Language learning and age

Language learning and age – the age and stage of the individual child influences the pedagogical approaches to language learning in the classroom.
  • Early language learning can be effective where the children are motivated to learn the language. This intrinsic motivation is created by stimulating activities which provide intellectual challenge and allow children to achieve personal success.
  • Early language learning can be used to support L1 literacy development and offer new ways for pupils to understand their own identity and culture, and the cultural perspectives of others.
  • Exposure to the language and appropriate language input are both factors in the development of communicative skills in that language.
  • Children progress through stages in development in their target language, which need not be unidirectional and might include periods of stagnation or the use of multiple languages.

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