Jizzakh state pedogogical university named after abdulla kadiri foreign languages faculty

Chapter I. Teaching speaking skills to young learners is important for several reasons:
Teaching speaking skills to young learners is of great theoretical importance for several reasons. Developing speaking skills early on lays the foundation for effective communication, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth. Here are some key aspects that highlight the theoretical importance of teaching speaking skills to young learners:
1.Language acquisition: According to linguist Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis, learners acquire language by understanding messages that are slightly beyond their current level of competence. By engaging young learners in speaking activities, they receive essential input and practice to help them develop their language skills, both in their native language and/or in a second language.
2. Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD): Lev Vygotsky, a renowned psychologist, introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development. The ZPD is the difference between what a learner can do without help and what they can achieve with guidance and support from a more knowledgeable person. Teaching speaking skills to young learners helps them stretch their capabilities and grow within their ZPD through interactions with teachers, peers, and other individuals.
3.Cognitive development: Speaking skills are closely related to cognitive development because they help young learners organize their thoughts, express ideas, and solve problems. Engaging in conversations encourages young learners to think critically, ask questions, and share opinions. These cognitive processes are crucial for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and reasoning abilities.
4.Social-emotional development: Teaching speaking skills to young learners fosters their social and emotional development. As they learn to express their feelings, thoughts, and ideas effectively, they also develop empathy, active listening skills, and the ability to understand others' perspectives. These skills are crucial for forming healthy relationships and navigating social situations throughout their lives.
5. Motivation and engagement: When young learners are encouraged to speak and share their ideas, they feel valued and gain a sense of ownership over their learning. This helps boost their motivation and engagement in the learning process, which in turn leads to better academic outcomes and personal growth.
6. Building confidence and self-esteem: Developing strong speaking skills enables young learners to communicate effectively and express themselves with confidence. As they become more comfortable with their speaking abilities, their self-esteem and self-confidence grow, which are essential elements for success in school and life.
In conclusion, the theoretical importance of teaching speaking skills to young learners lies in the various aspects of their development – language acquisition, cognitive growth, social-emotional development, motivation, and self-esteem. By focusing on speaking skills from an early age, educators can help set the stage for effective communication and overall success in their students' academic and personal lives.