Young children are born learners. Although individual differences are present at birth, most set out to explore their world with unbridled eagerness and curiosity. Perhaps, more than any other time of life, early childhood is a period of never ending possibilities. (Copple & Bredekamp, 2008)

An early start is the best start!

Early learning - very important transitional period;

Influences on childrens readiness for school

All young children are unique and capable learners at birth.

Individual children exhibit a range of skills and competencies within and among each of the developmental/content areas.

Young children learn through play and active involvement in their environment.

Children need opportunities for learning in a safe, nurturing environment and a consistent relationship with caring, knowledgeable adults.

Attitudes and motivation- distinct individual learner factors but closely inter-related; - questionnaires - interviews - cross-sectional vs. longitudinal studies

An earlier start needs to be coupled with intensive teaching to result in more positive attitudes and higher motivation (Tragant, 2006)

The role of the teacher has been shown as crucial for both formation and maintaining motivation (Vilke, 1993)

nothing succeeds like success - Burstall (1975)

TPR (Total Physical Response) method:

Learners play main role; teachers play active and direct role;Advantages: a lot of fun, very memorable, works well with mixed-ability classes, etc...Disadvantages: not flexible to teach everything, trouble with teaching abstract vocabulary or expressions, etc...

Teaching-learning process while using TPR

1st phase (modeling) 2nd phase (demonstration)

3rd phase(learners become verbal/teacher responds nonverbally)

Strategies that children use in learning language: a) physical ability; b) intellectual ability;

Speech vs. Language- the same or different?

Child language acquisition: they do not use language like adults, because they are not adults; they will learn to speak dialects and languages that are used around them.

An early start to foreign language has positive impact on the childs overall language and educational development and in particular to help produce a positive attitudes towards other cultures.

Literacy skills transfer from a childs first language to a second language.

If we teach them in the best way, we will have smart and happy children in our classrooms today who become sensitive and creative adults in the workplace of tomorrow!

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