The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of teaching English in the kindergarten, and to suggest a method of teaching English including model which can be used in the kindergarten. 5-6 years of ages is the critical period in language l...
The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of teaching English in the kindergarten, and to suggest a method of teaching English including model which can be used in the kindergarten. 5-6 years of ages is the critical period in language learning in which children are able to learn English easier and faster. Moreover kindergarten are not afraid of making mistakes in acting or speaking and have much time to learn freely.
In reviewing the literatures, three aspects of English education for young children were considered, the possibility and appropriateness of English education for young children, the contents and characteristics of instruction methods used in the kindergarten, the direction and enrichment of effective instruction methods for young children.
The followings are conclusion obtained from the review of literatures and discussion of this study:
First, English education for young children was found to be adequate and appropriate in the respect of plasticity of young children's brain, and young children's ability of engrossment and imitation to learn English.
Second, some of instruction methods would be effective for young children to learn English, but the other could not. In particular, the methods such as whole language approach, teaching method using play, teaching method using song, teaching method using story-telling, physical response technique are appears to be effective of young children. These method would evoke young children's interesting and motivation to learn English. On the other hand, including community language learning and communicative language teaching seems to be ineffective for young children because of overpopulation per class in the present.
Finally, teaching English in the kindergarten can bring the desired result unless problems of training teachers and developing teaching methods and materials, etc are solved. So this study suggests an English teaching model to include 'Total Physical Response', game and song in which kindergarteners can enjoying participating in English learning.