Introduction to teaching English to children 2300-NJ-MPNJA-WN

This course is the first in a series on teaching English in preschool and early childhood education. It aims to introduce concepts and put them into practice through micro lessons, observations and teacher reflection.

Course topics include the following:
• Language classroom organisation (room layout - desk layout, use of walls; grouping and interaction patterns)
• Language in the classroom (giving instructions, use of L1 and L2, language of interaction - social: procedures and rules)
• Classroom management (teacher action zone, posture, gestures and eye contact, voice; spreading pupils' attention, classroom rules, classroom responsibilities, classroom discipline and dealing with problematic behaviour)
• Lesson and activity planning
• Teaching listening in the early stages
• Using songs and videos
• Teaching vocabulary
• Teaching speaking in the early stages
• Teaching reading in the early stages
• Storytelling
• Teaching writing in the early stages
• Teaching integrated skills
• Projects
• Teaching materials
• Educational technology

Type of course

obligatory courses
foreign languages
pedagogical qualifications

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The course aims to prepare students for their role as a teacher of English in pre-school and early childhood education. It covers issues in the didactics of language teaching and children's language development, integrating theoretical knowledge with pedagogical practice. Special emphasis is placed on the ability to plan activities and classes adapted to the needs of the students. Student-led micro lessons are an integral part of the course, providing an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge gained and to reflect on one's own teaching practice.

Course coordinators

Paulina Marchlik

Learning outcomes

In terms of knowledge, the student knows and understands:
- Basic methods and techniques used in English language teaching (K_W08),
- Teaching materials used in English lessons (K_W08),
- Methods of teaching vocabulary (K_W08),
- Approaches to teaching grammar (K_W08),
- Methods used in teaching listening and speaking (K_W08),
- Methods used in teaching writing and reading (K_W08),
- Classroom management (K_W09),
- Basic approaches to language assessment in teaching children (K_W08, K_W09),

In terms of skills, the student is able to:
- use knowledge of basic concepts of language teaching (K_U09),
- plan activities related to the teaching of vocabulary (K_U09),
- use a variety of teaching materials, including audiovisual means (K_U09, K_U12),
- use a variety of teaching materials including audiovisual means for language introduction, practice and evaluation (presentation, practice, production) (K_U09, K_U12),
- use games, songs, poems (K_U09, K_U17),
- use appropriate classroom organisation (K_U10),
- create an appropriate atmosphere in the classroom (K_U10 / K_U17),
- use appropriate classroom procedures, groups and rules (K_U10 / K_U14),
- teach a lesson in English (giving instructions, communicating in class) (K_U03, K_U10)..

In terms of social competences the student is ready to:
- deepen their knowledge of teaching children (K_K01, K_K04),
- deepen their knowledge of their own language skills (K_K01, K_K02),
- reflect on the social relevance of their knowledge, work and skills (K_K02, K_K09).

Assessment criteria

- Attendance in at least 80% of classes
- Active participation in class work
- Successful completion of all oral and written assignments in class
- Preparation of a lesson plan and conduct of a microteaching session

Practical placement

Bibliography

- Brewster, J., Ellis, G., & Girard, D. (2010). The primary English teacher’s guide. Suffolk: Penguin Books.
- Cameron, L. (2001). Teaching languages to young learners. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Ellis, G., & Brewster, J. (2003). The storytelling handbook. London: Penguin.
- Feunteun, A., & Vale, D. (2000). Teaching children English. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Halliwell, S. (2006). Teaching English in the primary classroom. London: Longman.
- House, S. (1997). An introduction to teaching English to children. London: Richmond Publishing.
- Lewis, G., & Bedson, G. (1999). Games for children. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Linse, C. T. (2005). Practical English language teaching: Young learners. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Pinter, A. (2006). Teaching young language learners. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Phillips, S. (2001). Young learners. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Puchta, H., & Williams, M. (2011). Teaching young learners to think. Helbling Languages.
- Read, C. (2007). 500 activities for the primary classroom. Oxford: Macmillan Publishers.
- Reilly, V., & Ward, S. M. (2002). Very young learners. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Roth, G. (1998). Teaching very young children. London: Richmond Publishing.
- Scott, W. A., & Ytreberg, L. H. (2002). Teaching English to children. Harlow: Longman.
- Sikora-Banasik, D. (Ed.). (2009). Wczesnoszkolne nauczanie języków obcych. Warszawa: CODN.
- Slattery, M. (2008). Teaching with Bear. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Slattery, M., & Willis, J. (2001). English for primary teachers. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Szpotowicz, M., & Szulc-Kurpaska, M. (2011). Teaching English to young learners. Warszawa: Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.
- Szpotowicz, M., & Szulc-Kurpaska, M. (2014). Język angielski w wychowaniu przedszkolnym. Program nauczania 3-, 4- i 5-latków. Warszawa: Oxford University Press.
- Thornbury, S. (n.d.). How to teach [Series: Speaking, Writing, Listening, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar]. Harlow: Longman.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2300-NJ-MPNJA-WN in USOSweb