Teaching Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Values of FLES
Essentials of a FLES Program
Children have a natural innate ability to learn language and
imitate sounds, and more willing to communicate in a
foreign language. If children start young, they will have
more time to develop fluency. Learning another language
early helps children develop a positive attitude towards
other languages and cultures.
Well-planned
Functional goals
Qualified teachers
Articulated and coordinated
Integrated with regular curriculum
Rich teaching materials
Involved parents
Goals of FLES
To open children up to other languages and help them understand language in
general and to give them the ability to use the language in a functional way in
common, everyday situations.
IMMERSION
TYPES OF FLES
TOTAL
Children taught exclusively in
foreign language.
PARTIAL
Children taught several hours or half
the day in foreign language.
TWO-WAY
A balanced number of native
English speakers and native speakers
of the foreign language are
integrated for instruction (half-day
in English, half-day in FL).
UTAH'S DUAL IMMERSION
Strong collaboration between a
native English teacher and a native
foreign language teacher, who spend
half the day teaching in each
language.
SEQUENTIAL
Goals of Immersion = Goals of a normal elementary school + Fluency in a second language
Primary objective
Continuous and coordinated program with functional fluency in the foreign language
Other objectives
Setting realistic expectations - simple functional use, NOT near-native fluency
Ideal time allotment - 20-30 minutes every day
Available to every child in the school
Coordination, including a school/district plan; a coordinator or supervisor; trained and competent teachers; well
designed texts and materials used by all teachers; foreign language curriculum articulated and coordinated between
grade levels and schools.
Goals of Sequential FLES = Positive attitude towards second language and language learning + Increased
cultural awareness and tolerance + Insight into language in general + A functional use of the language
FLEX
Immersion versus Sequential FLES
Immersion is often exclusive and very expensive. Sequential FLES is inclusive and most realistic.
Non-Sequential or FLEX programs
Acquaintance with the language, but no functional language use. There is usually no coordination from one grade to the
other or from elementary to secondary school. Very limited progress is made.
THE IDEAL
Goals of FLEX = Enrichment + Tolerance + Awareness + Spark the desire to learn more later
The Ideal Sequential FLES Program
A permanent, integral part of the elementary "core" curriculum (just as important as other classes/subjects taught)
The program is coordinated and sequenced through the elementary grades
Students stay with one language
The teacher is fluent in the language and especially trained to teach the language to children
The contents of the classes would be based on the content of the first-year junior high school or middle school language class
The entire sequence must be carefully coordinated from elementary school, through junior high school, to senior high school.
SOME FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING LANGUAGES
TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
- Take a holistic approach - naturally use the language, teach vocabulary in context, etc.
- Remember that fluency comes slowly.
- Children learn by doing! Center activities on the natural use of simple language.
- Emphasize the importance of pronunciation for children who may ignore it.
- Teach grammar in an inductive and contextual way.
- Make learning a second language FUN - sing songs, play games, act out skits, etc.
- Include culture in daily life situations.
- Make sure parents are involved in their children's language learning.
TEACHING STRATEGIES FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
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Formal routines to switch to another language
Natural, contextual use of the language (not lectures)
Use visual aids
Make the language relevant by using language functionally and meaningfully (personal, daily situations)
Teach in small chunks and pieces, merging over time
Use repetition with variety
Have children memorize
Inductive and simple grammar presentations
Decorate the classroom
Share stories and have stories available for children to read
Give opportunities to develop listening comprehension
Use simple writing activities
Use games and fun activities
Sing songs to teach expose to vocabulary and culture
Provide cultural field trips
Have learning stations
Take advantage of community and parental help
Acquire and use technology.
Connect FLES to the regular curriculum.
Procure and use texts and materials that have already been created - don't reinvent the wheel!
Well-planned, coordinated FLES
programs with functional objectives can
aid in the development of second
language fluency of children in
elementary schools across the country!