Education of the republic of uzbekistan termiz state university department of english language and literature

General characteristics of YL

When we consider of some of the general characteristics and needs of YL, Mcllvain (2001) suggests one of the following:

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- They are still in the kindergarten, so they need to feel safe and secury in the school.

- They have a short concentration span.

- They need hands-on activities in order to learn effectively.

- They also need practical context and concrete reference in order to

understand new learning.

- Their first language is still developing rapidly.

- They find it difficult to sit still (Boys, especially, have this problem. Biddulph (1998) points out, that this is partly because of a massive upsurge in testosterone levels around the age of four which lasts for approximately one year, resulting in high energy and sometimes aggressive behaviour).

- They need and enjoy lots of repetition (at story time or song time).

The following list shows general characteristics and language development of a young learner according to Wendy and Ytreberg (1990)

- They can tell the difference between fact and fiction. - Their basic concepts are formed. They have very decided views of the world.

- They ask questions all the time.

- They are able to make some decisions about their own learning.

- They have definite views about what they like and do not like doing.

- They have a developed sense of fairness about what happens in the classroom and begin to question the teacher’s decisions.

- They are able to work with others and learn from others.