English Teaching to Young Learners

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2. Successful Learning Thomas M Risk mentioned some principles to achieve successful

learning. He stated that learning will be most effective when the learning situation is related to life a realistically as possible: the students are free from emotional tension, the environment contributes positively the learning situation, they are adapted to the needs, capacities and interest of the students. Risk, 1958: 35 We can conclude that successful learning not only based on the learners but also the teacher and the environment. It can be done if there are good relationships between the teacher, learners and the environment. A good relationship between teacher and students are needed. The students will be motivated to learn if the teacher can facilitate them. A good relationship among the students is also needed. It can add a positive atmosphere, because they feel comfortable to share each other. Environment also has contributed to the success of teaching-learning process.

C. English Teaching to Young Learners

In Indonesia young learners can be categorized as students of elementary school. According to Sarah Philip, “young learners are children from the first year of formal schooling five or six years old to eleven or twelve years of age.” Philip, 1993; 5 While, Hibawa S Rahman said “at the age 6 up to 8 children’s brain grows faster compared to the ages after it. This period is generally considered to be golden 9 age for children.” Rahman, 2002; 17 It is reasonable why the English or second language is given to the young learners or students of elementary school. Wendy and Lisbeth are divided young learners into two main groups. They are five to seven years old and eight to ten years old. Each group has different characteristic. 1. Five to seven years old can do; a. They can talk about what they are doing b. They can tell you about what they have done or heard c. They can plan activities d. They can argue for something and tell you why they think and what they think e. They can use logical reasoning f. They can use their vivid imagination g. They can understand direct human interaction Wendy and Lisbeth, 1990; 1 2. Eight to ten years old can do; a. Their basic concepts are formed b. They can tell the differences between fact and fiction c. They ask questions all the time d. They are able to make decision about their own learning e. They have definite views about what they like and don’t like doing f. They are able to work with others and learn from others 10 g. They have a developed sense of fairness Wendy and Lisbeth, 1990; 3 Teaching English to young learners is different from teaching English to secondary level or to adults, because young learners are active learners and have high movement, but it is the best time to touch new language for young learners. Young learners like to play with language. They like to know more about everything new in their surrounding. According to Wendy and Lisbeth in their book Teaching English to Children state that ”Young children love to play and learn best when they are enjoying them selves, but they also take them selves seriously and like to think that what they are doing in real work.” It means that in teaching process teacher must deliver the knowledge clearly based on the learners’ situation and condition at time.

D. Method of Language Teaching