Young Learners in ELT

Teaching English to young learners, typically defined as children aged between 6 and 12, in English Language Teaching (ELT) requires a different approach than teaching older learners. Young learners are still in the process of developing their cognitive, emotional, and social skills, and they learn best through hands-on, interactive and engaging activities.

One important aspect of teaching young learners in ELT is creating a positive and supportive learning environment. This can include incorporating games, songs, and other activities that are interactive and fun, and providing positive feedback and encouragement to students. Additionally, providing visual aids and manipulatives to help young learners understand concepts and ideas can also be helpful.

Another important aspect of teaching young learners in ELT is adapting the language instruction to their developmental level. This can include using simple and repetitive language, breaking down language into manageable chunks, and providing opportunities for students to practice using the language in context.

It is also important to consider the affective filter of young learners, which refers to the emotional and psychological factors that can influence their ability to learn. Therefore, teaching young learners in ELT should also focus on building their confidence and self-esteem, and creating a safe and secure learning environment that promotes positive interactions and relationships.

Furthermore, Young Learners are also in the process of developing their mother tongue, and therefore the teacher should take into consideration the transferability of the language skills and concepts learned in the mother tongue to English.

Overall, teaching young learners in ELT requires a unique approach that incorporates interactive and engaging activities, a supportive and positive learning environment, language instruction that is developmentally appropriate, and attention to the affective filter and the transferability of the language skills and concepts.