Preschoolers Play and Learn English in a interactive way
When collaboration and work in synergy among 5 schools for 7 years is their new methodology of teaching, then they are always ‘hungry’ for ‘new stuff’ every year! So, we co-planned an alternative way with on-line and off-line activities for young pupils to know and love the target language through the realization of its importance and get joy of using effectively the ICT tools in order to achieve their little goals each time. Teachers supported children’s progress to higher stages aiming on each child’s language learning as it develops, and following his time needs.
We tried gradually to achieve specific targets in the school framework. For this we developed this project like this: Initial stage: New to English, we used simple language which was supported by visual materials, we expected that the pupils will eventually respond in the target language (English) providing a wide variety of activities that encourage interaction. Stage,2 –Becoming familiar with English, Here, single words are combined to communicate ideas. Basic communication and strategies are used in group activities or for simple interaction with other children. Stage 3 – Becoming confident as a user of English, Through different activities, both inside and outside the class, pupils have opportunities to practice English with adults and other children. Stage 4 – Demonstrate competency as a user of English, Pupils feel more confident in verbal exchanges and in collaboration with their schoolmates. Now they are able to explore more complex ideas e.g: a role play. Generally pupils used keywords & short sentences, enjoyed rhymes and action songs , developed listening skills in order to interpret simple instructions, learnt the names of common objects around them and expanded their vocabulary enjoying to listen to and dramatizing stories.
Approximately 850 students, teachers, assistants, parents collaborated interacted for the best development of this project, using platforms like Wikispace, Youtube, Skype, Google docs and e-mail communication.
We believe this project offers a great motivation to teachers who choose to teach English to young students and inspiration by the spontaneous activities students freely created.