Young children are born learners.

Although individual differences are

present at birth, most set out to explore
their world with unbridled eagerness and
curiosity. Perhaps, more than any other
time of life, early childhood is a period of
never ending possibilities.
(Copple &
Bredekamp, 2008)

start!

An early start is the best

-Early learning - very important

transitional period;

Influences on childrens readiness for school

- All young children are unique and

capable learners at birth.
- Individual children exhibit a range
of skills and competencies within
and among each of the
developmental/content areas.
- Young children learn through play
and active involvement in their
environment.

- Children need opportunities for learning

in a safe, nurturing environment and a
consistent relationship with caring,
knowledgeable adults.
- Attitudes and motivation- distinct
individual learner factors but closely
inter-related;
- questionnaires
- interviews
- cross-sectional vs.
longitudinal studies

- An earlier start needs to be coupled

with intensive teaching to result in
more positive attitudes and higher
motivation
(Tragant, 2006)

- The role of the teacher has been

shown as crucial for both formation

- nothing succeeds like success Burstall (1975)

TPR (Total Physical Response) method:
- Learners play main role; teachers play
active and direct role;
- Advantages: a lot of fun, very
memorable, works well with mixedability classes, etc...
- Disadvantages: not flexible to teach
everything, trouble with teaching
abstract vocabulary or expressions,

Teaching-learning process while using

TPR

1st phase (modeling)

2nd phase
(demonstration)

3rd phase
(learners become verbal/teacher responds
nonverbally)

- Strategies that children use in learning

language:
a) physical ability;
b) intellectual ability;
- Speech vs. Language- the same or
different?
- Child language acquisition: they do not
use language like adults, because they
are not adults; they will learn to speak
dialects and languages that are used
around them.

- An early start to foreign language has

positive impact on the childs overall
language and educational
development and in particular to help
produce a positive attitudes towards
other cultures.
- Literacy skills transfer from a childs
first language to a second language.

- If we teach them in the best way,

we will have smart and happy
children in our classrooms today
who become sensitive and creative
adults in the workplace of
tomorrow!
tomorrow