Children`s Characteristic

CHILDREN CHARACTERISTICS

Learning develops when heavily contextualized in concrete situation

They are focus on the here and now

They are centered on the functions purpose of language

They do not conceive language as a formal system

They cannot understand the metalanguage we use to describe and explain linguistic concepts

They do not have an effective Long Term Memory and forget things quickly

IMPLICATIONS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING!

Don`t explain grammar using terms like ¨present simple¨or ¨pronoum¨ (Don`t use metalanguage)

Avoid formulating rules stated in abstract terms

At the upper levels of childhood some grammatical concepts can be called to learner`s attention by showing them certain patterns and examples

More difficult language, sounds, patterns… may require more repetition and recycling than adults need

Attention span: children tend to have a shorter attention span than adults

*Activities should try to capture their immediate interest

*Lesson should include a variety of activities

*The teacher should appear enthusiastic and lively

*The children`s natural curiosity should be tapped into

Sensory input: children need to have all five senses stimulated

*Include physical activities (TPR)

*Incorporate hand-on activities

*Sensory aids help children to internalize concepts

*Use non-verbal language

Affective factors: children have a wide range of emotional needs, are extremely sensitive and are emotionally more fragile than adults

*Be patient and supportive to build self-steem

*Try to encourage a friendly classroom atmosphere

*Be warm and caring

Needs for meaningful language: Children are focused on what language can be used for and they need to obtain immediate rewards from language activities.

I HOPE YOU FOUND USEFUL THIS INFORMATION, TO KNOW ABOUT SOME CHARACTERISTIC AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN TEACHING, WHICH WE HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT TO IMPROVE LEARNING PROCESS.