In-School Methods for Teaching Second Languages

Teaching a Second Language at the Elementary School Level


Why?

At this age, children's minds are very malleable, and they are open and receptive to new ideas and perspectives. They are very curious, and not yet exhausted from the learning process (Alleyne, 2010).

Also, learning a language takes time; so starting students early will bring them to a higher proficiency level. Instead, starting students in high school will make acquisition longer, as students have already been molded by their previous teachers, and often have opposition to learning a new language when it does not seem "necessary" (Alleyne, 2010).

Learning a second language in elementary school can boost achievement in other areas of academics. Research has shown an increase in brain functioning, analyzing and performance on standardized tests (Alleyne, 2010).

How?

During this age, children enjoy interaction. They love to be told stories and they love to dress up and act. Integrating culture and role-play into the day's language lesson will give teachers a higher level of cooperation and new-knowledge-retention (Alleyne, 2010).

According to ACTFL (American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages), there are 5 instructions to teaching a foreign language in an elementary setting:

1. Language lessons should be held every other day for a total of 75 minutes per week. Simultaneously introduce the culture of the language so children have an interest and basis for understanding.

2. Decide which approach you want to use as an educator based on intensity level. Options include the Foreign Language Experience Program (FLEX), the Foreign Language in the Elementary School programs (FLES) and immersion programs that incorporate the language into other school programs.

3. Use educational materials that involve methods of writing, reading and conversation of the chosen language. Begin on a very basic level and then build onto the material.

4. Use reinforcement and consistency instead of memorization techniques. Always include background information on the culture.

5. Label the classroom items in the selected language. Review basics (such as colors, numbers and the alphabet) daily to maintain a fresh and cemented understanding (Masi, 2011).

Addressed here are the basic standards to second language education at the elementary level. A deeper explanation for each of these points is listed on the Center for Applied Linguistics website.