Article Details

Article Details

Good practice in early language learning

Author: European Commission
Publisher: European Commission
Date of Publication: Last updated: 16 January 2013; Last viewed: 26 February 2013

Good practice guidelines from the European Commission.

  1. Creating meaningful contexts. Storytelling provides children with a perfect framework for listening, speaking and spoken interaction.
  2. Language learning by imitation is very efficient at this age, for example repeating what a character in a story says, memorising a song, chant or poem.
  3. Establishing routines is important because this helps to structure what happens in the classroom.
  4. Maximum exposure to the target language not only from the teacher, but through a varied range of sources such as songs, DVDs, cue cards and any other resources available.
  5. Parental involvement: A clear definition of the objectives of the teaching and learning of a foreign language in primary education is essential for a shared understanding between the schools and the parents.
  6. Continuity and progression within primary and between primary and secondary is important for successful language learning and learner motivation.

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University of Strathclyde Education Scotland British Council Scotland The Scottish Government
SCILT - Scotlands National centre for Languages