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

Different techniques for teaching young learners

There are different techniques for different age group. However, there are some general guidelines for teaching YL. Some are them include: use English as the language of instruction, use short and direct sentences when speaking to them, speak slowly, give clear demonstrations of the response we require from them and be on eye-level when communicating with them.

The above techniques will be not enough without taking into account class discipline management. If the most important factors in a classroom are the teacher’s behaviour and attitude, we also need to think of external problems like: problems at home or seeking attention. Since young learners are very sensitive to unfairness and to peer pressure, the teacher needs to be consistent in class discipline, as well as not to threaten or inflict physical violence. He must not have favourites, or pressurize them in participating in lessons. The teacher must also give them equal attention they crave, and get them involved as much as possible. Read (2003) suggests the following strategies to the English teacher of

VYL:

- to change the games and activities every 5-10 minutes.

- to vary the pace during the lesson, mixing up energetic games with quiet ones.

- to repeat, review and revise. Use short games to review vocabulary and phrases you have already taught.

- to make lessons playful and full of physical movement. Children will find them more enjoyable, be more motivated and remember the language better.

- to teach in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with plenty of encouragement.

- to avoid competition with preschool learners. It can be stressful and overwhelming to them. Play games where everyone wins, or where you do not single out a winner.

- to encourage and support young learners.

- to use chants, rhymes and songs. These are great for movement and frequent repetition of vocabulary.

- to focus on listening and understanding, building vocabulary and the acquisition of short phrases. Do not focus on reading, leave that to the

older children.

- to concentrate also on speaking practice, starting with single words and short phrases, and gradually moving onto longer sentences and questions.

- to avoid abstract concepts and focus on concrete items that children understand and relate to. For example, start with familiar topics such as colours, numbers, greetings, animals, fruit, food and drink, families, body parts, shapes, clothing, the weather, days of the week and everyday sentences and phrases.

- to use please and thank you and be positive. Focus on positive behaviour rather than telling children what not to do.

- to be prepared - practise telling stories before you go into class and have the flash cards ready.

- to be flexible. If something is not working then change the game or an activity.

- to involve shy children - help them to express themselves.

- to use stories. Stories are a great resource for preschool learners, who will want to hear the same tales told repeatedly.