beginning level by using action-based drills in the imperative forms. Based on its objectives, I believe that this method can be successfully implemented in teaching
instructions for elementary students which instructions are mostly introduced in the form of imperative sentences.
2.2 Teaching and Learning English in the Elementary School
The second part of the review of related literature discusses about the teaching and learning English in the elementary school which consists of two
parts: the status of English in elementary school and teaching English for the fifth graders of elementary school.
2.2.1 The Status of English in Elementary School
English is an international language which plays very significant role in acquiring and developing science, technology, art, culture, and developing
international relationship among people around the world. Educators and government see the importance of starting foreign language
at early age because this level becomes the starting point of their language education before they continue it in the higher level of education. Consequently,
the govenrment had decided to make a policy that is teaching English in the early level of formal educatation or it is commonly known at elementary school level.
According to The Education Unit Level Curriculum KTSP of elementary school, English subject in elementary school has been seen as an additional to the normal
curriculum of school system or it is well known as the local content subject which is taught to pupils of four until six grades, even in some schools, it is taught to the
first to sixth graders. The English teaching and learning process in this period is intended to develop the language ability which is used for language accompanying
action. English is use d to interact and has the characteristics of ”here and now”
The objectives of English subject at elementary school level in Indonesia are as follows:
a. Students are expected to have skills of basic listening, speaking, reading
and writing with the concern is in the mastery of speaking skills for communication using selected topics and context related to the
environmental needs. b.
Students are expected to have competence in using vocabulary, grammar or structure and in pronouncing English vocabulary appropriately.
Depdiknas 2006 While the functions of learning English in primary schools are:
a. Developing the communicative competence in spoken English by
accompanying action at school. b.
Students have highly consciousness about the importance of English to improve nation competence in global society. Depdiknas 2006
From the objectives above, English subject in the elementary school becomes one of the local content subjects taught which includes the ability of
limited or very simple verbal communication by accompanying action in the school context. It also comprises four major skills of language: listening,
speaking, reading and writing. However, speaking and listening skills are seen as 14
the verbal communication that is emphasized in this level of education since they are the first two skills to be mastered by the students.
2.2.2 Teaching English for the Fifth Graders of Elementary School
