those structures, which are accounted for by the underlying rule system they already posses. The child as active language processor and hypothesis builder is a
more powerful explanation of language acquisition than the child as an imitator. From the above explanation, we recognize that children construct their
information in their brain, as the learning of language takes part. Lindfors also proposes that children learn from the simpler syntactic unit of language to the
more complex one. Word is a simple syntactic unit which can help the children to communicate their idea to be understood by other people in their surroundings.
2.1.3.2 The Principle of Children Language Learning
The children ability to learn a language is different from adult’s ability. The children have their own principles in learning a language. Hudelson 1991: 2
states four basic principles of children language learning, they are learning by doing, learning in social contexts, learning with experimenting and using the
language, and learning through social interaction. Here are the explanations for each principle.
1 Learning by doing Hudelson 1991: 2 proposes that “children learn through hands-on
experiences and through manipulation of objects in the environment.” He 1991: 2 states that “children in primary or elementary school settings generally learn by
doing.” This means that the children have to be actively involved in the learning process. Hudelson proposes that in language class, “children need to be actively
involved in activities when language is taking part and to use the language in PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
accomplishing the meaningful task” Hudelson, 1999: 20. Therefore, teacher is necessary to encourage the children to use the language in the meaningful tasks.
2 Learning in social context Vygotsky’s work related to language learning postulates that “children
learn in social context, in groups where some members know more than other” Hudelson, 1991: 2. From this principle, it can be concluded that besides learning
through hands-on experiences, children also need to use the language in interacting with other children and adult. In the English Foreign Language
learning, it is suggested that teacher uses English as much as possible. 3 Learning with experimenting and using the language
“First and second language acquisition occurs through learners figuring out how the language works, through learners making and testing out hypotheses
about the learning” Hudelson, 1991: 2. This means that learners need to be given chances to use the language as much as they can. While using the language,
children will make mistakes. Making mistakes is natural and inevitable part in language learning” Hudelson, 1991: 2. The teacher should not punish the
children who make mistakes but he should correct the mistakes. 4 Learning through social interaction
“Language acquisition occurs through social interaction and through having to use it with others in authentic communication setting” Hudelson, 1991:
2. Therefore, children have opportunities to talk with each other using the language. By talking to each other, the learner will obtain language input from
others. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
Children have their own characteristics in learning a language. It is important for the English teachers of Elementary school to know the children’s
principles in learning a language. Those principles will help the teacher in creating pleasant and enjoyable teaching learning activities.
2.1.3.3 The Principle for Teaching English to Children
