TEACHING VOCABULARY TO YOUNG LEARNERS

Thank you for listening !

References

Allen, V.F. (1983). Techniques in teaching vocabulary. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Arikan, A., & Taraf, H.U. (2010) Contextualizing young learners' English lessons with cartoons: Focus on grammar and vocabulary. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 2 (2010), 5212-5215

Brewster, J.,Ellis, G.,&Girard, D. (2002). The primary English teacher's guide. England: Pearson Education Limited.

Cameron, L.(2001). Teaching languages to young learners.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Demircioglu, S., (2010) Teaching English vocabulary to young learners via drama. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences 2(2010) 439-443

Pinter, A.(2006). Teaching young learners. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

* Teacher talk is accepted as the main context clue for YL.

* TT can benefit from non-verbal messages.

* Teaching strategies improve their learner autonomy and communicative competence (e.g.How to use a dictionary or keep a vocabulary notebook; figure out words from context; make use of visualization&association technique.

* Appropriate methods and materials should be used considering their learning preferences and characteristics.

* Multiple exposure to new vocabulary is important. So the teacher should prepare materials accordingly.

* Some words should be taught within phrases rather than separately.

* The best time for vocabulary learning is when students feel a certain word needed.(Allen,1983)

* Avoid memorizing since it is boring, difficult and not practical. Words meanings change in different contexts.

* Direct and indirect instructions (pointing,substitution, miming and TPR)

* Contextualize the language as they learn implicitly and cannot systematize the language (Arikan&Taraf,2010). Also meanings change in different context.

* The context should be meaningful and reflect the authentic use of language (Cameron, 2001)

* Putting words into categories helps contextualizing

* Warn about figuring out words from context. We should encourage them saying that we do not need to know too many words.

How to teach?

1. Arouse interest and curiosity

2. Create a need and keep it relevant

3. Set achievable goals

* Are the words suitable for them?

* The amount of time

* The number of words we set

4. Contextualize the vocabulary

5. Get involved in their world

Materials and Techniques

* Songs, games, realia, cartoons, videos, puzzles, books, coursebooks, flashcards are some suitable materials for young learners.

* Riddles, anectodes, storytelling and tongue twisters are also attractive techniques.

What to teach

* Concrete words, not abstract

* Words around the close environment.

* Words that have general meanings, not specific

* Cognates should be taught at beginner level

* The spoken form first

Who are young learners?

* They can understand meaningful messages, but cannot analyze the language as a system yet (Arikan & Taraf, 2010).

* They are good observers and they make use of such contextual clues like body movements, intonation,mimes and gestures, actions and messages (Brewster, 2002)

* They are usually kinaesthetic learners and they have lots of energy.

* Enjoy fantasy and imagination (Pinter, 2006)

* Young learners have a short attention span.

* They are more enthusiastic and self confident especially about speaking (Cameron,2001)

* They tend to learn implicitly (Cameron,2001)

Teaching Vocabulary

to

Young Learners

Why Teach Vocabulary?

* Words are basic units of language

* Vocabulary is related to overall language ability

* A sufficient vocabulary knowledge gives students self confidence about language learning.

1. Why Teach Vocabulary?

2. Who are young learners?

3. What to teach?

4. How to teach?