Developing Language Learners of the future

The wealth of English

“A further aspect of developing English literacy is the relationship it has to other languages and the histories behind every word. These are the areas which fascinate children and should not be underestimated for their motivational benefits and how they support memorisation and spelling.”

Activities based on the etymology and derivation of words

• From which other languages do these words come?• Tea• Potato• Castle• Aerosol• Hoover• Tulip• Tycoon• Juggernaut• (Taken from YPF 10, The world of Languages, chap 6, pages 61-62)

What type of activity is this?

• Language learning?• Literacy?• Language awareness?• Spelling?• PSHCEE?• History?

“Activities which support children’s awareness of the diverse history of the English language and of the links between English and many other languages will deepen children’s understanding of how English works as a language. They will also help raise their curiosity about and interest in languages and will foster children’s identities as language learners of the future.” (A World of Languages, 2004)