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Recent research and practical experience in early childhood education consistently demonstrate that the quality and appropriateness of teaching methods are more crucial than the sheer amount of time spent when it comes to preschoolers learning English as a second language. Ms. Karoliina Nygren, Pedagogical Director from HEI Schools (Finland) and Ms. Huyen Nguyen, School Counsellor at HEI Schools Saigon Central (Vietnam) also agree that teaching methods are crucial when it comes to preschoolers learning English.
Key Considerations for Effective English Learning in Preschool:
Interactive and Purposeful Engagement: Playful, interactive learning activities such as singing, storytelling, and natural conversation are far more effective than passive learning techniques. These methods not only make learning enjoyable but also encourage active participation, which is essential for language acquisition.
Consistent, Short Learning Sessions: Regular, brief lessons (10-30 minutes daily) align better with preschoolers' attention spans than longer, infrequent sessions. The goal is to maintain interest, provide repetition, and establish a consistent learning routine.
Age-Appropriate Methodologies: Teaching methods must be tailored to the developmental stage of the child. For instance, utilizing games and visual aids is more effective for younger children than rote memorization.
Building on Native Language Foundations: A strong foundation in the first language significantly supports learning English. This approach leverages existing linguistic structures and cognitive skills, facilitating easier recognition of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax in the new language.
Immersive Learning Environments: Integrating English into daily activities and routines helps children learn vocabulary in meaningful contexts. This natural immersion approach is more effective than increasing formal lesson time.
Holistic Development Focus: English learning should be part of a broader educational strategy that supports overall cognitive, social, and emotional development. This includes fostering critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills in both the native language and English.
Long-Term Perspective: While early exposure is crucial, it's important to recognize that true language proficiency develops over many years. Our goal in preschool is to lay a strong foundation and foster a positive attitude towards language learning.
Parental and Community Involvement: Engaging parents and the wider community in the language learning process can significantly enhance outcomes. This might include providing resources for at-home learning or organizing English language events.
Continuous Assessment and Adaptation: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of our English language program and being willing to adapt our methods based on current research and observed outcomes is crucial for ongoing success.
In conclusion, while consistent exposure to English during the preschool years is important, it is the quality, relevance, and engagement level of our teaching methods that truly determine success. Our focus should be on creating a rich, supportive language learning environment that sparks curiosity and joy in our young learners, setting them on a path to becoming confident multilingual individuals.
Lưu ý: Nội dung trích dẫn từ website của HEI Schools Saigon Central được bảo vệ bởi luật sở hữu trí tuệ. Việc sử dụng các trích dẫn từ bài viết gốc yêu cầu tuân thủ quy định về bản quyền và phải có sự đồng ý bằng văn bản của HEI Schools Saigon Central. Các trích dẫn chỉ được sử dụng cho mục đích phi thương mại và không được sửa đổi nội dung để đảm bảo tính chính xác và trung thực của thông tin. Việc sử dụng hoặc phát tán nội dung mà không được phép có thể vi phạm quyền sở hữu trí tuệ và có thể bị xử lý theo quy định của pháp luật.
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