Clear rules, routines, instructions,
directions Variety of activities with repetition Time to move, work, have fun
Video Part 1 What was the purpose of the activity? Teaching steps (seen and unseen) Amount of time needed Student response: Are they having fun?
Have they met the objective of the lesson?
Video Part 2 Purpose of the activity Clarity of directions Variety of movement Particular teaching technique
Video Part 3 List the stations in the room and the
different types of activities going on in them.
Notice how the chairs, tables, and rugs are arranged in the room.
Look for the teacher and describe what you see her doing.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Social
They are learning to socialize as well as learning through socializing.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Active
They need to be physically active.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Learn through play
Characteristics of Young Learners
Need repetition
They need lots of repetition and clear directions.
Characteristics of Young Learners“Me” focused
They are “me” focused and respond emotionally to learning activities.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Curious
They are naturally curious and usually willing to learn.
Characteristics of Young LearnersDeveloping
Cognitive and motor skills are still developing.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Verbal
Their verbal skills are generally more advanced than their literate skills.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Short attention span
They have a short attention span, which becomes longer as they get older.
Characteristics of Young Learners
Formulate their own language rules
They are able to formulate their own language rules from comprehensible
language input.
Summary of Videos Directions were simple and clear. Students moved from one actity to
another easily. There was an element of fun, of learning
through play.
Your Turn! Design a lesson plan in partners or small
groups that includes some of the techniques seen today.
Share your plan with the group. I will post everyone’s plans on my blog.
Lesson Plan Age and level of students Objective of lesson Order of activities Explanation of what was incorporated
from the presentation and why. Example: We incorporated Total Physical Response so that our students can have the opportunity to learn through movement.
Source Opp-Beckman, L., Klinghammer, S.J.
(2006). Younger Learners (K-5). Shaping the Way We Teach. (121-128). Washington, D.C.: Office of English Language Programs.